I live in the midlands where I moved over 25 years ago from Plumstead to further my career.
I was a Valley regular from the mid 70’s onwards up to the exile years, during which I continued to follow them home and away. Ironically, I lived much closer to the Valley during the time spent at Selhurst Park, and had to drive away from home as it were to get to that foreign field, which I’m sure is something a few here can relate to. Still, at least my home address meant I was able to Vote Valley!!!
By the time we got back to the Valley though, the distances of travel involved following my move and family life commitments meant I was no longer a regular. I could not get a ticket for ‘that match’ marking the return home but travelled down anyway and stood on an oil drum looking over a wall in a back garden in Charlton Lane and witnessed Walsh’s winner, despite the restricted view over the East Terrace.
Since then up until the Premiership years I was a sporadic attendee, and in fact the only game I attended the season of the great play off victory against Sunderland was that game itself. I decided I could not miss out thereafter, despite the travel involved, and became a season ticket holder until the season before Curbs last one.
My attendances have been rare since then, and much to my shame, the last match I attended was the promotion campaign celebration against Hartlepool. I was seated with my wife (at heart a Leicester fan, what contrasting seasons we’ve had!) in the Jimmy Seed stand, although not actually in with the Smurfs, who were to our left.
What more can I say. When I left the valley that sunny day, I had a feeling it might be a long time before I was there again. Despite the joyous occasion, I was no longer that passionate about my football but I left feeling I was leaving the Club in safe hands heading back in the right direction!
Oh dear. How wrong I was. The good ship Charlton seems to be holed below the waterline now, veering way off course with captain calamity at the helm supported by his crew of bungling buffoons. That it will sink is a mathematical certainty unless we can persuade the chief culprit and specialist in failure to sell the club. You know of whom I speak!
I have resolved to attend several away matches next season. I have a red Card but it is quite old. Does anyone know if they have limited validity? Please don’t say I have to go through Mandy tickets as I have blood pressure concerns! Given what others have said, I expect tickets for away matches will be in huge demand next season, so I’m looking forward to a good rousing atmosphere at those games.
Thanks to CL, which I only joined in January, for helping to re-ignite my passion for Charlton this season. A couple of season tickets should be in the offing when the Club is in new ownership, especially as we intend to move back down south, preferably to the Brighton area (so amongst friends there!), within the next 3 years!
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Then I carried on going as a neutral.
Then came a few sporadic away games.
Then came the season ticket.
Then came a Chelsea supporting girlfriend who I accidentally converted to Charlton.
Then came more away games.
Then came CL.
Basically married to CAFC now for life. Its funny who they creep up on you and infect you!
EDIT: Welcome I must add
However on the final day after teeing off first on the first 2 days and getting heckled as you do (smashed both drives by the way) I was in the last group to tee off. Great I thought, some respite from the heckling, then along came another society of 16 fellas, ALL Burnley Fans, I got absolutely rinsed for being Charlton, and fcked up 2 drives off the tee.
Wasn't impressed.