Matty & Herman looked like they could still be playing and watching Deano between the posts was a pleasure beyond my imagination - still our best ever keeper in my 50 years or so (although Charlie Wright still holds a big place in my heart).
Peter Garland was awesome and even Paul Walsh showed that old 'drop the shoulder and accelerate forwards' move he was famous for on a few occasions but think he tweaked a quad or a hamstring just after coming on.
Great to see Super Clive do his old celebration after scoring the winning penalty and most touching moment of the day when the Upbeats rushed the players at the end for hugs all round.
Fantastic day and one of many memorable Valley experiences to add to the list.
Probably enjoyed that more than anything have seen at the Valley for quite a few years . Players who actually cared about playing for the club . Well done to whoever organised it , deserved a bigger audience .
Was surprised to se Johnnie Jackson play for as long as he did. Was thinking he would probably get just a couple of minutes at the end.
Also, anyone know what happened to Paul Konchesky? Was listed to appear but didn't see him at all.
I thought that JJ's legs had gone. I too didn't expect him to keep up with the likes of Morts, Basey and Gritt.
Great day out for me today. Personal highlight was when my genuinely interested 10 year old daughter, enquiring as to why certain players were legends, asked about J Fortune. I told her about the 82nd minute and that was all that was needed. 'Oh ok, he's a legend then'. My work is (almost) complete.
The only Charlton legend missing was Michael Gray!
Chris Powell fulfilled the left back rubbish at penalties role very well.
There was more to SCP's penalty miss than a simple 'hoof over the bar'. The build up with Lisbie wanting it but the crowd screaming for 'Powell' created hype. When the final decision was made that SCP would actually take it, in true SCP showman style he blazed it over. Perfection.
Smashing occasion, great to see so many of my favourites from yesteryear playing. Good game too. Super Clive saying he hadn't kicked a ball for seven years brought a tear to many an eye I suspect.
Sadly I only made it at half time but great time had by the 4 of us including my 2 yr old who had her first Charlton experience and my 4 yr old who learnt two new songs - Big Fat Peter Garland and Stevie Gritt/Got no hair...
Big shout to Illic who went out of his way to sign my boys programme after the game and to Super Clive who we have a fab photo of holding my daughter whilst she picks her nose!
My fav Charlton moment for a number of years.
I even managed to get a great shot of Powells last ever goal at The Valley, from a penalty.... Well it is a nice shot of Powell kicking a conversion anyway!
Proud moment seeing my lifelong supporter Dad lead the Dave Berry XI out and he's got some great photos, autographs and mementos from the day. Proud to see Dad's company logo on the shirts - a lovely touch from Jason at CACT - and a really entertaining match. Followed up by meeting Robbo, The Leaburns, Dave Berry and Sasa for a chat.
Really awesome day and a day of a lifetime for me and my fellow Charlton fans.
Beautiful club, beautiful day.
Massive thanks to CACT and Keith Peacock for the day. Not seen so many smiles at the valley in ages
Brilliant afternoon. Lovely to be back at The Valley and a reminder of everything that is great about Charlton.
Kevin James played in the second half at The Valley (and scored), then went to Champion Hill and played the second half of Dulwich Hamlet's charity match against a Sierra Leone XI.
Wonderful day. Such a blast from the past. Huge credit to KP and all past players who turned up.
SuperClive apparently arrived just in time - after night shift and a delayed train - for the half time shootout. He then had to leave swiftly as he is on shift tomorrow morning at the Nissan factory. #footballers #changedtimes
Hard to think he played less than 100 games for us, seemed so many more.
Just heard that on Charltonlive, back to the car factory where he was before being a footballer, he was quite a big gambler I believe, would never have earned enough to retire I guess but still surprising to hear, in the premier he must have been on 5k a week surely?
According to Mark Kinsella on a recent podcast interview, when we got to the premier league, he was on £700 or so per week initially. Can't see anyone else in the squad at the time being on that much more at the time.
Gutted that I missed this, but I already had a holiday booked. Watched the penalties on Periscope and can't help having a great big smile whilst looking at the photos here and the comments from everyone who did make it.
I hope it isn't a one-off...I know a lot of the lads travelled a great distance for this and they have work commitments, but I would love the chance to cheer them on again and visit The Valley with a smile on my face and my dads!
Congratulations to the organisers and everyone who made it to the game. You lucky sods!!!
really enjoyable afternoon. seeing peter garland boss the midfield was a real highlight and his celebration after scoring a penalty.
great to see Powell back at where he belongs.
loved it when curbs put a pass on to lisbie who didn't read it. the scowl from his ex manager was brilliant.
nelson had a chance for a shot but wouldn't dare try his other foot. Herman looks like he still could do a job as could Holland. Bowyer was good an all but hogs the ball a bit too much.
only downside was the interviews done during the match, couldn't hear them.
like others have said it was a match where you spent most of it smiling. well done to all involved.
it was great that a few including grant, sasa (who I guess lives over in Serbia?) and hermen made the trip over. you could tell they all enjoyed it. another highlight was speaking to super clive. real nice bloke.
An excellent afternoon yesterday watching the old boys back on the Valley pitch. Some still the same weight, a few a bit more weighty than they once were.
Well done to the trust. Shame the time of it was going to be off putting for a few few and the gate of 2,800 was sadly reflected in that.
Comments
Peter Garland was awesome and even Paul Walsh showed that old 'drop the shoulder and accelerate forwards' move he was famous for on a few occasions but think he tweaked a quad or a hamstring just after coming on.
Great to see Super Clive do his old celebration after scoring the winning penalty and most touching moment of the day when the Upbeats rushed the players at the end for hugs all round.
Fantastic day and one of many memorable Valley experiences to add to the list.
Brilliant to be there !!
What an effort from SCM to make it. Anyone buying a Nissan should insist on having it autographed !!
And hats off to Kim Grant - blimey, travelled from Bangladesh especially for the occasion.
BFPG - a Legend indeed. Just a shame Alex Rae wasn't there !!
Every single player there today was a hero and part of the great CAFC saga.
Also, anyone know what happened to Paul Konchesky? Was listed to appear but didn't see him at all.
Great day out for me today. Personal highlight was when my genuinely interested 10 year old daughter, enquiring as to why certain players were legends, asked about J Fortune. I told her about the 82nd minute and that was all that was needed. 'Oh ok, he's a legend then'. My work is (almost) complete.
Big shout to Illic who went out of his way to sign my boys programme after the game and to Super Clive who we have a fab photo of holding my daughter whilst she picks her nose!
My fav Charlton moment for a number of years.
I even managed to get a great shot of Powells last ever goal at The Valley, from a penalty.... Well it is a nice shot of Powell kicking a conversion anyway!
Edited
Great day surrounded by friends and family
Proud moment seeing my lifelong supporter Dad lead the Dave Berry XI out and he's got some great photos, autographs and mementos from the day.
Proud to see Dad's company logo on the shirts - a lovely touch from Jason at CACT - and a really entertaining match. Followed up by meeting Robbo, The Leaburns, Dave Berry and Sasa for a chat.
Really awesome day and a day of a lifetime for me and my fellow Charlton fans.
Beautiful club, beautiful day.
Massive thanks to CACT and Keith Peacock for the day. Not seen so many smiles at the valley in ages
Kevin Lisbie took it very seriously, but then he's barely retired if at all!
Kevin James played in the second half at The Valley (and scored), then went to Champion Hill and played the second half of Dulwich Hamlet's charity match against a Sierra Leone XI.
Can't see anyone else in the squad at the time being on that much more at the time.
I hope it isn't a one-off...I know a lot of the lads travelled a great distance for this and they have work commitments, but I would love the chance to cheer them on again and visit The Valley with a smile on my face and my dads!
Congratulations to the organisers and everyone who made it to the game. You lucky sods!!!
great to see Powell back at where he belongs.
loved it when curbs put a pass on to lisbie who didn't read it. the scowl from his ex manager was brilliant.
nelson had a chance for a shot but wouldn't dare try his other foot. Herman looks like he still could do a job as could Holland. Bowyer was good an all but hogs the ball a bit too much.
only downside was the interviews done during the match, couldn't hear them.
like others have said it was a match where you spent most of it smiling. well done to all involved.
it was great that a few including grant, sasa (who I guess lives over in Serbia?) and hermen made the trip over. you could tell they all enjoyed it. another highlight was speaking to super clive. real nice bloke.
Well done to the trust. Shame the time of it was going to be off putting for a few few and the gate of 2,800 was sadly reflected in that.