He was the epitome of a Curbs player. Amazing, unselfish attitude and his work ethic was first class. Unless my mind's playing tricks on me, his home debut was one of the most memorable he could have hoped for.
I adored Shaun Bartlett. The first time I got a name on the back of my shirt as a kid it was his. A player whose strongest foot was his head. Never had tonnes of goals in him but his all round play and helping us hold the ball up the pitch meant we could always bring other players into the game around him and the goals ended up distributed around the team through his workrate. Glad he loves us because I love him
I adored Shaun Bartlett. The first time I got a name on the back of my shirt as a kid it was his. A player whose strongest foot was his head. Never had tonnes of goals in him but his all round play and helping us hold the ball up the pitch meant we could always bring other players into the game around him and the goals ended up distributed around the team through his workrate. Glad he loves us because I love him
I always said I would never have a player's name on the back of my shirt unless it was the same as mine. So I was delighted when he signed, and I happened to be 37 at the time (his squad number) so it was obviously meant to be. When I went to the club shop and asked for the name on the back, the assistant said "You do know he's only on loan don't you?". Then I showed him my credit card and got an approving nod.
So under rated by so many Charlton suporters. Yet his manager knew his value and picked him every time.
He'd run through brickwalls for the team - fitness, attitude and application spot on. Remember the time Curbs decided to change shape and play 4-5-1 and Bartlett had to plough a lone furrow up front?
Strong running and strong in the air; movement, positioning, timing ..... it was all there. And with decent ability on the ball. We all remember some superbly taken goals of his. But what a team player - every manager's dream.
I always said I would never have a player's name on the back of my shirt unless it was the same as mine. So I was delighted when he signed, and I happened to be 37 at the time (his squad number) so it was obviously meant to be. When I went to the club shop and asked for the name on the back, the assistant said "You do know he's only on loan don't you?". Then I showed him my credit card and got an approving nod.
Very humble guy. I think along with Yann the best at timing a jump for a header.
And along with someone probably before your time, a gentleman by the name of Matt Tees. And balls were a lot heavier in those days!
Deon Burton is another one. Under 6’ but won a lot of flick-ons due to his ability to judge the flight of a ball and time his jump.
Bartlett was probably the best defensive forward we’ve ever had. We very rarely conceded from corners in those days because Bartlett would just head everything away.
I’m sure he would have scored more if we were a more expressive team that played with genuine wingers and put in lots of crosses, rather than Curbs’ preference for a slightly narrower midfield.
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A player I adored also.
He'd run through brickwalls for the team - fitness, attitude and application spot on.
Remember the time Curbs decided to change shape and play 4-5-1 and Bartlett had to plough a lone furrow up front?
Strong running and strong in the air; movement, positioning, timing ..... it was all there. And with decent ability on the ball.
We all remember some superbly taken goals of his. But what a team player - every manager's dream.
I’m sure he would have scored more if we were a more expressive team that played with genuine wingers and put in lots of crosses, rather than Curbs’ preference for a slightly narrower midfield.