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Going to games alone
follett
Posts: 1,075
I grew up in the Midlands and resultantly, grew up as the only Charlton fan in the area. I moved down to London for university and have had a season ticket since. I can sometimes drag non Charlton supporting friends to games but would say 75% of games I go to on my own. I don’t really mind going to games alone but I wouldn’t mind going to the pub pre and post games and having people to talk Charlton with in general.
Is anyone else in a similar position and looking to make Charlton supporting friends? I’d be happy to try and set up some kind of WhatsApp group and ultimately a meet up at games if there’s interest.
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Comments
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If you just go to the rose or the river I'm sure you would get talking to someone before long. Probably the best way in the long run, more likely to bump into the same people each time.
If I ever decide to go to a game on my own (since #1 son went to uni I only go when he's back home) maybe I'll pop a post back in here. I'm a cynical 50-odd year old fart though so if you expect any heavy drinking sessions maybe look elsewhere 😆6 -
At least post a picture first! 🤣28
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I find I’m going more on my own now as I only fly over occasionally & it doesn’t always work out for others.
But as I’ve been going so long & bumped into so many I always make a point of seeking out a few to chat to.It’s never bothered me tbh.2 -
Go in the Oak mate, plenty of people to get chatting to on match day in there3
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How big are your tits (asking for a friend)follett said:I grew up in the Midlands and resultantly, grew up as the only Charlton fan in the area. I moved down to London for university and have had a season ticket since. I can sometimes drag non Charlton supporting friends to games but would say 75% of games I go to on my own. I don’t really mind going to games alone but I wouldn’t mind going to the pub pre and post games and having people to talk Charlton with in general.
Is anyone else in a similar position and looking to make Charlton supporting friends? I’d be happy to try and set up some kind of WhatsApp group and ultimately a meet up at games if there’s interest.
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If I were to buy a season ticket and then ask a friend or family member to join me from time to time, how would I be able to sit next to that person? Might I not have a situation where the seats other side of me are taken by other season ticket holders so that I can't sit with my guest?0
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I do mid-week away mostly on my own. Not a problem. See the same faces and nod and a quick chat.
Perfectly fine.3 -
So up until this season that’s never been a problem as there’s always been a sea of empty seats to pick from, so even if someone has a ST next to you then you can just go sit elsewhere with your guest. This season it has been a bit trickier but if you book a few weeks in advance can still usually get a seat close enoughcaptainbob said:If I were to buy a season ticket and then ask a friend or family member to join me from time to time, how would I be able to sit next to that person? Might I not have a situation where the seats other side of me are taken by other season ticket holders so that I can't sit with my guest?3 -
Tricky one this really. You can never know what you're getting in to if you commit in advance. I've casually spoken to people who are quick to tell me how useless TC or Leaburn is despite having stand out games on those occasions. Others quick to tell me how rough Eltham or Bexleyheath have become. Or they're happy with the food and beer prices and/ or refer to Millwall as 'Wall'. Maybe it's me but on those occasions I've not come back for the second half. Much better to mingle freely if possible, especially at away games.
As for bringing a guest along to the Valley, empty seats are everywhere, even if blocks are shown as sold out online. That could be worth a separate thread. It's clear more and more people don't have friends that they are able or willing to pass unused tickets too. Maybe they are all becoming more lonely, either deliberately or without even realising it!1 -
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I would suggest you'll be fine for every game this season as there will be several thousand spare seats, across all stands, where you could move to and sit (or stand) together.captainbob said:If I were to buy a season ticket and then ask a friend or family member to join me from time to time, how would I be able to sit next to that person? Might I not have a situation where the seats other side of me are taken by other season ticket holders so that I can't sit with my guest?2 -
It’s our génération (and older) who do all the drinking though.ArmchairAddick said:If you just go to the rose or the river I'm sure you would get talking to someone before long. Probably the best way in the long run, more likely to bump into the same people each time.
If I ever decide to go to a game on my own (since #1 son went to uni I only go when he's back home) maybe I'll pop a post back in here. I'm a cynical 50-odd year old fart though so if you expect any heavy drinking sessions maybe look elsewhere 😆
https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/drinking-trends-in-the-uk
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/apr/28/i-know-my-limit-how-gen-z-became-britains-sober-curious-generation
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This is true but Follett specifically mentioned going to the pub. I don't mind a coffee at the Costa myself these days.jimmymelrose said:
It’s our génération (and older) who do all the drinking though.ArmchairAddick said:If you just go to the rose or the river I'm sure you would get talking to someone before long. Probably the best way in the long run, more likely to bump into the same people each time.
If I ever decide to go to a game on my own (since #1 son went to uni I only go when he's back home) maybe I'll pop a post back in here. I'm a cynical 50-odd year old fart though so if you expect any heavy drinking sessions maybe look elsewhere 😆
https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/drinking-trends-in-the-uk
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/apr/28/i-know-my-limit-how-gen-z-became-britains-sober-curious-generation1 -
Back in the day we used to do drink ups starting from the NetAddicks days. The first few were at the Maple Leaf. I plucked up some courage and went along on my own... even though I did go to the games with 3 mates i still wanted to meet other Charlton fans as i had been living abroad. Anyway I made a shed load of Charlton mates going to those.. most of who I still cant shake off. And who I ended up socialising with at games after that.
We did a few in Borough market a few years ago. May be one to plan for the new year if there is any interest? Though im an old lady now so it needs some of you youngsters to do it.5 -
Don't get me wrong, I'll have a pint before the game, and usually one after while I wait for the trains not to be a nightmare. That's pretty much my limit these days though!swords_alive said:
This is true but Follett specifically mentioned going to the pub. I don't mind a coffee at the Costa myself these days.jimmymelrose said:
It’s our génération (and older) who do all the drinking though....
so if you expect any heavy drinking sessions maybe look elsewhere 😆
...1 -
Agree with the comment above that, if you start a conversation, you don't know who you're going to get.
A few years ago, went on my own, queuing for a ticket, a cafc fan shouts that he's got a free ticket. I thought 'ok, i'm game' and took him up on the offer. Turned out my ticket was as his carer so i had to stick with him. He insisted I bought him a programme and a couple of pints and in our chat he told me he'd had 10 pints already in Woolwich and his disability was caused by him getting previously run over when he was pissed. Once inside the ground no one could escape from his loud hugely racist, homophobic abuse with people, including Stewards, staring at me as if to say 'you're his carer mate, sort it out!' All I could do was sit there with a pathetic embarrassed grin on my face.
Ironically, despite his awful behaviour I didn't, as his 'carer', leave him as I thought it would seem rude!49 -
I attended a Maple Leaf one. Ahhh Netaddicks.Curb_It said:Back in the day we used to do drink ups starting from the NetAddicks days. The first few were at the Maple Leaf. I plucked up some courage and went along on my own... even though I did go to the games with 3 mates i still wanted to meet other Charlton fans as i had been living abroad. Anyway I made a shed load of Charlton mates going to those.. most of who I still cant shake off. And who I ended up socialising with at games after that.
We did a few in Borough market a few years ago. May be one to plan for the new year if there is any interest? Though im an old lady now so it needs some of you youngsters to do it.
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Yes you did and we did some down near Cannon Street i think? They were quite regular in the end.1
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Think you might need to clear it with NJ if you are planning on going to Costa, particularly if it’s the Bluewater branch.swords_alive said:
This is true but Follett specifically mentioned going to the pub. I don't mind a coffee at the Costa myself these days.jimmymelrose said:
It’s our génération (and older) who do all the drinking though.ArmchairAddick said:If you just go to the rose or the river I'm sure you would get talking to someone before long. Probably the best way in the long run, more likely to bump into the same people each time.
If I ever decide to go to a game on my own (since #1 son went to uni I only go when he's back home) maybe I'll pop a post back in here. I'm a cynical 50-odd year old fart though so if you expect any heavy drinking sessions maybe look elsewhere 😆
https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/drinking-trends-in-the-uk
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/apr/28/i-know-my-limit-how-gen-z-became-britains-sober-curious-generation2 -
I have a single season ticket in the Covered End lower, but if I bring visitors I look at the AC stand for two or more seats together that are free. Then I call the ticket office and they will swap my season ticket seat, charge me the difference and then book me the adjacent seats.captainbob said:If I were to buy a season ticket and then ask a friend or family member to join me from time to time, how would I be able to sit next to that person? Might I not have a situation where the seats other side of me are taken by other season ticket holders so that I can't sit with my guest?6 -
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Shouldn’t laugh but this is quality 🤣charente addick said:Agree with the comment above that, if you start a conversation, you don't know who you're going to get.
A few years ago, went on my own, queuing for a ticket, a cafc fan shouts that he's got a free ticket. I thought 'ok, i'm game' and took him up on the offer. Turned out my ticket was as his carer so i had to stick with him. He insisted I bought him a programme and a couple of pints and in our chat he told me he'd had 10 pints already in Woolwich and his disability was caused by him getting previously run over when he was pissed. Once inside the ground no one could escape from his loud hugely racist, homophobic abuse with people, including Stewards, staring at me as if to say 'you're his carer mate, sort it out!' All I could do was sit there with a pathetic embarrassed grin on my face.
Ironically, despite his awful behaviour I didn't, as his 'carer', leave him as I thought it would seem rude!5 -
No problem, it was funny looking back, almost a sitcom plot line. Will never forget it - 2009 Ist game of season, Wycombe, won 3-2.ValleyGary said:
Shouldn’t laugh but this is quality 🤣charente addick said:Agree with the comment above that, if you start a conversation, you don't know who you're going to get.
A few years ago, went on my own, queuing for a ticket, a cafc fan shouts that he's got a free ticket. I thought 'ok, i'm game' and took him up on the offer. Turned out my ticket was as his carer so i had to stick with him. He insisted I bought him a programme and a couple of pints and in our chat he told me he'd had 10 pints already in Woolwich and his disability was caused by him getting previously run over when he was pissed. Once inside the ground no one could escape from his loud hugely racist, homophobic abuse with people, including Stewards, staring at me as if to say 'you're his carer mate, sort it out!' All I could do was sit there with a pathetic embarrassed grin on my face.
Ironically, despite his awful behaviour I didn't, as his 'carer', leave him as I thought it would seem rude!3 -
I just go on my own these days. I've never had Charlton supporting mates.
As I don't drink anymore the pub doesn't have the appeal it once did, though I guess if they all sold zero alcohol beer then I might but then again I wouldn't want to keep getting up and going for a piss all match.3 -
Greenhithe said:
I attended a Maple Leaf one. Ahhh Netaddicks.Curb_It said:Back in the day we used to do drink ups starting from the NetAddicks days. The first few were at the Maple Leaf. I plucked up some courage and went along on my own... even though I did go to the games with 3 mates i still wanted to meet other Charlton fans as i had been living abroad. Anyway I made a shed load of Charlton mates going to those.. most of who I still cant shake off. And who I ended up socialising with at games after that.
We did a few in Borough market a few years ago. May be one to plan for the new year if there is any interest? Though im an old lady now so it needs some of you youngsters to do it.
Me too……that was my first one as well.Greenhithe said:
I attended a Maple Leaf one. Ahhh Netaddicks.Curb_It said:Back in the day we used to do drink ups starting from the NetAddicks days. The first few were at the Maple Leaf. I plucked up some courage and went along on my own... even though I did go to the games with 3 mates i still wanted to meet other Charlton fans as i had been living abroad. Anyway I made a shed load of Charlton mates going to those.. most of who I still cant shake off. And who I ended up socialising with at games after that.
We did a few in Borough market a few years ago. May be one to plan for the new year if there is any interest? Though im an old lady now so it needs some of you youngsters to do it.0 -
I’ve only ever been to football on my own once. Man Utd away recently. I loved it. Even had a packed lunch in a bag on the coach. Went full geek for the day. Just fancied it. Of course when you get in the ground if you e been going years you soon end up talking to people you’ve known for ages.Not sure I’d do it again though.0
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I remember when you attended the Maple Leaf one.SoundAsa£ said:0 -
We're slightly off the original topic but I love going on my own. I don't even know that many people to bump into, occasionally I'll see someone I went to school with but beyond that it's just me and I like that. For me Charlton is about a bit of an escape from life and so not being around people I'm with regularly helps with that.
Maybe I'm just a miserable sod though!15 -
90% of the time I am on my own - only one of my friends to have a season ticket for the last 3 years.
Very occasionally I will have a family member or friend come with me and I have to move my ticket as they can never sit next to me - feel free to message me mate, I tend to have a beer either in the Oak or the fans bar before the game.
I will say though over the last 3 year I have made friends with everyone around my seat, it takes time but people eventually warm up and get chatty.3
