Club Statement - Fan Sadly Passed- Headphones Norm Barker RIP
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Lovely words from both Kayne and Ashley, plus a piece from BBC London News
https://x.com/CAFCofficial/status/1998127945248804866
https://x.com/HarryLow49/status/199810690993800003011 -
I met Norm couple of years ago and have seen him around most weeks. He had no idea how many hearts he has touched he was an incredible person and a loyal supporter.I am still upset over Saturday, I was there but had no idea it was Norm. He will be missed greatly and I’m so glad I had the privilege of talking to him.Rest in peace Norm.❤️❤️8
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RIP Norm0
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Like most it seems that although I never knew him we all “knew” Norm. He was that ever present through the good times and bad times! I’m sure he would be astounded by the reaction on social media from football fans from all parts of the world.9
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Yes…wow really is beautiful tribute piece to Norm …❤️🤍ForeverAddickted said:Lovely words from both Kayne and Ashley, plus a piece from BBC London News
https://x.com/CAFCofficial/status/1998127945248804866
https://x.com/HarryLow49/status/19981069099380000300 -
CAST are now in contact with the Pompey fundraiser. They have asked us to pass on their love and support. They will liaise with us over how the funds are used.33
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Proper Charlton wasn't he, every regular going supporter knew of Norm. RIP8
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A true Charlton legend.
Rest in peace Norm.3 -
Don't usually write on RIP threads but was genuinely upset by this when I heard in the pub after the game.
Started going to games occasionally in the '80's, then more so in the '90's. Always just someone I saw, then got to speak to in passing over the years at games or on trains. Just a lovely laid back guy.4 -
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Excellent piece on BBC London News about Head phone Norm
Headphones Norm remembered by Charlton familyAddicks supporter Headphones Norm, who died in the game against Portsmouth on Saturday, is remembered by fans, as the BBC's Harry Low reports.
Link to You Tube of the 2mins 34secs piece on BBC News
https://share.google/uSlwx4BAqnKd1QGnv
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Lovely words from John there.4
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That’s great.0
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Well said Jewish.1
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The BBC London piece had me in tears last night. Don't go to a lot of away games, but every time I did I always saw Norm and he will be sorely missed by all
Surely tonight it's a minute's applause whilst the Covered End sing 'There's only one Norman Barker'9 -
https://www.charltonafc.com/news/information-norman-barker-tribute
Tonight, we will remember Norman Barker at The Valley.
Affectionately known as 'Headphones Norm', Norman sadly passed away on Saturday following the Addicks' abandoned match against Portsmouth.
There has been an outpouring of love from across the footballing world, and the Charlton family will come together this evening to pay tribute to the iconic supporter at tonight’s game against Middlesbrough.
Supporters wishing to lay flowers in tribute to Headphones Norm may do so outside the stadium, behind the Covered End. Those planning to do this are advised to arrive early.
Members of Norman’s family will be in attendance and will be pitchside ahead of kick-off for a period of applause in celebration of his life.
The club will work with Norman’s family and supporters on a permanent form of recognition.
A book of condolences will be available in the club reception from the start of next week.
If you were in attendance at The Valley on Saturday and were affected by the events, you can contact the Mind support line on 0300 102 1234 (Monday – Friday, 9am-6pm).
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But even the non-regular going supporters knew of Norm too. I remember him standing near us at the back of E block in the covered end 20 years or so ago when I went occasionally with @AFKABartram.IR94 said:Proper Charlton wasn't he, every regular going supporter knew of Norm. RIP
The BBC done a lovely piece on him on the London news last night. Norm reminds me so much of one of my friends from University.
The outpouring of love and respect for Norm has been quite something. He was clearly a great guy and was Charlton to the core and will be a huge loss to the Charlton family. And thats exactly what it is, a family, which stands your club apart from many others as a very special club.
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Reading my i newspaper this morning and they have a small article about Norm. It’s amazing the deserved coverage his sad death has been given.7
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He spent his final moments at The Valley, a place that meant the world to him. He’ll forever be at home. Rest easy.
Fair play to the media — they’ve handled this with real sensitivity.19 -
amazing that his family will be pitchside before the game tonight, will be a hugely emotional minutes applause25
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Incredibly brave of themElthamaddick said:amazing that his family will be pitchside before the game tonight, will be a hugely emotional minutes applause23 -
I have to say the media coverage has been excellent. So nice that his dedicated support and love for the club has been celebrated.Dazzler21 said:He spent his final moments at The Valley, a place that meant the world to him. He’ll forever be at home. Rest easy.
Fair play to the media — they’ve handled this with real sensitivity.
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That’s great from the club. Class.6
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Beautiful from the club, I'm glad Norms family will get to see how loved he was and how missed he will be.LLLBH6
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Saturday was my first game back at The Valley since March 2020, the last game before the first COVID lockdown. A really sad day. I didn’t know Norm, but it is evident from reading all the comments from those who did, together with watching the video clips of him, that he was a really nice gent.
I had to do a double-take when I saw this Christmas tree decoration in a shop this morning.
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It's not much, but all of the profit/revenue I make from tonight's vlog, I will be donating towards Norm's funeral and the British Heart Foundation.
I will also make sure I capture how we honour him, I normally don't, but as he's so deeply connected to Charlton it feels appropriate.
If there is anyone who has stories they'd like to share about Norm, please feel free to message me so I can include it in the video or if you're happy to share it yourself and feature37 -
Proper supporter of a proper football club. R.I.P. now. Reminds me of "Helen the Bell" who was a constant and colourful figure at the old Maine Road (Manchester City for you younger folk) for many years, she always rang this big bell about five minutes into every match. Not sure if your Norman goes back quite that far but their paths might just have crossed, if so they were two of a kind. Or maybe he was at the last City v. Charlton game I saw myself around New Year's Eve 2000, if so he'd have celebrated a 4-1 win and he might have noticed the Norwegian in City's team that day, Alf-Inge Haaland, whose little lad had just been born. Long time ago. Anyway what touched me most in the tributes left here is what people say about his reaction to a train being canceled or a bus being late, a shrug and a smile, a gentle way of seeing the world we could all be better for.
P.S. although I grew up in Lancashire Charlton got my attention early on from the "Big Book of Football Champions" annual I got every Christmas as a kid, with a story about the famous match at the Valley (v. Huddersfield?) that Charlton won 7-6 after trailing 5-1 with not much time left.42 -
Can’t make the game tonight but will be driving a Networker through Charlton station at various times. Thoughts and prayers will be with Norm and family.I remember him well from the Covered End in the 90s. Proper Charlton.
RIP ❤️🎧7















