London clubs

Charlton fan Charlie Connelley brought out a book called London Fields about football in London.  A lot of it was about non-league clubs and even the Sunday games on Hackney marshes, but he did find time to discuss a then projected move of Charlton to the Millennium dome.

I can't find my copy of the book, but it may still be in store after my house move in November.  Boxes of books are located behind the furniture going to my granddaughter's new home in Swansea.

Alternatively, it may be in Spain. My middle daughter was a friend of Charlie's at uni and if I take one of his books to her Spanish farm, it is usually appropriated.

Charlie lived in Deal for many years, but then relocated to Scotland where he is said to be 'missing Charlton Athletic terribly.'   His account on X has been dormant since 2024 and there have been no new books so I hope he is ok.

Anyway the real point here is what does one think of other London clubs.    I rather like Brentford as they have pulled themselves up by their boot straps.   A good friend of mine has lived in the same house in Acton all his life and has always been a supporter (thankfully not QPR).

If the 'Woolwich Rejects' had not moved north of the river there might not be a Charlton.  My stepdaughter is a fan and her husband has a season ticket.

And what about West Ham?  My father was born in North Woolwich and played his non-league football on that side of the river.  He was actually at the famous first cup final at Wembley.

An often forgotten phase in Charlton history is when we played there while waiting for The Valley to be finished.  We were much better treated there than at Selhurst Park.

Moreover, West Ham dislike Millwall (and are anticipating the 'Dockers' Derby).

That doesn't, of course, mean that we don't want to beat them tomorrow.