Those were the days

I was sorting through some old programmes recently and I came across the Addicks Premiership Diary report of our match against Blackburn Rovers in February 2004. This was some game, attended by basketball fans from Pittsburgh.

'A professional magician was part of the pre-match hospitality package on February 21st, but early leavers from Charlton's game against Blackburn missed the magic. Some had already left before Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel audaciously equalised for the visiting northerners, but in the last gasp of the game Claus Jensen made it 3-2 for the Addicks.'

'Charlton looked as if they had been coasting towards victory after two goals in the first half from Carlton Cole and Jason Euell put them 2-0 ahead, but an error by Kishishev let them back in the game. The substitution of Carlton Cole by match winner Kishishev was highly controversial and had the Bloke Behind Me screaming, "Why did you sign the contract Curbishley?"'

In those days we still had dog reporters and 'It was an exciting Valley debut for novice match analyst Monty Martin. The excitable spaniel was over the moon when he discovered the role would form part of his weekend as a house guest. He selected Paolo di Canio as the first recipient of the coveted Silver Bone from him. Monty commented, "I have heard dogs in Didcot discussing di Canio. But I was not prepared for his magic skills, his commitment and his enthusiasm. His feints and his flicks, especially one back flick, had me entranced."'

The Hiss of the Match went to Blackburn manager Graham Souness. Having thrown his chewing gum wrapper on the ground, he was challenged by an Addick to pick it up, but replied, 'This place is a carsey.'

After Jensen's clever lob secured the three points, the Addickted went berserk. Di Canio jumped on to a police officer and embraced him. Little did he know that moments afterwards an excitable spaniel would be jumping over him with a silver bone in his mouth.

Not long afterwards, I had to go into hospital for an unexpected operation. Curbs sent me a signed get well card with a picture of both us on the front. Some friends had organised it, but it was still a nice gesture and reflective of the spirit of the club in those days.

Going back even further in time, Jimmy Seed gives a tactics talk with his magic magnetic board: Jimmy Seed