In the latest issue of Voice of the Valley editor Rick Everitt recalls his first visit to The Valley on December 13th 1969 to watch Charlton defeat Norwich City in front of a crowd of 8,069.
It was not the best time to start supporting Charlton. 'It happened that my first five years following Charlton were dismal ones, in which Eddie Firmani briefly, and then Theo Foley oversaw sides which fought off relegation from the Second Division, then succumbed and spent two more years showing little sign of getting back … I would soon learn that most Charlton triumphs involved the team extricating themselves from crises of their own creation.'
Everitt's experience at primary school in Welling seems to be somewhat different from mine a few miles away in Plumstead Common, admittedly fifteen years earlier. The only Charlton fan the Rickster knew at school was a teacher. As I recall, Charlton fans were thick on the ground at St. Margaret's, not least Tom Morris, later to be the club's official photographer.
I also do not recall the game being 'more marginal to everyday life.' Late every Sunday morning Charlton fans would call in at my uncle's newsagents in Lakedale Road to buy their smokes and Sunday papers and discuss Saturday's game.
Nevertheless, an excellent read. You can buy VOTV online to be sent by post for you to enjoy in the comfort and privacy of your own home: Place your order.
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