I have now realised that I do recognise Headphones Norman as I used to be a regular at away matches. I am very supportive of the idea of a commemorative mosaic and also the round of applause tomorrow with many fans wearing headphones.
I could sense that my old friend club announcer Big Dave Lockwood was very stressed yesterday and he has written movingly about his feelings: https://substack.com/inbox/post/180967327?r=42s4mv&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true
Published fiction author Paul Breen has also written much more eloquently than I could about Norman: https://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2025-26-blogs/7-12-beyond-the-norm-a-fan-forever-in-our-thoughts/
It is at times like these that we realise that there is a Charlton family. With my father I have now clocked up over a century supporting the Addicka,
Richard Cawley has commented: 'There has been an outpouring of love for iconic supporter Norman Barker after his shock passing during Saturday's match against Portsmouth. Affectionately known as Headphones Norm. Club are set to reveal their plans to honour him before tomorrow night's match against Middlesbrough.'
I have always respected Pompey fans, but the behaviour of a minority of them yesterday in terms of chanting and damaging the Jimmy Seed stand was disgraceful.
I won't be posting normal football coverage for the next few days.
