Joining the prawn sarnie brigade

Would you believe it! The Old Man has won a prize draw with his credit card company - the one that has a promotional tie up with Charlton. The prize is a couple of VIP tickets for the game against Colchester. It seems MBNA, the credit card company, are sponsoring the game and a number of credit card holders have won VIP packages. At first the Old Man thought it was a wind up as they told him the good news over the phone. He didn't hear anything then for over a week, so checked it out with his mate Henry. But now he has had a confirmation call and recieved the details in writing.

Well, the good news is that the Old Man has negotiated an extra place so that both me and Matt can join him. We weren't sure what to expect until we saw the itinery. The bad news is that we can't wear jeans and trainers. But that inconvenience is offset by the fact there is a free bar!!! We have to arrive at midday for a champagne reception. That's followed by a 'tour of The Valley. I assume this will be confined to the west stand, but we'll have to wait and see. Then we have a 'four course silver service meal served in the Centre Circle Suite'. In my initial excitement I didn't read the last word and thought we'd be eating on the pitch. But no, we get to go on the pitch when four guests make a pitch presentation. The food is definitely served in the restaurant.

The itinery is amusing. It says that refreshments are served at half time and at 3.55pm 'return to your seats'. Yes, 3.55pm! Half time will be my big chance to lambast those that don't get back to their seats for the kick off. I don't really care whether we've finished our prawn sandwiches or not. We need to be there for the start of the second half. None of this strolling back ten minutes into the second half. Every game this season you see empty seats in the west stand at the start of the second half. Well, against Colchester there will be at least three people in their seats at kick off.

And what's the protocol about singing in the VIP area? Will we be allowed to stand up and abuse the away supporters? I guess we'll have to find out.

At the end of the game the VIPs can vote for the man of the match. Let's hope it's Big Chris because he's scored a hat trick against his old club. If we can still stand up, at 5.30pm we make the 'man of the match presentations'. And at 5.45pm we are 'welcome to transfer to the Milenium Suite where a pay bar is in operation'. I think the bar staff in the Centre Circle Suite could be busy at 5.40pm!

It promises to be a different and memorable day on Tuesday. I wonder how many other VIPs will be at the ticket office getting their Watford tickets having been to every game this season?

Up The Addicks!

Robin

Pi Pints and pie

The journey up M1 to Leicester was trouble free and we did it in a couple of hours from Essex. Dean did the driving for this one - thanks Dean!We met the Old Man in a strange bar about ten minutes from the ground. It had Sky Sports News, some comfy armchairs and good service. I think it was meant to be a trendy bar. It was fine for a pre match drink but I do puzzle over the thinking that went into the naming of the bar. It was called pi - the mathematical symbol. And just so you come away suitably educated, the windows had the number 3.14159 written on them. I really can't think how maths and beer go together.

After a pint in pi we went to the ground for a pie - it seemed appropriate.

The game itself was poor. I'm sure the bumpy pitch and the wind didn't help, though it didn't seemed to affect the half naked drummer at the top of the stand with the Leicester boys in it. Leicester even have a fixed platform for the drum. Maybe he sees himself as a rival to Tango at Sheffield Wednesday. I think he's also had a few pies - and not of the mathematical variety!

For a while it looked like big Chris was going to be the latest Addick to see red, but he just about managed to avoid a second yellow card. A draw was probably a fair result but we really need to look at the transfer window as an opportunity to get some invention into our play. There's a real prospect of the deason tailing away unless we do.

Up The Addicks!

Robin

Happy New Year

The Norwich game involved a fair bit of driving for Matt, so he's sitting this one out. Dean's getting behind the wheel to drive up for this one. The Old Man is visiting relatives in Corby so will be travelling from there. The wonders of mobile phones means that we should be able to hook up before the game for a swift beer. Not sure where though.

Getting to this new stadium is as easy as getting to the old Filbert Street. It's virtually on the same site. Parking at the Rugby ground has always been a good option. Once out of the car park, you're on the main road for a quick journey home. The Walkers stadium has all the features of a newly built stadium. No more stewards laying down because the front row seats are below the level of the pitch. No more crammed facilities at the back of the stand. And no more squeezing through cramped turnstiles. And yet despite all that I quite enjoyed going to Filbert Street. It was one of my favourite grounds because we were under cover and the acoustics were good.

The real attraction this time is to see whether we can maintain some good away form and to have a bet as to who's gonna get sent off this game.

Up The Addicks!

Robin.

Seasonal good will to all men

Except those that make two footed tackles it seems. It's now fashionable to be sent off for lunging in with both feet off the ground this Christmas, and Match of the Day showed a number of similar incidents from the Premiership. Clearly Sodje thinks of himself as a Premiership player as he went for that tackle at Carrow Road. It's not the worst tackle I've seen, but if the rule is that you can't tackle with both feet off the ground, then I guess he deserved to go.

We've now had five games where we've had someone sent off which makes us look like a dirty side. But when you look at the incidents, Sam was caught wrestling; Semedo had two bookings yet they were dubious fouls; Fortune swung an arm - after the final whistle for Christ's sake; Mills couldn't keep his mouth shut and Sodje made a fashionable tackle. In my book only Sodje's tackle could be labelled 'dirty'. But that label will stick unless the players become more disciplined.

When you look at the top of the table you can only speculate where we might be if we hadn't had these unecessary suspensions. Certainly at Norwich we were looking the better team until the sending off. In the second half it was just a matter of time before the Canaries equalised and I suppose we should be grateful that we took a point. We can now look forward to our last game of 2007 at Lineker's crisp stadium on Saturday and hope that 2008 brings better fortune - and discipline - than 2007.

Up The Addicks!

Robin

Let's be having you

Poor Norwich supporters. Not only are they saddled with being Canaries, they have Delia Smith running the club. Yet the rejuvenated club have long since sold out their allocation against us on Boxing Day. We're close to selling out which is an achievement when you consider there is no public transport.

Christmas Day celebrations will need to be kept in check as Matt is doing the driving on Boxing Day. He has to get back from his girl's place in Tilbury so we can set off mid morning for Norwich. It's usually a good day out in Norfolk, but somehow it doesn't have the same feel travelling for three hours each way at Christmas.

It'll be a case of fielding the walking wounded for this game, and with Norwich on a bit of a roll, it'll be a tough game. Let's hope our fans are not too hung over and can provide some real support. We'll need it for this one.

Up The Addicks!

Robin

For if you know your history...

...You'll know that 50 years ago Charlton won what the News of the World described as 'the most amazing game in history'.

The late Albert Doyle was Robin's grandad - a man responsible for two more generations of Addicks - and the one game he spoke about more than any other was the famous 7-6 game against Huddersfield.

It was typically Charlton to parade the four surviving members of that team before the Hull game. It must have been great for them to walk the Valley turf once more and remember that game. Life is about memories like that. I hope they enjoyed their day.

In some way - but a very different way - Robin will remember the game against Hull. Mediocre in the extreme with their keeper almost redundant. We clawed our way back only for the departing Danny Mills to do what he does best and get sent off. At the time there was a possibility that we could win the game. But as soon as he went off that changed. He was unbelievably stupid to keep arguing with the ref. We know the refs in this league are sub standard, but there's no need to keep arguing. Danny's had a good half season with us, but unlike the Huddersfield game, our memory of Danny will now be tarnished.

But the day started well. We met up with Toby for a pre-match meal in Legends. The food was good though clearly it was the busiest day of the year in Legends and the club have had to drag in staff from wherever they can to serve the tables. They must have struggled to get any English staff, and you do wonder whether we would be served in any restaurants these days if we didn't have a healthy influx of immigrants. The staff worked hard, and when they get a sense of organisation the service will be good.

But it wasn't a bad day out. Just a shame we didn't get three points.

Up The Addicks!

Happy birthday Toby!

Young Toby from Basildon has reached the ripe old age of 16 today. A lifelong supporter and season ticket holder for the past few years, Toby lives in 'character building' Basildon. Going to school North of the Thames surrounded by West Ham fans always tests your stamina - as other Essex based supporters will know. But although having to go to school with them really is character building, he's stuck with Charlton throughout and hasn't wavered.

So well done Toby and welcome to the tax paying world.

To celebrate his birthday a small group of us will be making an occasion of it with a pre-match meal in Legends. Members of the Essex Branch of the supporters club have had meals there before, so know what to expect. As it's just before Christmas there should be some Christmas fare, but really it's about celebrating Toby's birthday.

So it's an early start on Saturday. Tickets to collect for Norwich and Leicester before the game anyway so we'll need to be there by noon. You tend to get kicked out of Legends 20 minutes before kick off, so we may be there to see the surviving members of the team that beat Huddersfield 7-6 50 years ago. It's a shame that many of those there on the day will have passed on by now, but I'm sure there will be plenty of reminiscing anyway.

As for the game, we won't be at full strength with three regular midfielders out injured. Maybe this will be the true test of how good we are. You'd hope we'd get three points, but when you look at our home record it's anyone's game.

Let's hope it's memorable for Toby. Another 7-6 should do it.

Up The Addicks!

Robin

West Brom 4 Charlton 2

It was all going so well for a while. Me, Matt & Sarah got the 8 o'clock train from Euston, arriving at The Hawthorns in good time to get tickets and sort out a boozer. We decided to try a different pub this year, and it seemed only right that we had a few beers in the Royal Oak before the game. A rough pub, without the luxury of carpet. For some reason the locals preferred to watch some cooking programme that Soccer AM. But the pub was OK and the service good. And unlike the Horse & Groom, it was open.

So we were in good spirits as we approached the game. And the team duly obliged us by taking the lead. It was all going to plan.

But this was West Brom. Now officially a 'bogey' ground for me. West Brom equalised and then took the lead. And though we equalised and made a good game of it, in truth we were beaten by a better side. For the first time this season we came up a team that were better than us. It didn't help that Weaver and the back four didn't gel again. At least three of the goals were scored from within the six yard box, and there has to be questions about our defence. Even our midfield struggled to get the grip they usually get.



This is a long season, and we're not out of the picture yet. We will need to string some results together to push into the top two. On the way home we learned that Watford had lost so we're still only three points off a promotion spot.

On the way home we loitered around the New Street area, reminded that most of our support was out shopping or had watched the game on TV. It was probably a good game to watch, but the three points would have been better. We had the chance to go top and blew it.

Up The Addicks!

Robin

Watching or supporting

As we approach our most important game of the season so far, it seems that most Addicks will settle for watching the game on TV. Those of us who want to support the team, will be at The Hawthorns trying to add the vocal support that you just can't give when you're a hundred miles away watching the game on a screen. Apparently we've sold only 600 of our 3,000 allocation. No doubt those of us at the game will have to endure the jibes about poor support from The Baggies' fans.

But poor away support tended to be the norm back in 1975 when I first visited West Brom. I liked the ground then because the away end was covered - a rarity in those days - and there was ample room. There were only a few hundred Addicks there that day to see Geoff Hurst score for West Brom, before we equalised to make it 1-1.

Since then I've seen a puddle divert the ball into our goal and knock us out of the FA cup and lose several times more. The ground is now very different, but the outcome tends to be the same.

This year I'll be getting my tickets at West Brom on the day, though it looks like there's only a couple of us going up by train from Essex. Not sure if Tony's got enough to take his bus up there, and the Old Man is driving from Corby where he's staying with relatives. We might head for the Moat House just off the A41 for a quick pre-match drink. Apparently it lets away supporters in and is not too far from the ground. But as it's a 12.45 kick off there won't be too much time beforehand. There was a bit of trouble after the game the last time we played here, but if we can avoid that, those that are interested might even be able to get home in time for some late night Christmas shopping. Joy!!!

Up The Addicks!

Robin

That was half good

It was difficult to know whether we were really good in the first half or whether Ipswich were really bad. Given their away form, I think it was the latter. But Ambrose was a revelation in his new position and we were worthy of the 3-0 half time lead.

During half time it was easy to get carried away and sure enough some people did. People were heard to speculate that we could get six. But not me. I feared Ipswich would not be as bad in the second half, and that we needed a quick fourth goal to be really sure of the three points.

And so it proved. Their manager gave his team a rocket up their arse and in the first ten minutes Ipswich could conceivably have been on level terms. On the pitch the fireworks started to happen, and off the pitch it sounded like we were under fire also. Apparently there was a firework display locally and the noise it created made it sound like we were in a war zone.

Ipswich certainly upped their game and it was a bit of a battle. Somehow we survived the second half and held on for a much needed home win. The weather conditions only added to the spectacle. Yet at the end of the game there was no euphoria. The ref had a good game, and kept his cards in his pocket for most of the game. But at the final whistle Fortune was red carded and will miss next week's game with West Brom, along with Mills and Sam.

Before the game we ended up in Bartrams because the Horse and Groom was inexplicably closed yet again. Under new management? Think they need a new manager. McLaren's free.

Up The Addicks!

Robin

Tractor Boys

Following the away win at Cardiff in midweek we go into this game with fresh optimism. Back up to third in the league and one point behind West Brom, there's a great chance to grab three points at home and set up a clash with the Baggies next week. Typically we think that because we're at home we should get a win.

But this week the formbook throws up a a bit of a quandry. We've lost four out of the last five at home, yet Ipswich have lost most of their games away from home. On the basis that both teams can't lose something must give. I wonder whet the betting is on a 0-0 draw?

Because we'll be out and about in the pre Christmas rush early on, we're likely to be over at The Valley quite early. Not sure how I'm getting to West Brom next week yet, but need to get tickets anyway. I'll consult the fund situation, and maybe get the Norwich tickets as well.

The pre-match pint or four is likely to be back in the Horse and Groom, if they can be arsed to open this time. Apparently we're likely to have our biggest crowd of the season, so getting served might be a problem, but we'll have to see.

A win could set us up for a serious challenge for the leadership over Christmas. Another home defeat could be a serious setback. We'll have to see.

Up The Addicks!


Robin

Cardiff 0 Charlton 2

For two seasons in the Premiership we only won one or two away games - and I wasn't there. We're not even half way through this season in the Championship and we've won seven away games already. It's nights like tonight that you think this is definitely the best season to go to every game. The lows of the last two home games are now matched by the highs of the away wins. The cost of tickets and travel and and the time off work are all worth while on nights like tonight.

But one expense remains a curiosity. Why do we get charged £5.10 to get into Wales, but you can leave for free. Why is that? And why £5.10? What is the extra 10p for? In the course of the season it won't be that significant - but why?

In truth we never hit the heights, but we were well worth the win. Quite simply Cardiff never had enough to break us down. Weaver only had one shot to save, and whilst we didn't exactly cause them too many problems we were clearly the better side. The second half in particular was a rearguard action, typical of an away team. But it was good to get that second goal to ease the nerves.

It was my first experience of Ninian Park, and I have to say it was a crap ground. It was good to be able to stand, but we had to stand behind the seats. That was strange. The locals weren't particularly welcoming and struck up a bit of, er 'banter' with some of the Charlton boys. I can imagine it might kick off with more aggressive away support, but the Cardiff support seemed more preoccupied and frustrated with their own teams shortcomings.

Matt had parked in a good spot so we made a fairly quick getaway, and were well past Bristol by 10.30. I filed this report to the SX Addick on the way home and we're currently due to arrive home by 12.30. That's probably tempting fate though.

Up The Addicks!

Robin

Bluebird bound

Another midweek away game and another challenge. The first thing is always to get away from work in good time. I've managed to sort that out for the Cardiff game, but I've been faced with the same problem as with Bristol City and Swindon earlier in the season. Going by public transport means I can't get home after the game.

For this game I won't be staying away as I've managed to pursuade Matt to take me. So he too has the problem in booking time off work. He promises me that he has managed it and we're due to meet up near his offices in Loughton. We should be on the motorway network before 3.00pm, and all being well at Cardiff in time for kick off. It'll be late getting home, but at least it will be home.

It doesn't look like a large contingent from Essex considering we've only sold 400 tickets. Tony isn't taking his bus anyway. Let's just hope there is good reason to make a bit of noise and we continue our away form. We need to.

Up The Addicks!

Robin

Not good enough

We can blame the referee, we can blame Darren Ambrose, or we can blame Pardew. It doesn't matter, because the simple fact is that over the past two games we have not been good enough.

The free kick leading to Burnley's first goal was a bit dubious, as was several of the referees decisions. And yes, the standard of referees in this league is poor. But Burnely's first two goals were straightforward set pieces that should have been easy enough to defend against. But for some reason the two centre backs and the goalkeeper can't get it together. Two down in the first quarter, yet Weaver had hardly touched the ball. Burnley then missed a great chance to make it 3-0. Our wingless midfield huffed and puffed, but couldn't create too much up front. And the the two forwards in the reinstated 4-4-2 formation never looked like scoring.

Nobody played that badly, but nobody played that well either. And until we get a cutting edge, Charlton are going nowhere in this league.

Having sorted out how I'm going to get to Cardiff, I got the tickets and watched the West Ham v Chelsea game in Bartrams. I managed to get, and hold onto, front row seats. Unfortunately the club decided to take out all the TVs and leave just one large screen in the corner at head height. This means that as soon as it gets busy hardly anyone can see. Whoever brought this change about is not a football fan and has no idea how the more successful sports pubs operate. The clarity on the screen was so bad that people coming in took a look at the screen and thought Chelsea were winning. The 0-0 scoreline on the screen was so blurred people thought it was 1-0. This brought about a certain amount of confusion when Chelsea did score and the screen went to 1-0. Going to Bartrams before the game made a change, but not sure I'll be there next week.

I'll be off to Cardiff on Tuesday to see if our fortunes change. How many points do we need for safety in this league?

Up The Addicks!

Robin