Shame about the football

Talk about mixed feelings. The VIP package at The Valley was a great experience. John Bumstead and John Humphrey were the hosts for the sponsors package that we enjoyed courtesy of MBNA. Concerns that we might be stuck on a table with some footballing novices were soon eradicated as we shared stories of past games realised that most of us were season ticket holders.

The tour of The Valley was really a visit to the dressing room and dugout. Going 'behind the scenes' is always is interesting and I never tire of hearing the history of the club, though I've lived through the intersting bits and think I know it all. What was news to me is that we are looking to have The Vally developed to around 40,000 capacity by the time of the Olympics. Apparently we want to host some of the matches. Personally I can't see that happening with West Ham and Spurs getting new stadia and the Emirates and Stamford Bridge available. It'll be great if it happens, but I just can't see it.

The meal and service was good and there were no queues at the toilets. But there are still minor irritations caused by Greenwich council. No alcohol is served at half time or after the game until 5.15pm. It's not the end of the world, but it is irritating. I know you can't get a beer in Legends after the game until 5.15 either and it would be really interesting to know the logic behind that decision. What was important was that after a four course meal before the game, we were offered prawn sandwiches at half time and after it as well. Roy Keane would have been disgusted!

All in all, it was a great experience. Though we discussed it and all agreed it's great as a one-off, but wouldn't want it to be the normal match day routine, even if we could afford it.

Probably the least said about the football the better. Our record without Reid shows just how much we rely on him to open up the opposition. Without him we look like relegation candidates. Oh well, there's always the cup.

Up The Addicks!

Robin