Blimey! Has it really been over 3 months since my last Charlton related post at the very end of last season? Actually, upon reflection, I shouldn't be entirely surprised. I do make a concerted effort to switch off from Charlton and enjoy the close season as much as possible. I definitely think we, the fans, deserve the summer break as much as the players. Even so, I have been randomly breaking out in spontaneous grins most of the summer as my mind flashes back to memories of an amazing campaign that will last with me forever.
Thankfully, there's been one or two decent sporting events to occupy my mind over the summer, and more than the odd tear shed in pride along the way, too. Following on from our stylish escape from League One, I feel pretty spoilt in a sporting sense this year.
Surely it would be too much to expect it to continue?
But even I couldn't escape the doom and gloom stories doing the rounds a month or so back about Charlton's financial backer allegedly pulling his money out of the club and leaving us skint. Some predicted administration whilst others were not so optimistic!!! I believe the facts as I see them, and whilst some very well respected supporters of this club (who, without question, have links within it) didn't sound too opptimistic that all was well, I also think there has been enough signs that there is a sensible long-term plan being stuck to. I have no desire to add to the debate here, only to say that my gut feeling is the rumours may well have some truth, but the situation may not be quite as catastrophic as some predicted. If SCP was forced to offload some of his bigger stars I'd have been really worried, but that's not the case just yet so I live in hope that new investors have been found, albeit short term and with considerably shallower pockets...possibly.
I sadly missed the Orient cup game as I was sunning myself with the family on the Costa Blanca. I tried my hardest to follow it on Twitter but gave up in favour of my Mum's excellent 'matchday text service'. I was gutted. Not because we lost (no surprise), but my absence from The Valley was for only the 7th game in 18 years. Considering our recent demise in particular, I'm proud of my home attendance record. Hopefully I'll get to a few more away this season.
And so the real football started on Saturday and I, like all Addicks, would have bit your hand off for a point before the game. Full credit to the 1,600 or so Addicks who made the journey to Brum. So nearly rewarded with a win, they got right behind the players who had earned the right to play in the Championship. As much as it comes as a relief not to have to worry about results come the close season, I do miss those moments when a goal goes in and you find yourself dancing around in delight. In my case, I had a Hoover in my hand! It may well have been the first game, but my belly was already twisting nervously throughout the match. As my Mum said in a text just before kick-off...'here we go again'!
Unsurprisingly I can't wait to get down the Valley tomorrow night. See you down there!
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