Charlton Athletic Vs Bolton Wanderers

Matchday 70 was a special one, offering us yet another complimentary experience, thanks to the generosity of Tom at Castore. Tom had previously helped us secure tickets for St. James’s Park in Newcastle, and this time, he came through again, making our trip to The Valley possible.

Our day began early with a direct train from Stourbridge Junction to London Marylebone, departing just before 08:20. The train was packed, with many passengers standing for much of the journey, but we were fortunate to find seats. The Train Manager, Robin, made the trip enjoyable with his engaging announcements. After nearly 2 hours and 45 minutes, we arrived in London, right on time.

We quickly made our way to the toilets before grabbing a coffee at Greggs and then headed to the underground. Our route took us to London Bridge on the Jubilee Line via Baker Street. We had a minor hiccup with my pre-bought train ticket not working at the barrier, but it was quickly sorted, and we were soon on a 10-car South Eastern service to Charlton.

The weather was terrible, with relentless wind and rain, cutting short our usual pre-match exploration of the stadium. Despite the downpour, we managed to purchase our matchday scarf from the club shop before heading to the main reception to collect our tickets.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed and directed to the second floor, where we were greeted by a lovely hostess. There was a brief moment of confusion when my name didn’t appear on the list, but once I showed my envelope with the tickets, she cheerfully provided us with wristbands, a matchday program, and a drink token for the bar.

The lounge offered an incredible view of the stadium, and we settled into a cozy two-seater table. I decided to treat Liam to a drink while I used our tokens for something stronger. Shortly after, we were approached by Charlton legends, including Peter Garland. Peter was incredibly friendly, introducing himself and even taking us on an unexpected tour down to the stands and pitchside. He was kind enough to take photos of us sitting in the home dugout, which was a real highlight. Although we didn’t go through the tunnel, the entire experience was unforgettable.

Back in the lounge, we were treated to a selection of finger sandwiches and vegetable crisps. While we were eating, another Charlton legend, Colin Powell, came over for a chat. He was genuinely interested in our 92FC Challenge and couldn’t believe we were already at our 70th ground. He also introduced us to Paul Elliott CBE, a figure I recognized from my childhood. Paul was incredibly warm and supportive, taking time to hear about our journey and showing pure passion for our story.

As the game approached, we made our way to our seats, which offered a fantastic view of the pitch. The stadium itself was impressive, and the atmosphere began to build as kick-off neared. The match was thrilling, with Charlton dominating much of the game. Bolton had their share of possession but struggled to capitalize, while Charlton made the most of their chances, securing a 2-0 victory with a goal in each half. The referee’s performance left much to be desired, frustrating both sets of fans, but the energy in the stadium remained electric.

The journey home was less crowded than our morning trip, although the platform at Charlton was packed, requiring security to control the flow of passengers. Once on the train, there was plenty of space, and the underground ride back to LondonMarylebone was busy but manageable. We had a slight delay at the ticket barriers at London Bridge, but staff quickly resolved the issue.

Our return train journey was eventful, especially after Leamington Spa, where a group of fare dodgers caused some drama. However, Marc, the Train Manager, handled the situation brilliantly, even when the dodgers tried to hide in the toilet.

We finally arrived back in Stourbridge over four hours after the game, still buzzing from the incredible experience. We are deeply grateful to Charlton FC for their hospitality and to Tom at Castore for making this day possible.

Five Facts About Charlton Athletic FC:

1. Historic Achievements: Charlton Athletic was founded in 1905 and quickly rose through the ranks of English football. Their most successful period came in the late 1930s and 1940s when they finished runners-up in the top flight and won the FA Cup in 1947.
2. The Valley: Charlton’s home ground, The Valley, is known for its rich history. Opened in 1919, it was one of the largest stadiums in England with a capacity of over 70,000 before being downsized to meet modern safety standards.
3. Community Ownership: In 1992, Charlton Athletic became one of the first clubs in England to return to their home ground after a period of exile. The club’s fans played a crucial role in this, rallying to bring the team back to The Valley after a seven-year absence.
4. The Addicks: Charlton’s nickname, “The Addicks,” is believed to have originated from a local fishmonger who would supply haddock to the team. The term has stuck and remains a unique aspect of the club’s identity.
5. Youth Development: Charlton Athletic has a strong tradition of developing young talent through its academy. Notable graduates include Premier League stars like Joe Gomez and Jonjo Shelvey, who began their careers at Charlton before moving on to bigger clubs.