Eee I Eee I Eee I O, Up the football league we go!
We are going up, say we are going up! It's been a long time coming, but there is no doubt that it has been worth the wait. Since 2007 Charlton have tumbled down the leagues, suffering relegation to the Championship in 2007 and than another relegation to League One in 2009. Since I've been a fan I've experienced all the lows and not too many highs, so this is a season that is going to be extremely memorable for me, and one I'll look back on with pride for many years to come. Just to cross the line and achieve promotion back to the second tier of English football comes as a massive relief to everyone connected with Charlton, and it finally ends a 5 year run of sheer disappointment.
 |
| Addicks legend Chris Powell has delivered success in his first season in charge of Charlton Athletic |
What emphasises Charlton’s success is that before the season, they were written off by a number of pundits. Most notably, 4-4-2 predicted that Charlton would finish 13th. Bet they feel silly now! This newly established Charlton team have answered their critics emphatically, dominating league 1 for the majority of the season having effectively been at the summit since the first day of the season. Having made drastic changes to last year, (only 3 of the first XI players were regulars last year) Chris Powell's men have jelled immediately and looked like champions from the word go. Driven by the goals of Bradley Wright-Phillips, the technique of Johnnie Jackson and the consistency of Chris Solly, Charlton have stormed away with the, leaving their rivals in their wake. Despite a few set backs half way through the season, Charlton have never faltered and have done the job emphatically, achieving promotion with 3 games to play.
I was watching Gillette Soccer Saturday frantically on Saturday, praying that Jeff Stelling would deliver the news that all Charlton fans would welcome as music to their ears. Having heard Sheffield Wednesday were drawing, I knew that a win would be enough to see Charlton up. And finally, on the 79th minute, Stelling put me out of my misery and reported that had Charlton made the break through. It was that man, the reliable Bradley Wright-Phillips that scored the goal that would potentially see Charlton up. But that was not it. Sheffield Wednesday had a goal disallowed in the last minute of their game that would've put Charlton's celebration on hold for another week. But as the final whistle went, an overwhelming sense of pride came over me. 5 years of hurt, but it was all worth it....Charlton were going up.
 |
| The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes from the Charlton team |
Next stop, champions. Hopefully the lads can seal the number 1 spot on Saturday, where I'll be amongst what is bound to be a huge crowd at the Valley. The atmosphere is certain to be electric, and if Charlton gain the role of Champions on Saturday, I can't wait to be involved in the events that will come as a result. Although I sit up in the upper north of the Valley, I will find my way onto the pitch somehow, and celebrate what has been a great season for everyone involved with Charlton football club.
Now onto next season. A new division awaits, meaning new competition and a new challenge. Personally, I feel as if the squad has what it takes to be up amongst the title contenders come the end of the season. If Charlton invest in a couple more experienced, championship or even premiership players, than Charlton will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with.
Comments
Post a Comment