Former Charlton Chairman Roger Alwen is looking forward to the opening event of the club’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of Charlton’s return to The Valley.
Tonight’s event, run by Charlton Athletic Supporters’ Trust, in conjunction with the club’s Back To The Valley anniversary committee, will see the role supporters played in the club’s return celebrated.
Alwen said: “I am really excited to be back at The Valley. It is extraordinary, every time I go back it always has such a good feel. It looks good, it's in good shape and it has so much history.”
At the event, sponsored by Heineken and DNEL Ltd, Alwen will be joined on the speakers’ panel by fellow director Martin Simons. Former Mercury Sports Editor Peter Cordwell and supporter Rick Everitt will be speaking at the event about the trials and tribulations of the campaign to get Charlton back to The Valley.
Simon Webster and Bob Bolder, who both played in the club’s first game back at The Valley, will also be on hand to talk through their experiences of the historic return.
Alwen, who was famously pictured with supporters opening the gates on the day of the club’s return, said: “It wouldn't have happened without the supporters. I suppose you could say that a certain number of people were at the sharp end but the supporters were also at the sharp end because apart from anything else, financially they also contributed hugely and what they did was extraordinary.”
The return, on December 5th 1992, lives long in Alwen’s memory: “It was euphoria just sitting there. Opening the gates to a capacity of around 8,333 or something ridiculous it was the most extraordinary afternoon. Funnily enough, I don’t think Portsmouth could have realised what they were coming to, they could never have won that game.”
Click here to purchase your ticket to tonight’s event.
The in-form Addicks host MK Dons at The Valley on Tuesday. Click here to purchase your ticket.
