This season, BETDAQ launched the #PrideOfTheValley to reward die-hard Charlton fans. Each home league game, supporters will select a fan to win the reward and the individual will be presented with a signed shirt on the pitch.
This week the Reminiscence Group selected Roy Marsh and we asked him for some of his Charlton memories.
Why I became a Charlton fan...
I recall in 1958 being in my primary school playground for the afternoon break when I heard a terrific roar which I found out later was the noise coming from the Valley as we were playing Huddersfield Town in a 3rd round F A cup replay, with the excitement that the roar made I felt I would like to be a part of that!
My first game at the Valley...
Was against Blackburn Rovers 1957/8 which was the last game of the season, we only needed to draw and Blackburn by coincidence needed to win to be promoted to the First Division. The tension was suffocating when Fred Lucas scored very early for us, then Stuart Leary missed a sitter to make it 2-0 at the old south stand end, as the match unfolded we were 1-4 down and late goals from Peter Firmani and John Hewie (pen) were not enough for us to earn the all important point needed. I went home crying that day and not knowing I would have to wait a further 30 years to see my team in the top division.
My first away game with Charlton was...
My first away game I clearly remember was against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in a fourth round FA Cup replay in 1969, Ray Treacy did the business by scoring our two goals in a 2-0 victory, one of the goals I recall he ran half the length of the pitch to score a beauty! In all the excitement we nearly slipped right down the muddy bank that we were all standing on, Selhurst Park hasn't changed much since then!
On May 25th 1998 I was...
On THAT day I was with 16 other family and friends watching unfold one of the most exciting matches Wembley had ever seen, and we won!!
One of my overriding memories was my wife not known for her football knowledge saying every time a Sunderland player took a penalty that he would miss, after they successfully scored six times I was getting a bit fed up with that comment but I am glad she said it for a seventh time !
My favourite Charlton game...
1987 St Andrews play off final replay vs Leeds United, fully deserved victory over a Leeds United side who have supporters very difficult to warm to. On so many levels it was so important not to have lost this game.
My favourite Charlton player...
John Summers was able to create genuine excitement either playing on the left wing or centre forward he had a unique knack of scoring goals. I wished I could say I was at the Huddersfield Town 7-6 match but for whatever reason I wasn't, I gather he was unplayable that day, sadly he left us far too early.
My favourite kit is...
The kit in the early 2000's when we had red and white hoop socks, exciting times to be a CAFC supporter.
The best part of being a Charlton fan is...
When success comes around, which is not that often, but when they do they are moments to treasure.
My current starting XI would be...
Goalkeeper - Jed Steer
Defence - Chris Solly, Patrick Bauer, Jason Pearce, Lewis Page
Midfield - Joe Aribo, Krystian Bielik, Josh Cullen, Tariqe Fosu
Strikers - Karlan Grant, Lyle Taylor
The Charlton player of the season will be...
Either Grant or Taylor for scoring a hat full of goals which will take us out of League One.
The game I am most looking forward to is...
The return game against Sunderland with I hope a much stronger pool of players we will be able to gain revenge and push us further up the table.