The 2004-05 season sees Charlton Athletic's Centenary Year, the club having been founded in 1905.

The origins of the club lay in a youth team formed in 1905 and it wasn't until 1913 that senior status was adopted when they joined the Lewisham League. After the First World War Charlton turned professional and joined the Southern League in 1920, but only for a single season. In 1921 they took advantage of the restructuring of Division Three (previously very Southern club dominated) into South and North sections. With Crystal Palace promoted and Grimbsy Town rather sensibly moved into the Northern section, Aberdare Athletic and Charlton Athletic were elected to the two freed up positions.

In 1928-29 Charlton took the Division Three South title and gained promotion to Division Two where they survived four years before being relegated from last place in 1932-33. Jimmy Seed was brought in as manager, a position he would hold for the next twenty-three years, and had Charlton promoted as Champions again in 1934-35. The following campaign they were Division Two runners-up to Manchester United and had made it to the top flight for the first time. These were great days for Charlton Athletic with crowds of 70,000+, and their first attempt at Divison One saw them finish runners-up. The following season they were fourth, and the final season before World War Two, third.

After the War they weren't quite the same force in the league, but did get to two successive F.A. Cup Finals, winning the second. However a series of uninspiring seasons followed and Seed was eventually sacked in 1956 as mediocre turned to bad and Athletic were relegated. They missed bouncing straight back by a point in 1957-58, but then drifted into mostly mid-table Division Two status for season after season until the end of the Sixties. By then they were clinging on by their fingernails, and after squeaking survival for two campaigns were relegated in 1971-72 to Division Three. Three seasons saw them promoted back again to Division Two where the goals of Derek Hales sustained them for a while. However in 1979-80 the Addicks managed six wins all season and ended bottom. Although back up again from third place the next season these were tough times for the club and they were very much also rans at Second Division level. The Valley, with its huge capacity and awe inspiring terrace, was a rotting ruin with less than 10,000 fans knocking around in it. In 1984 Charlton were fighting bankruptcy in the High Court, and in 1985 recorded their lowest ever Football League attendance of 5,104. Abandoning The Valley for exile at Selhurst Park it looked as if Charlton Athletic was at death's door. Unbelievably in the midst of this catastrophy Lennie Lawrence got them promoted to Division One in 1985-86. Even more surprisingly, with crowds only Wimbledon could manage to undercut, they hung on in there until 1990.

However in this period the story of Charlton Athletic was more about off-pitch than on-pitch. The fans never gave up on their dream of returning home, even as The Valley reached dereliction. In local council elections in 1990 a Back To The Valley party gained 14,838 votes. Panicked by the popular upswelling of emotion Greenwich Council abandoned its opposition to redevelopment. There were still problems though as the club ran out of money in its attempts to refurbish the ground to even a basic level to get football played there again, and the 1991-92 season saw an emergency ground share at Upton Park. In September 1992 Robert Lee, who had scored the last ever goal at the old Valley, was sacrificed in a £700,000 sale to Newcastle United, and the fee was enough to see Charlton Athletic back home on 5th December 1992.

The Nineties saw Charlton gradually developing a new stadium and a new team under Alan Curbishley. In 1997-98 Charlton reached one of the most dramatic play-off Finals ever, 4-4 after extra time and eventually beating Sunderland 7-6 on penalties. However they only lasted a single season in the Premiership. They were straight back up again, this time as Champions, and this time have managed to establish themselves as a fairly comfortable mid-table outfit. Ground development has continued with three sides of the stadium now done. There are further plans to develop the away end and put on further tiers elsewhere to take The Valley up to 40,000.

In an age of chairman with inflated egos, quick 'fixes', greed, corruption and administrations, Charlton Athletic are a model of patience, gradual development, loyalty and social conscience. Decency can be rewarded, and it is a pleasure to see a club like Charlton holding its own in the top flight. We like to think that at our own level Yeovil Town has shown many of those same virtues, and is itself being rewarded with success. Doesn't mean we don't want to embarrass them on January 29th mind.......

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From the South Circular :
Pick up the South Circular (A205, with one stretch of A3 at Wandsworth) at the end of the M4. Follow the South Circular Road all the way round to Woolwich, and turn left into the Woolwich Road (A206) at the roundabout for the ferry. Carry along the A206 until turning left into Charlton Lane. Cross the railway line and continue up the road. The Valley is right into Harvey Gardens and then on the left. But N.B. access to Floyd Road and Harvey Gardens is restricted on matchdays.

Parking :
All parking at the stadium is restricted to permit holders on matchdays. You can park in some roads around The Valley but be aware restrictions are in force in many streets, so look out for signs detailing such. Restrictions are also further extended in some areas on matchdays. All restrictions are vigorously enforced.
Yellow line restrictions apply at weekends, as well as weekdays. If you can find one most on-street parking spaces are free (no meters) except around the railway station. Anything after 1.30 p.m. and you've got absolutely no chance. There are several large car parks a reasonable walk from the ground, such as the Thames Barrier Visitor Centre and on the Westminster Industrial Estate. Expect to pay £5.00 plus.
Local business and shop car parks operate a clamping policy.
Charlton Athletic (and we) recommend using public transport where practical.

By Rail

Charlton Station is three minutes walk from the stadium. Frequent services depart from Charing Cross, Waterloo East and London Bridge, with limited departures from Victoria and Cannon Street.

In our opinion the simplest route is from Yeovil Junction up to Waterloo by South West Trains, walk across to Waterloo East, and then catch a South East Trains service for Charlton. Journey time is between 3 hours 23 minutes and 3 hours 53 minutes. The last services departing Carlton back to Yeovil Junction (without needing a bus from Gillingham which adds nearly an hour to the journey) are the 18.33 and the 19.30.

For those living north of Yeovil for whom the Castle Cary or Bristol stations are more convenient the route is into Paddington by First Great Western, by tube across to London Bridge, then a South East Trains service for Charlton. The return service for Castle Cary is the 18.33 out of Charlton. There are later connections for Bristol. Journey times vary from just over three hours to just under four depending on connections and number of stops.

Exit Charlton station onto Charlton Church Lane (there's no other choice anyway), turn right and cross over to the other side of the road. Take a left into Floyd Road, and then right into Valley Grove for the away section entrances.

The nearest underground station to The Valley is North Greenwich on the Jubilee Line, with buses (Nos. 161, 472 or 486) every few minutes to Charlton.

UPDATE 25/01/05 :

South West Trains Press Release

'IMPORTANT TRAVEL ADVICE FOR PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO CHARLTON ATHLETIC ON 29 JANUARY

On Saturday 29 January, Yeovil Town will be playing Charlton Athletic in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The match is to be held at Charlton Athletic's Valley stadium in south London. Due to an expected increase in the number of passengers travelling from Yeovil Junction, South West Trains would like to strongly advise passengers to purchase tickets and reserve a seat in advance.

Reservations can be made at staffed South West Trains' stations and you can also buy tickets and make reservations by calling the Customer Service Centre on 0845 6000 650. Alternative journeys with other train operators may also be available.

Passengers travelling to Waterloo should also be aware of increased journey times on the line due to essential engineering work between Weybridge and Surbiton. All services will be diverted via Chertsey, which will mean a 40 minute increase in journey times.

Yeovil Junction to London Waterloo
The 08.20 service from Yeovil Junction will arrive at London Waterloo at 11.27
The 09.20 service from Yeovil Junction will arrive at London Waterloo at 12.27
The 10.20 service from Yeovil Junction will arrive at London Waterloo at 13.27

London Waterloo to Yeovil Junction
The 18.20 service from London Waterloo will arrive at Yeovil Junction at 20.38
The 19.20 service from London Waterloo will arrive at Yeovil Junction at 22.03
The 20.20 service from London Waterloo will arrive at Yeovil Junction at 23.08

The 21.20 service from London Waterloo to Yeovil Junction will terminate at Gillingham due to engineering work.

For more information on train times and fares, please contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950.

By Bus :

Numerous bus routes serve the ground. They include the 53 (Plumstead, Woolwich, Blackheath, New Cross, central London), the 54 (Lewisham, Catford, Beckenham, Elmers End) and the 161 (Chislehurst, Mottingham, Eltham, Woolwich, North Greenwich).
Others are the 177 (Thamesmead, Plumstead, Woolwich, Greenwich, New Cross, Peckham), the 180 (Thamesmead, Plumstead, Woolwich, Greenwich, Lewisham), the 422 (Bexleyheath, Welling, Plumstead, Blackheath, North Greenwich), the 472 (Thamesmead, Plumstead, Woolwich, North Greenwich), and the 486 (Bexleyheath, Welling, Shooters Hill and North Greenwich). Get off on the A206 Woolwich Road, or in Charlton Village, both a five-minute walk from the ground.

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There are a number of fish and chip shops and a kebab shop on the way from the station to the stadium, and a MacDonalds next to Asda in Busby's Way. For those wanting a punt there's a Ladbrokes virtually outside the railway station.

According to some local opinion the best burger stall at the ground is the one outside the club shop.....sorry 'Superstore', this is the Premiership.

Club Bar :

Alcohol is on sale throughout the concourses including the away areas, though only ahead of kick-off, not during half-time. Food is the usual football stadium fare, with Charlton having no worse, nor better, reputation than most.

Local Pubs :

Something of a home fan pub © beerintheevening.com Bugle Horn: Five hundred yards south of the station and the ground in the oldest part of Charlton. Landlord is a big Addicks fan and the place is stuffed with club memorabilia. As such it's popular with home fans and can be a bit cliquey on matchdays. For certain big games the police have been known to refuse away fans entry, though this seems unlikely in our case. There are several televisions located in the bar areas and a big screen in the large family room showing Sky Sports. Does food. Bugle Horn, 6, The Village, Charlton, London, SE7 8UD. Tel: 020 83558287. Map: Click Here.

Greenwich Union: Virtually next door to the Richard I (below) and owned by the local Meantime Brewery which specialises in brewing continental style lagers and one cask ale, Meantime Blonde. There's a contemporary style menu served lunchtime and evening. Fairly recently refurbished and open 11-11. Greenwich Union, 56, Royal Hill, Greenwich, London, SE10 8RT. Tel: 020 86926258. Map: Click Here.

Horse & Groom: Further east along the Woolwich Road at the home end of the ground. Four to five hundred yards from the stadium. Horse & Groom, 602, Woolwich Road, Charlton, London, SE7 8RH. Tel: 020 88580456. Map: Click Here.

Richard I: Also known as 'Tolly's', this pub is in Greenwich rather than Charlton but happens to be run by Glovers fan and Ciderspace forum member BarnesGreen, who has recently moved there from er, Barnes would you believe. In a spirit of amazing generosity there's a free first drink and snacks on offer to all those turning up in the green and white on the day. Not sure what his accountant's reaction will be when 4,000 Glovers descend! The hostelry is a regular entrant in various good beer and pub guides - traditional bare board two bar outlet with Youngs beers including the excellent Winter Warmer. Does lunches, is wheelchair friendly, and has a large garden at the rear......which might be useful if half of Yeovil turns up. Opening is 11-11. There isn't much parking near the pub for those driving, but train users will find it an easy drop off point. From the station turn left on to the main road and then right at the large red brick clock tower on to Royal Hill. The pub is about 200 yards up on the right. Greenwich Station is just a couple of stops and 6-7 minutes short of Charlton, and trains run every five to ten minutes or so. Update from BarnesGreen : "Car parking is available on Burney road, pay and display, it's just off the Greenwich High road behind Hotel Ibis. Coach parking is available on Stockwell street next to the Hotel Ibis. To get to the pub from either location, walk along Burney road turn left on to Royal Hill and we are 50 yards up on the right hand side. From DLR right on to high road towards large square red brick clock tower and then left on to Royal Hill, 200 yards and you're there. From mainline station, left on to high road until you see the clock tower and then right up the hill. Hope that covers every body, hope to see a few of you here before hand and if possible any decent cider you could smuggle over the border would be much appreciated. Nearly forgot, we will definately have Winter Warmer!!!! Cheers!" Richard I, 52-54, Royal Hill, Greenwich, London, SE10 8RT. Tel: 020 86922996. Map: Click Here.

Away fans allowed pre-match but not post-match. Weird. © beerintheevening.com Rose of Denmark: Modernish redbrick boozer on the main road to the west of the ground and station. Welcomes away supporters before games, with a photo display on the wall of fans from visiting clubs, but not post-match in the evening. The beer is Courage Best (oh dear), and food is served. There's Sky Sports on a big screen and a pool table. Has own car park. Rose of Denmark, 296, Woolwich Road, Charlton, London, SE7 7AL. Tel: 020 84730038. Map: Click Here.

Royal Oak: Closest pub to the North Stand (home end) and packed out with Charlton fans on matchdays. Lager and keg dominate. Has Sky. Royal Oak, 54, Charlton Lane, Charlton, London, SE7 8LA. Tel: 020 88584771. Map: Click Here.

Spanish Galleon: Also in Greenwich and about 500 yards from the Richard I (above). It's a Shepherd Neame pub with Masterbrew, Spitfire and Bishops Finger. There are two bars joined by a food counter serving meals and snacks lunchtimes and evenings. Right outside the Cutty Sark station on the Docklands Light Railway it's child and disabled friendly. Opening is 11-11. Spanish Galleon, 48, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich, London, SE10 9BL. Tel: 020 82930949. Map: Click Here.

The Anchor and Hope: Nice views down on the river front in New Charlton a little over half a mile from the stadium. Popular with workers on the industrial estate. No real ale, but the beer is cheap (for the area) as are the good large food portions. Friendly landlord, landlady and staff. The Anchor and Hope, 2, Riverside Walk, Anchor and Hope Lane, Charlton, London, SE7 7SS. Tel: 020 88580382. Map: Click Here.

Busiest pub for away fans - much improved © beerintheevening.com The Antigallican: Used to have a very poor reputation but under new management this season, and vastly improved for it by all accounts. Hundred yards from the railway station, and a couple of hundred from the stadium. Its location has always made it the most popular pub for away fans - even when it wasn't very good - and it can get extremely crowded, especially as local plod push away fans in its direction but then seem to have a thing about punters not spilling out onto the pavement when it's packed to the rafters. The Guinness is good (Irish landlord) and there's Masterbrew. Home cooked food. Sky sports on wide screen, pool table and darts. There's also good value accommodation for anyone thinking of staying over. The Antigallican, 428, Woolwich Road, Charlton, London, SE7 8SU. Tel: 020 88530143. Map: Click Here.

Bit further away so maybe less crowded? © beerintheevening.com The Woodman: Somewhat further from the ground (just under the mile) the other side of the parks and Children's Zoo on the way to Woolwich, so has a chance of being less packed. Has Sky, a jukebox, pool table and quiz machine. Does food. The Woodman, 93, Little Heath, Charlton, London, SE7 8HA. Tel: 020 83171531. Map: Click Here.

Not much real ale in Charlton. This has some. © beerintheevening.com White Swan: Smallish centrally located local. Has Sky Sports, jukebox, pool, darts, and a beer garden out the back. Does real ale of some description though we don't know what sorts. White Swan, 22, The Village, Charlton, London, SE7 8UD. Tel: 020 88560733. Map: Click Here.

Likelihood the Natives Will Understand You :

Real Eastenders live north of the river, as do the pretend ones of Walford. Sarf of the river the eastern part of London is a most peculiar mixture. Extreme forms of Chavland sit next to extreme forms of Hyacinth Bucket Suburbia. Although swallowed up by the London conurbation long ago the centre of Charlton Village, as it is pretentiously known, does to be fair retain something of a 'village' atmosphere.

Top-Tip :

If driving take a massive supply of blood pressure pills - you have been warned.

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[No responsibilty is taken for any inaccuracies. This page is entirely the product of bias and prejudice.]

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