Another predictably good evening in the Millennium Suite last night was enhanced by the feel-good factor of knowing we have secured our Championship status for next season. I attended as a guest of my fellow blogger, Chicago Addick, who for understandable reasons couldn't quite justify the transatlantic flight from his Bermudan hideaway - thanks mate. It was a reminder that I must prioritise signing up early myself for next season when Ravi comes a calling for sponsorship.
Chris and I were there for Simon Church's away shirt and Simon was the model of understated gentleman that I have become accustomed to from our players at these events. The players really are a credit to the club. They mix very well, nothing's too much trouble and they suffer the bleeding obvious questions that mere mortals feel compelled to ask with good grace. We also had the pleasure of Jordan Cousins and Cedric Evina on our table and both were good company. When a player tells you he's off to Aya Napa on his holidays with unbridled enthusiasm, you have to remind yourself that he's 19 years old.
All of the players were present and mixed very well after the meal as usual. Jose Riga and Katrien Meire were also at a table and there was very good atmosphere. Apart from the conversation, the meal and the signed shirt (and the season-long sponsorship if that's worth anything to you), we had the bonus of Etienne Pradier performing table magic throughout the evening. It's very good value.
Ravi tells me Etienne has been working for the club on match days for six years. I am sorry I haven't seen him before because he was fantastic. Seeing is believing as they say and watching him push a wine bottle through the table and bring it up from below was very very impressive.
The players I spoke with were openly complimentary about Jose Riga's methods and his attention to detail whilst still being confident we would have escaped the drop had Chris Powell stayed. Perhaps that was the perfect answer but I felt it was honest when spoken.
It was also interesting to hear that they believe considerably more players would have left had we gone down than the seven who are still out-of-contract in June. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised by that. These guys have ambitions too and League One (again for some) might not be part of their plans. As fans we invariably assume that re-signing for Charlton Athletic FC is the be-all-and-end-all.
It's been a good week to finish the season. Let's hope for some icing on the cake tomorrow...
Chris and I were there for Simon Church's away shirt and Simon was the model of understated gentleman that I have become accustomed to from our players at these events. The players really are a credit to the club. They mix very well, nothing's too much trouble and they suffer the bleeding obvious questions that mere mortals feel compelled to ask with good grace. We also had the pleasure of Jordan Cousins and Cedric Evina on our table and both were good company. When a player tells you he's off to Aya Napa on his holidays with unbridled enthusiasm, you have to remind yourself that he's 19 years old.
All of the players were present and mixed very well after the meal as usual. Jose Riga and Katrien Meire were also at a table and there was very good atmosphere. Apart from the conversation, the meal and the signed shirt (and the season-long sponsorship if that's worth anything to you), we had the bonus of Etienne Pradier performing table magic throughout the evening. It's very good value.
Ravi tells me Etienne has been working for the club on match days for six years. I am sorry I haven't seen him before because he was fantastic. Seeing is believing as they say and watching him push a wine bottle through the table and bring it up from below was very very impressive.
The players I spoke with were openly complimentary about Jose Riga's methods and his attention to detail whilst still being confident we would have escaped the drop had Chris Powell stayed. Perhaps that was the perfect answer but I felt it was honest when spoken.
It was also interesting to hear that they believe considerably more players would have left had we gone down than the seven who are still out-of-contract in June. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised by that. These guys have ambitions too and League One (again for some) might not be part of their plans. As fans we invariably assume that re-signing for Charlton Athletic FC is the be-all-and-end-all.
It's been a good week to finish the season. Let's hope for some icing on the cake tomorrow...
Nice one Dave, we can finally relax and actually enjoy a game tomorrow. COYR! PJ
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ReplyDeleteThanks for your interesting comments on the dinner and your reports throughout the season. They are a great help to those of us who are distant but inveterate supporters.
Thanks Mal.
ReplyDeleteI´ve been reading your blog for a few years now and I think it´s one one of the best. So keep up the good work and thank you so far
ReplyDeleteSwedeaddick - thank you. No plans to throw in the towel just yet...
ReplyDeleteDave, sounds like a good night, glad you had a good time. I went to the back to the valley dinner in December and found the players as you describe. You hope they'll be like that and it's reassuring when they are. I'm going to the player of the year do tomorrow night and hope for the same good time.
ReplyDeletePhil - I will look forward to your reviee.
ReplyDeleteDave I'd like to echo the comments of other readers here in thanking you for the thought and time you put into this blog. I'm another exiled Addick who gets a fix of Charlton through your posts. Good to hear you are keeping it going. Thanks
ReplyDelete@Seekiwisfly - many thanks
ReplyDeleteWho are all these people blowing smoke up your backside? Don't you get enough of that at work?? :-)
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