This season, BETDAQ launched the #PrideOfTheValley to reward die-hard Charlton fans. Each home league game, a fan is selected to win the reward and the individual is presented with a signed shirt on the pitch.
On Saturday when the Addicks faced Bradford City, Norman Barker was nominated. ‘Headphones Norm’, as he is affectionately known by supporters, began following the side back in the 1968/1969 season at the age of 11. We asked him for some of his Charlton memories…
Why I became a Charlton fan…
I moved into the local area and just started going at junior school. The kids at that school would bunk over the back wall of the South Stand and that was a way we got to watch the games as we didn’t have much pocket money.
My first game at The Valley was…
Charlton had a policy back in the 60s where at half-time they used to let the kids in for free. So, my first match at The Valley was watching the second half against Crystal Palace on March 22nd, 1969. I don’t know who scored but I was just so fascinated as I was amongst a big crowd.
My first away day with Charlton…
My first away game was a cup game, during the 1972/1973 season. We were playing Tonbridge away in the FA Cup and won it 5-0. The stadium was packed, we were virtually on the touchline.
On May 25th 1998 I was…
I remember a sea of red at Trafalgar square; it belonged to Charlton that morning. I’ve never had so many emotions and I have to admit that they got the best of me on that day. I remember when we were 3-2 down, I just wanted the referee to blow the whistle. Then there was a glimmer of hope after Richard Rufus scored. The penalties were something else. I was with a few friends and they went into the toilets but I saw it right through until the bitter end and it is probably the one time in my Charlton career that I have actually seen perfect penalties.
My favourite Charlton game (not including the play-off final)...
I remember going to watch Charlton at Molineux back in the 2003/04 season when we were in the Premier League. We were 4-0 up after about 30 minutes. I thought we played perfect football, we toyed with Wolves. The passing was brilliant, we just totally dictated it and I thought that was Charlton at their very best. The goals scored and the way they performed together - I haven’t seen anything better.
My favourite Charlton player…
For me it was Derek Hales, Mr goalscorer. He was just totally reliable, he wasn’t blessed with the best of skill but when you needed a goal he was there. He was that good, he was almost on the brink of an England call-up. As far as goal scoring was concerned for Charlton, he was the one for me.
My favourite Charlton kit…
The green shirt from the 1997/1998 season, it had a thin red stripe across it. It was totally un-Charlton like and I wore it to the play-off final.
The best part of being a Charlton fan is…
It has to be going to away games. I tend to meet the same people most of the time. The people I sit with have been sitting with me for the past 20 years now, it is like a little family. It’s a fun attitude win or lose.
My Charlton starting XI would be…
Phillips; Solly, Bauer, Sarr, Purrington; Aribo, Williams, Lapslie, Reeves; Taylor, Vetokele.
Charlton’s Player of the Season will be…
Lyle Taylor, because of his attitude and his work rate. He is all over the field, he looks like a winner and he wants to be a ball winner. He is a top man.
The game I am most looking forward to…
Luton. I think we can put a stop to their run, I think they are now 26 unbeaten in the league. We are going to put a stop to that like we did against Huddersfield a few years ago. We put a stop to their run and we are going to do the same to Luton, so I am looking forward to that.