Comedy history and info on Charlton Athletic F.C.

Charlton were formed on 9 June 1905 as a club of youths in an area of Charlton near where the Thames Barrier is. The club were named after Bobby Charlton the famous England player. This is surprising as he had not been born when the club was formed.

The club codename is"Addicks" , a corruption of haddock. Mnay fans say this is because the way most of the team play they could be had up in the dock. No but seriously this is because a man used to provide the team with a Fish and chip dinner. The fish was haddock, hence the phrase haddock. addock, etc:

The club has had two other nicknames, the Robins, adopted in 1931, because they had big red chests and the Valiants, chosen in a fan competition in the 1960s which also led to a sword badge. In the twenties they avoided a meger with Catford South End FC. I think this was a soccer side for stray pet cats. It was an idea to merge humans and cats together to form a super side. They did a goaly out of the deal, a pet cat but he lacked agility so much that he was named the human.

What would the merged side have been named. Charlton the Cat; Charlton and Catford detective agency; The Cat Athletic club; Purrr Purrr Atheltic FC. The merger did not go through, a manx cat felt Charlton would be the tail wagging the cat.

Charlton finished runners up in the First Division, in 1938, fourth, and 1939 finished third. They were the most consistent team in the top flight of English football. I mean consistent success. Then WW2 happened.

From the late 50s until the 70s, Charlton remained a mainstay of Second Division soccer. Relegation to the Third Division in 1972 caused the team's support to DECLINE, and even a promotion in 1975 back to the second division did not reinvigorate the team's support and finances.

The club play in the valley stadium. This was once of the biggest stadiums, then it became unusable, then it was repaired again.

In the nineties They reached the Division One playoff final against Sunderland in a thrilling game with ended with a 4-4 draw after extra time. Charlton won 7-6 on penalties and were floated onto the Premiership.

Curbishley had been the boss during their promotion.