Of particular interest to Addicks of a certain age - It hasn't been widely reported, but Millwall legend Barry Kitchener lost his fight against cancer on Friday. He played 602 games for Millwall, his only club. His partnership in defence with Harry Cripps contributed significantly to the huge unbeaten run at The Den stretching to nearly 60 games. They were still in partnership when Millwall missed out on promotion to the old First Division in 71-72 by a single point. Here's The Lions thread - http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/133992-Zigger-zagger-zigger-zagger-kitchener-rip The BBC are also reporting that Georgio Chinaglia, the elegant and fiery Italian/Welsh striker has died suddenly in America. After a career in Europe, starting at Swansea and finishing at Lazio, he left at the height of his career to become one of the founding players in the North American Soccer League - he is still the highest scorer in that league, finishing with over 250 goals at a goal a game.
Remember them both well, but had no idea Chinaglia was such a hell-raiser. In the Wikipedia article I came across this curiosity "Chinaglia was banned from playing in Serie A, the top division, for three years because he had played professionally outside of Italy" ??? I don't understand that. Can anyone explain? Kitchener was part of a very good and entertaining Millwall team that included Weller, Possee, former Charlton player Bolland, who did a lot better for them than he ever did for us, and Cripps and Eamonn Dunphy, who both later moved to Charlton. For a couple of seasons the Addicks, Millwall and Palace were neck and neck in the then Second Division table for promotion. Exciting times. I used to visit the packed old Den with my young bride. There was no segregation of fans in those days, but we enjoyed the banter being surrounded by Millwall supporters, of whom I have only good memories as they were very protective of my very petite young wife in the dangerous surges going in and out which would make a modern Health and Safety officer faint. How times have changed! Kitchener still holds the record for Millwall appearances.
Wasnt Chinaglia supposedly involved with the Mafia and match-fixing? Another ex-Millwall player who never did it with us - Dave Mehmet Also, Eddie, Charlton Live had an interview with your old mucker Harry Gregory last night - ah, nostalgia ! Paul Went next week.
