Just analysing how I'm feeling after a quarter of the season having allowed my season ticket to lapse. I did so for a number of reasons 1. Money much tighter than last year and couldn't justify the expense. 2. My ticket would have gone up to £475 and I refer to point 1 above. 3. It's not exactly difficult to get in these days. 4. Wasn't feeling particularly enamoured about the prospect of watching a reduced quality squad from last year (not a dig at the owners, just a statement of fact). 5. Can't commit to being at every game due to other interests - golf, family etc. 6. Despite man love for CP, our football is, largely, rubbish. I didn't want to be compelled to sit through 23 games of a relegation struggle when I could pick and choose. 7. Some very irritating people around me. All of that said, my intention was to be there more often than not. So what happened? First, the economics: My ST at £475 divided by 23 would have worked out at £20.65 per ticket assuming I attend every game (which I can't). To buy my seat at face price would be 6 x £30 gold games and 17 x £26 (silver games) equals £622. Therefore my ST would have notionally saved me £147. So far there have been a number of erosions into the value of my ST: 1. The footy for a fiver game - equals an erosion of £21. 2. The Yanntastic four - equals an erosion of £22 based on two gold and two silver games. 3. Millwall game was on the telly - not an erosion but saved me £30. 4. The club has just sent me a freebie for Derby = £26 (very good of them). 5. Went to Middlesbrough game on a mate's ST freebie. Cost me a decent bottle of wine - saving to me about £15 Add that lot up and I've "saved" about £110. The economic argument for a ST is diminishing. I think if I'd renewed I'd be feeling a little miffed, even though I do appreciate the reasons for all the offers. Second. My inclination. The one thing about a ST is that, like licquorish, it makes you go.........So far, I've paid full whack for Oxford (doesn't count anyway) and Forest. Enjoyed both. Middlesbrough game was uninspiring. Couldn't go to Leicester, couldn't be arsed to go to Doncaster or Blackpool (dodged a bullet there). Was going to Leeds but something came up. And so it goes on. For a number of reasons, some set out above, I have not felt compelled to go. I have not gone on occasions when I could. The Wigan game was a dreadful experience as recorded elsewhere. If I had renewed I would be getting myself there when there are occasions I'd rather be doing something else. Question from all of this - my finances are my own affair but, that aside, do I want to go as regularly as I did - Nope. Reasons? Poor football, poor tactics, feeling of drift and lack of progress, bit frustrated with footy generally. Maybe all of the above but the fact remains that I don't feel moved to attend as much as I thought I would and I can't put my finger on why. Am I alone in this? (obviously not given attendances). What can be done? Bah Humbug. Maybe a takeover...................................................................................................?
Speaking for myself....... This is the first year I have held a ST since 2005. Reason's for lapsing in the first placed were mainly down to the fact I was 17 and of an age where my playing of competitive football switched from Sunday's to Saturday's. My aittitude at the time was 'I can always get a ST again when I hang up my boots'. For a variety of reasons I decided this season I would play my football on Sunday mornings with my mates again and get a ST for this season as I had missed the feeling and aticipation of waking up on a saturday morning and getting down to the valley. I have to say that on the whole I have thoroughly enjoyed being a ST holder again. I have been to every home game this season (including the Wigan game, unwashed and muddy having played football that morning) I agree that at times the football served up has tested that resolve but it doesnt seem to have an effect on the excitement I feel the next time a home match comes around. The fact remains that despite the poor performances, idiots that sit around me etc I just love going to watch Charlton. Maybe in these times where it seems like every game is on telly and with the ridiculous amounts of money handed up at the top end of the game, I see going to Charlton as offering a sense of remaining in touch with the real world. If a Charlton home game was on telly, it would still be my personal preference to attend the game in person. Unfortunately, with a baby on the way I am fearful that I may have to make a decision between continuing to play football and Charlton next season, so as it stands my ST for 2014/15 hangs in the balance.
Good posts from you two I have been a season ticket holder most seasons since 1986. My first ST cost £54 To buy three now sets me back the best part of a Long One. The reasons I get them are 1. stupid tribal loyalty 2. it makes it much easier getting tickets for our away games, QPR this weekend being a good example. There have been many times over the last 25 years when my children were younger when it was a struggle, so I know what you mean.
I've only become a season-ticket holder in recent seasons, despite being a fan since 1975. At the old Valley I preferred my spot on the terraces, at the now defunct SE quadrant, along with other assorted characters. After that family finances often meant choosing my matches The kid-a-quid days were great, but I missed most of the expensive games against the like of Man. U, so IMO anyone who puts their family's finances before Charlton's has got it right. However I don't think that staying away because of the quality of the football is a good reason on its own, because unfortunately that is part and parcel of being a fan. Don't get me wrong, I loathe the type of hoofball we played against Wigan, and didn't much like reading that the manager was pleased with the performance either, but hope springs eternal that it will get better, just as it did after the last year or so of Nelson's reign, or after Uncle Les, or the last days of pardew or Parky.
For me, there is nowt better than waking up knowing a visit to The Valley is nigh. Before the game, I still do the same things I have always done (except boozing) for the last twenty years, and I now have the added bonus of doing them with my kids, and sometimes the missus. I still buy the burgers, the awful coffee, the overpriced merchandise, the jackpot tickets (no, I have never won a bean), the programme and the propaganda booklets. I donate to the club's causes and I renew my Valley Gold membership every year without fail, and I attend many away games and events, so I literally plough thousands into the club each season. Do I ever regret it? No chance. Do I ever consider having a year off? Only if my head decides to fall off. If I could, would I change anything about watching Charlton? Yes, the coffee. I could take a flask, but that takes money away from the club. CAFC! Oh, one more thing: I have a spare ticket for Donny if anyone is in need of a freebie. You don't have to sit with me; the West Upper Block Q is an oasis of tranquillity.
Have been a season ticket holder now since the 1998-99 season (our first Premiership year) have seen three relegations and two title winning seasons during that time... Sure its not like watching Man Utd win something nearly every season but will forever look forward to the first game in each season and getting back to the same seat I've had every year. Would I ever pack it in... Not on your life - Renewal time in March has become as customary as my holidays in June, my MOT / Insurance in July and my Car Tax in August I say to people that if Charlton didnt exist I wouldnt know what to do with my life... If I didnt have a season ticket and a match to look forward 23 times each season, I wouldnt know what to do with my life.
Great post Jimbo. I considered not renewing for 2013/14 but in the end I decided to go for it for one more season. I think this could be my last season as a season ticket holder though mainly for many of the reasons you state. I have already missed a couple of games this season and I will miss two more whilst I am away at Christmas. Also, when it gets colder and with the football not being great, i'm not as fussed these days as I used to be in attending - preferring the option of a night in front of the TV in the warmth watching the much better quality of the Champions League. I also agree with you when you say that you tend to only go as a season ticket holder some weeks because you feel you should as you have the ticket. Saying that though - I am looking to buy my first home with my wife and we are looking in Charlton (purely co-incidence), she is from Cornwall but wants to live near to Greenwich/Blackheath whilst we are in London. If this happens then it will probably be a no brainer to sign up again next year, as it will be a few minutes walk to each game. And if I can't make it - I could leave the ticket under my doormat for the likes of yourself!
I used to say that mate but I found that my priorities have changed the older I get. Don't get me wrong though - I will always love Charlton.
Any takers for my spare Donny ticket? I can send it in the post today if needs be. PM me if you are interested.
Sorry Mate. Kind offer and I would do but I'll be in the Midlands on business so will be missing this one.
I would like to take up your kind offer ponders.You said you were in essex .within easy reach of chingford?
