For 19th December... Looking for a Great Dane? First there was Allan Simonsen Then there was Claus Jensen But Elfs wanted him, so you've got him. It's Dennis Rommedahl Squad number nineteen, played with gazelle-like grace for Charlton Athletic from 2004 to 2007 Made 75 league appearances scoring 4 goals in that time. Signed from PSV, moved on to Ajax. A memorable player who earned a very respectable 126 caps for Denmark over a 13 year period.
This day in 1988 we drew 0-0 at Middlesbrough in the First Division. In the same league, the Spanners beat Wednesday at The Den in front of 11k.
For 20th December... He's only five foot three, he's better than John Terry, it's Chris Solly Squad number 20, made 301 league appearances for Charlton over an 11 year spell from 2009 to 2020, Fifteen youth caps for England, In 2012 Solly was named Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year at CAFC, and he won POTY again the following season. His departure from Charlton happened under a bit of a cloud, but Solly was a great servant to the Club, One of the very best in our Post-Premiership era.
I'm aware of why he left CAFC in the circumstances that he did. And at the time I was as angry about it as I was with Lyle Taylor. (I am assuming here that what happened between Solly and Lee Bowyer is the reason for your post, forgive me if I am mistaken). But personally I was always inclined to be more forgiving, given Solly's previous record at the Club. He does still divide opinion, as does Scott Parker (for example). But this is Christmas after all. The Season of goodwill
For 21st December... 67 years ago to the day - Saturday 21st December 1957 Second Division Charlton Athletic 7-6 Huddersfield Town Charlton were 0-2 down at half time, and down to 10 men after captain Derek Ufton was injured and taken to hospital. Manager Jimmy Trotter moved Johnny Summers (sketched above) from left wing to centre forward. With less than half an hour remaining Charlton found themselves 1-5 down. Some fans left the Valley. Understandable, but undoubtedly the worst decision they ever made. By full time the 10-man Addicks had turned the match on its head, winning 7-6. Johnny Summers scored five of the goals, In the 47th, 64th, 73rd, 78th and 81st minutes. The other two goals, including the seventh and winning goal in the 90th minute when the scoreline was 6-6, were scored by John 'Buck' Ryan. Pretty much every Charlton fan old enough to have been at the Valley that day, including my late Dad, (a figure probably in excess of 50,000) swore to their children and grandchildren that they were there to see it. The actual attendance on that cold and Wintry day was 12,535 - minus those who had given up and left early.
This week in 1973 we lost at home to Southport in front of 4k fans. To be honest, I never even knew Southport were a league club.
For 22nd December here's arguably Charlton Athletic's greatest ever manager, not perhaps by cold stats, but by the sheer miracle of what he achieved. One of only three Gaffers in our history who have won promotion to the Top Flight, and in almost impossible circumstances. The great Lennie Lawrence. Only the most tenuous link to the number 22 exists as far as I'm aware; It was on 22nd November 1982 at the CAFC staff Christmas party, that Mark Hulyer announced the appointment of Lennie as 'acting manager' - an appointment made permanent a month later. But no Charlton Advent Calendar would be complete without honouring what Lawrence achieved with Charlton. Four season in the 1st Division playing the greatest teams in England, when Charlton were homeless. Our first appearance at Wembley in 40 years - the Full Members' Cup Final. Bringing pride and respect to our beloved Club during one of the darkest times in it's history. A true Charlton Athletic Legend.
I was at the Full Members' Cup Final. my dad drove us up there - was so proud to be trailing my scarf out the window as we went
I didn't know that. Few prizes for guessing who's going to be next up though - whether I can link him to the date by number or not...
