For 23rd December, the last Charlton player of this year's calendar, and the most iconic player in living memory... Who else but Derek Hales. All time top scorer for Charlton Athletic, with 168 goals from 368 starts in all competitions, almost a goal every two games. During Charlton's 1980-81 promotion season back to the 2nd Division Hales scored 23 goals in total, but his finest scoring season was 1975-76 under manager Andy Nelson, When 'Killer' scored 31 goals (28 in the league and 3 in the League Cup). The following season Hales bagged an incredible 18 goals in only 19 appearances before his move to Derby County. Many great Charlton players didn't quite make it into this season's Advent Calendar, but there's always Christmas 2025 to look forward to!
I think it could be fun if we had a player for every day next year but the number to be relevant to the player.
For 24th December... Wishing a Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous and peaceful New Year to everybody
This day in 1983 we beat Palace 1-0 at The Valley in front of 10,200. Derek Hales scored the winner in the 79th minute.
The Advent Calendar is back for another Festive season. Beginning with a fans' favourite No.1 from the good old days... 1st December 2025 ... Nicky Johns 1981, 1983, 1984 player of the year https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicky_Johns Any suggestions for players, gaffers or other CAFC related folks or subjects, preferably linked to the number of one of the remaining Advent days of December (2 to 23), Please post ideas in the thread...
2nd December 2025 ... Luke Young 2005 player of the year 187 appearances for Charlton (2001-2007) all in the Premiership. Any suggestions for December 3rd (or any other Advent days) are more than welcome... Last year on the 3rd we had 1998 Wembley hat-trick hero Super Clive Mendonca.
