Ten Years Ago: Charlton outclassed

Charlton were simply outclassed by eventual champions Middlesbrough (managed by Bryan Robson) on 26 November 1994 at The Valley. The Addicks conceded their first goal after four minutes and went 0-2 down at 54 minutes. Shaun Newton replaced Walsh after 54 minutes and Kim Grant was withdrawn in favour of David Whyte after 64 minutes. When Leaburn left the field injured after 87 minutes, only Salmon was left on the bench so he was not replaced. There were four yellow cards in the game, including one on charm merchant Craig Hignett for pulling Leaburn's shirt.

Rather unusually, I travelled to the game with a Warwickshire Addick, Steve and his children. Soon afterwards he emigrated to Canada, but he flew back for the Wembley final and we got his ticket for him. He is now a member of the group that meet at a bar in Hamilton, Ontario for Charlton games.

The programme cover contained a photograph of keeper Ammann in a lurid green, white and yellow speckled top. He would be designated a fashion victim even in Florida. Substitute reserves keeper Dean Lee suffered a similar fate to judge from the picture inside. Curbs confessed that 'Everyone at the club has been disappointed with our recent run of results.' Nothing new there, then.

Will Charlton be outclassed by Chel$ki on Saturday? Our record against them in the Premiership is much better than against other top teams, but they have superb defensive record and we have difficulty scoring. Scott Parker played in the lacklustre draw against Paris St. Germain so is unlikely to appear to receive the thanks of the Addickted for his loyalty.