Ten Years Ago: a win over Watford

Charlton defeated Watford 2-1 in an evening game on Tuesday 29th August 1995. I had some work to do in London earlier in the day, but I had enough time left to travel all the way from central London to Charlton on the 53 bus to join the crowd of 8,448.

My notes recall 'Charlton played well, dominating a phsyical Watford side (five bookings) but went down 0-1 after a series of defensive errors. Lee Bowyer equalised after the interval and Carl Leaburn made it 2-1 through a lucky but deserved goal.' The win put Charlton 6th in the table which is where they finished the season.

The programme cover promised 'New director speaks' and it turned out to be new VIP director Craig Norris. Phil Chapple was the featured '20 Questions' player. Asked what he would do when he finished playing he said, 'Like to get into the media side of sport' which has not happened as far as I know.

The programme also offered 'A day in the life of club doctor John Fraser' who was also in practice in Farningham. Despite being £1.50, the programme was far thinner than today's offering and, after ten years, seems far less sophisticated.