Steve Avory steps down
This day was always going to come. I think Steve is 69 years old, and today the club announced his ‘semi-retirement’ from his job as Academy Manager of the football club. A decision it seems was made by Steve and his family in the summer.
Steve is a true legend who has developed and introduced some outstandingly talented players into the first team, and there are tens and tens of professional footballers playing around the country at all levels that have Steve to thank for their careers. Many others before them as well of course.
Steve has worked at the club since 2001, and has not only developed and laid out pathways for players but also many other academy coaches, one of whom in Tom Pell who will take the academy forward supported by a whole range of staff.
Steve built a culture unmatched in football academy terms and the club and its supporters could never thank him enough. Fortunately he will still work on a part-time basis and it sounds as if he and club have highlighted areas that frankly the football club still need his input.
You also have to admire what I am sure was sheer stubbornness and a drive to implement his own culture to work through all of the crackpot owners we have had for more than half of his time at the club. He deserves a medal for that alone.
I do hope the club mark his outstanding career in a fitting way.
I listened to Steve’s interview and he talks so well and from the heart, and although this a sad day, no one deserves their retirement more than he does. The very best of wishes to him and his family.
Yep, well said.
I was thinking earlier that it must be possible to put a decent match day squad together of academy players currently playing in (or just retired) the premiership/championship or equivalent. I got as far as: Nick Pope, Anfernee Dijksteel, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa, Carl Jenkinson, Joe Aribo, Jonjo Shelvey, Karlan Grant and Ademola Lookman (who has just been nominated for a Ballon d’Or). Added to which we have in our current first team squad DK, TC, Karoy Anderson, AMB with several others bubbling under. That’s not a bad side…
It was quite touching that Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa invited him to an England international just before the European championships as thanks.
He not only did a great job but leaves a great set up as his legacy. The Academy is considered one of the best in the English league system and although it costs around £2m a year to run it’s a great investment that pays for itself and there’s an important social element to it as well – we take a lot of young players from the housing estates of South London and offer them a path through sport to fame and fortune. Even those that don’t make it are given an opportunity that they would never have received.
I could add Alfie Doughty, Jeremy Sarmiento, Timmy Abraham, Semi Ajayi, Chris Solly, Morgan Fox. Probably many others who had good careers without reaches the heady heights.
All too true he will be greatly missed! Just hope his replacement will be able to continue in all his good work and provide the Charlton first team with many more excellent players.
The club was lucky to have such a great servant. Great individual with high moral and ethical standards. Responsible for developing some of Englands best young talent and future managers! Best wishes for a long and happy retirement.