20 Players
I really enjoyed doing this and that was picking 20 Charlton Players that are firm fixtures in my memory from when I began watching these damn Addicks from the 1975/76 season.
They were selected in no order, just 20 Players from almost half of a century of a love affair.
I know this got some of you thinking, and as you’ve probably encountered, it was not easy.
10 or so for me had an inevitability about them but then the next handful or so were tough because on my initial list I had around another 30 players that were worthy.
Then there were players like Richard Rufus, who I used to adore, but I can’t get his recent transgressions out of my head.
Possibly Scott Parker, in a completely different grouse, was also omitted for reasons other than what he did in a Charlton shirt.
Players who I loved such as Stuart Balmer, Eddie Youds, Mark Reid, Dean Kiely, Gary Nelson, Matt Holland, George Shipley and Jason Pearce would have made a longer list.
Charlton legends Carl Leaburn, Radostin Kishishev, Andy Hunt, Mike Flanagan, Keith Peacock and of course Curbs and Lee Bowyer were also on my list but didn’t make the cut.
Then there’s others that live in my memory fondly but aren’t quite best 20 worthy.
If you want to catch up on the series and read about each player then they are linked below. Just click on them.
Oh, and these are ranked, by you. The Top 20 in terms of Blog views are:
20 Players ranked by views
1. Colin Powell
2. Chris Powell
3. Derek Hales
4. Mark Kinsella
5. Bob Bolder
6. Johnnie Jackson
7. John Robinson
8. Alan Simonsen
9. Clive Mendonca
10. Colin Walsh
11. John Humphrey
12. Robert Lee
13. Claus Jenson
14. Yann Kermorgant
15. Steve Brown
16. Darren Bent
17. Paul Mortimer
18. Peter Shirtliff
19. Patrick Bauer
20. Jim Melrose
From a purely footballing perspective the No1 choice for me is Clive Mendonca. Top top player. In respect of someone who is a genuinely nice bloke who always had time for a chat with fans (as well as being a top player) it has to be Gary Nelson. Top man.
Met Gary a few times. As you say, top bloke.
Living in Cape Town would have loved to see Shaun Bartlett in the list. However seeing “Welshman” John Robinson born in Bulawayo, Rhodesia works for me.
Ah Shaun Bartlett. He was my neighbour in Kings Hill. Used to have good chats while he cleaned his car. Lovely man.
Hi CA,
I forwarded this article to Colin Powell and after a chat he was pleased as punch that he was number 1 in your chart….well deserved !
Love it, thank you Cliff. I’ve written a fair bit about Colin in the past. One of my all time heroes.
I have had the pleasure to work with Paddy as a matchday groundsman for many years and his heart and soul is with the club.Since retiring as Head Groundsman he now works on mtachdays in a hospitality role.
I’m sure next Saturday he will show friends and fans the article.