For the 1991–92 season

For the 1991–92 season and part of the 1992–93 season, the Addicks played at West Ham's Upton Park^[41] as Wimbledon had moved into Selhurst Park alongside Crystal Palace. Charlton finally returned to The Valley in December 1992, celebrating with a 1–0 victory against Portsmouth.^[42] HP Compaq HSTNN-LB11 Battery

Since the return to The Valley, three sides of the ground have been completely redeveloped turning The Valley into a modern, all-seater stadium with a 27,111 capacity. There are plans in place to increase the ground's capacity to approximately 31,000 and even around 40,000 in the future.^[43]

The Valley's North Stand which is known by locals as "The Covered End" to this day and is where the more vocal fans gather. HP Compaq HSTNN-LB51 Battery

The Covered end title is quite self-explanatory. It comes from the original design of the north stand before it was redeveloped. The Valley Club (CAFC Supporters Club) was situated in Harvey Gardens behind the North Stand, and was managed by licensee Ray Donn from 1970–1984 the club had a full club licence supplying food and drink to its members and guests during match days and live entertainment, with cabaret and dancing every night of the week. HP Compaq HSTNN-LB52 Battery

The Valley Club was one of the most popular club venues in South London at this time, featuring named entertainers popular today.^[when?]

The bulk of the club's support base comes from the London Boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley and Bromley and also north-west Kent. HP Compaq HSTNN-MB05 Battery

Charlton were rare among football clubs, in that they reserved a seat on their directors' board for a supporter. Any season ticket holder could put themselves forward for election, with a certain number of nominations, and votes were cast by all season ticket holders over the age of 18. The last such director, Ben Hayes, HP Compaq HSTNN-OB06 Battery

was elected in 2006 to serve until 2008, when the role was discontinued as a result of legal issues. Its functions were replaced by a fans forum^[45] which met for the first time in December 2008.^[44]

Charlton's most common nickname is The Addicks. Among the theories on the origin of the Addicks name are that it was the south-east London pronunciation of either "addict" or "athletic". HP Compaq HSTNN-OB52 Battery

However, the most likely origin of name is from a local fishmonger, Arthur "Ikey" Bryan, who rewarded the team with meals of haddock and chips.^[46]

The progression of the nickname can be seen in the book The Addicks Cartoons: An Affectionate Look into the Early History of Charlton Athletic, HP Compaq HSTNN-OB62 Battery

which covers the pre-First World War history of Charlton through a narrative based on 56 cartoons which appeared in the now defunct Kentish Independent. The very first cartoon, from 31 October 1908, calls the team the Haddocks. By 1910, the name had changed to Addicks although it also appeared as Haddick. HP Compaq HSTNN-UB05 Battery

The club has had two other nicknames, The Robins, adopted in 1931, and The Valiants, chosen in a fan competition in the 1960s which also led to the adoption of the sword badge which is still in use. The Addicks nickname never went away and was revived by fans after the club lost its Valley home in 1985 and went into exile at Crystal Palace. HP Compaq HSTNN-UB11 Battery

It is now once again the official nickname of the club.

Charlton fans' chants have included "Valley, Floyd Road", a song noting the stadium's address to the tune of "Mull of Kintyre", and "The Red, Red Robin".^[47]

Charlton Athletic featured in the ITV one-off drama, Albert's Memorial, shown on 12 September 2010, and starring David Jason and David Warner. HP Compaq HSTNN-UB18 Battery

Jason's character, Harry, is revealed to be a Charlton Athletic fan. Harry later buries his friend, Albert, played by Michael Jayston, draped in a Charlton Athletic flag, to which Frank says, "hear that?". Harry replies,"no...what?" Frank says, "that's the sound of Albert turning in his grave. He hated Charlton Athletic", so Harry replies, "well, nobody's perfect."^[ HP Compaq HSTNN-UB68 Battery

In Only Fools and Horses Rodney Charlton Trotter is named after the club.

Charlton have used a number of crests and badges during their history, although the current design has not been changed since 1968. The first known badge, from the 1930s, consisted of the letters CAF in the shape of a club from a pack of cards. HP Compaq HSTNN-UB69 Battery

In the 1940s, Charlton used a design featuring a robin sitting in a football within a shield, sometimes with the letters CAFC in the four quarters of the shield, which was worn for the 1946 FA Cup Final. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the crest of the former metropolitan borough of Greenwich was used as a symbol for the club but this was not used on the team's shirts.^[49] HP Compaq HSTNN-W42C Battery

In 1963, a competition was held to find a new badge for the club, and the winning entry was a hand holding a sword, which complied with Charlton's nickname of the time, the Valiants.^[49] Over the next five years modifications were made to this design, such as the addition of a circle surrounding the hand and sword and including the club's name in the badge. HP Compaq HSTNN-W42C-A Battery

By 1968, the design had reached the one known today, and has been used continuously from this year, apart from a period in the 1970s when the just the letters CAFC appeared on the team's shirts.^[49]

With the exception of one season, Charlton have always played in red and white. HP Compaq HSTNN-W42C-B Battery

The colours had been chosen by the group of boys who had founded Charlton Athletic in 1905 after having to play their first matches in the borrowed kits of their local rivals Woolwich Arsenal, who also played in red and white.^[50] The exception came during the 1923–24 season when Charlton wore the colours of Catford Southend as part of the proposed move to Catford, HP Compaq HSTNN-XB0E Battery

which were light and dark blue stripes.^[51] However, after the move fell through, Charlton returned to wearing red and white as their home colours.

According to the 2003 Football Fan Census, Millwall are considered to be Charlton's main rivals.^[54] The rivalry began when Millwall moved south of the river in 1910 to The Den in New Cross, HP Compaq HSTNN-XB11 Battery

South East London situated less than 4 miles from The Valley, the two clubs met frequently in the league up until the mid-1990s, however the sides didn't play each other in a competitive match between 1996 and 2009 because Charlton were in the Premier League. the first meeting in 13 years in December 2009 ended as a 4–4 draw. HP Compaq HSTNN-XB18 Battery

In the 1980s when the Addicks ground shared with Crystal Palace, the exiled Charlton fans did not like the trek to Selhurst Park and felt the club weren't treated well during their time there. The two clubs met numerous times during this period and the Palace fans were particularly boastful about Charlton's homelessness, as well as rising rent costs. HP Compaq HSTNN-XB21 Battery

In 2005, Crystal Palace were relegated at The Valley after a 2–2 draw, who revelled in Palace's misfortune, after the match there was also an altercation between the two chairmen Richard Murray and Simon Jordan, Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan later described Charlton fans as Moronic Imbeciles. HP Compaq HSTNN-XB24 Battery

In 2006 manager Iain Dowie left Crystal Palace by mutual consent. A few weeks later he was appointed as Charlton manager, and a writ was served on behalf of Palace chairman Simon Jordan during a press conference live on Sky Sports News claiming Dowie had breached their agreement and that Dowie promised Jordan that he would move to a club in Northern England. HP Compaq HSTNN-XB28 Battery

The Valley is a 27,111-capacity sports stadium in Charlton, London, England and is the home of Charlton Athletic Football Club.

In Charlton's early years, the club had a nomadic existence using several different grounds between its formation in 1905 and the beginning of World War I in 1914. HP Compaq HSTNN-XB51 Battery

The ground dates from 1919, at a time when Charlton were moderately successful and looking for a new home. The club found an abandoned sand and chalk pit in Charlton, but did not have sufficient funds to fully develop the site. An army of volunteer Charlton supporters dug out a massive pit for the pitch, and used the soil from the excavation to build up the sides. HP Compaq HSTNN-XB52 Battery

The ground's name most likely comes from its original valley-like appearance. The club played its first game at the ground before any seats, or even terraces, were installed; there was simply a roped-off pitch with the crowd standing or sitting on the adjoining earthworks. HP Compaq HSTNN-XB59 Battery

The unique circumstances of the ground's initial construction led to an unusually intense bond between the club's supporters and the site that exists to this day. In the 1923–24 season, Charlton played at the Mount stadium in Catford but in a much higher populated area. A proposed merger with Catford South End FC fell through and thus Charlton moved back to the Valley. HP Compaq HSTNN-XB61 Battery

In 1967, Len Silver the promoter at Hackney made an application to open Charlton as a British League speedway club, and plans were put forward to construct a track around the perimeter of the football pitch. The application to include speedway at the Valley was enthusiastically supported initially, but was eventually ruled out on the grounds of noise nuisance. HP Compaq HSTNN-XB62 Battery

For many years, the Valley was the largest League ground in London, with a capacity of up to 75,000. The East Stand (or rather bank) was by far the largest stand in English football.^[1] However, Charlton's long absence from the top level of English football prevented much-needed renovation. Eventually, the club's debts led to bankruptcy administration. HP Compaq HSTNN-XB68 Battery

A supporters' trust successfully acquired the club in 1984, but the Valley remained under the ownership of the club's former owner. However, the club was unable to finance the improvements needed to make the Valley meet safety requirements. The next year, Charlton left the Valley, entering into what became the first official groundshare in The Football League, with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. HP Compaq HSTNN-XB69 Battery

In 1988, the ownership of the club and the Valley was again united, and in an event that harkened back to the ground's initial construction, thousands of supporters volunteered to clean the ground, eventually burning the debris in a huge bonfire on the pitch. By this time, however, the large terraces were no longer seen as desirable or safe. HP Compaq HSTNN-XB85 Battery

Charlton Athletic supporters then proposed a brand-new stadium to surround the original pitch. However, the Greenwich Borough Council overwhelmingly turned down plans to renovate the ground. Club supporters formed their own local political party, the Valley Party, in response to the council's refusal. HP Compaq 6530B Battery

The party ran candidates for all but two Greenwich Council seats, sparing the two councillors who had approved the new stadium plans. The party won almost 15,000 votes in the 1990 elections,^[1] successfully pressuring the council to approve the plans for the new stadium.

In 1991, construction began on the new Valley, and the club moved from Selhurst Park to West Ham's Upton Park. HP Compaq 6535B Battery

The modern stadium opened in December 1992. Since Charlton's return to the Valley in 1992, the ground itself has undergone some remarkable changes. The north, east and west sides of the ground have almost been completely rebuilt, giving the ground a capacity of over 27,000. HP Compaq 6730B Battery

The club have ambitions to extend the ground's capacity to over 40,000 by expanding the east side and completely rebuilding the south side,^[2] but it remains uncertain if or when the plans will be implemented after the club's relegation from the Premier League in 2007 and from the Championship two years later. HP Compaq 6735B Battery

In 2004 the Unity Cup was held at the Valley with Nigeria winning the competition.

Christopher George Robin "Chris" Powell^[1] (born 8 September 1969) is an English football managerand retired player, who had a long career as a left back, crowned by five caps for the English national team. HP Compaq 500764-001 Battery

He is currently manager of Charlton Athletic, where he had three successful spells as a player over eight seasons.^[2]

He served as chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association from November 2005 until he retired. He finished his playing career at Leicester City where he then became a first team coach. HP Compaq 500765-001 Battery

In October 2009 he was named as one of 50 ambassadors for England's 2018 World Cup bid.^[3] In April 2012, Charlton Athletic were promoted to the Championship as League One Champions in Powell's first full season as a manager.

After leaving Raynes Park High School, Powell spent the 1985/86 season playing for the Epsom & Ewellyouth team alongside a young Matt Elliott. HP Compaq 501870-001 Battery

He began his professional career in December 1987 as a trainee at Crystal Palace with Ian Wright but failed to become a regular with the first team. He spent time on loan at Aldershot, where he made 11 appearances, before moving on a free transfer in August 1990 to Essexclub Southend United. In six years at the club Powell made 288 first team appearances. HP Compaq 513129-121 Battery

In November 2004 aBBC poll of Southend United supporters voted Powell their all-time cult hero. One fan described him as "A very skilled, left-footed defender, who could quite possibly be considered one of the nicest men in football, a true gent."^[4]

In January 1996 Powell moved to Derby County for a fee of £750,000. HP Compaq 513129-141 Battery

He made 99 first team appearances before being transferred to Charlton Athletic in June 1998 for a fee of £825,000. Powell was a favourite of the Derby fans, and won the Supporters' Player of the Year award for season 1996/7. He scored twice during his spell at Derby with both goals coming in the 1997/98 season against Everton in the league^[5]and Southampton in the FA Cup.^[6] HP Compaq 513129-421 Battery

While at Charlton, he made 206 first team appearances, and evidently caught the eye of Sven-Göran Eriksson, who picked him for the England team in 2001, at the unusually late age of 31. He was the oldest England debutant since Syd Owen in 1954. At Charlton he delighted the crowds after each home victory with his exuberant leaps of celebration. HP Compaq 532497-221 Battery

Powell scored twice during his first spell with the Addicks, with both goals coming against Tottenham Hotspur; once in the league^[7] and once in the FA Cup.^[8]

Shortly after the start of the 2004–05 season, Powell was allowed to move to West Ham United, where he played a major part in their successful promotion campaign. HP Compaq 532497-241 Battery

However, during the summer of 2005 he and West Ham were unable to agree terms for a further contract and he returned to Charlton on a one year contract, with a suggestion that he would develop his coaching skills.

Typically consistent performance belying his years throughout 2005–06 saw Powell regain his place as Charlton's first choice left back, HP Compaq 532497-421 Battery

rotated with loaneeJonathan Spector, due to Hermann Hreiðarsson's move to the centre of defence. On 1 July 2006 he signed a one year contract with Premiership newcomers Watford asAidy Boothroyd looked to add some experience to his youthful squad. He was released by the club after one year.^[9] In July 2007, Powell returned to Charlton for a third spell, primarily as a coach.^[10] HP Compaq 572186-001 Battery

He made his last appearance for Charlton on 4 May 2008, coming on as substitute for the last five minutes in the final game of the season, against Coventry, and scoring only his third goal for the club to seal a 4–1 victory.^[11]

Powell joined League Two side Bournemouth on a trial basis in July 2008.^[12] HP Compaq 572187-001 Battery

whilst the club looked to see if he could bring much needed experience to their defence.^[13] He joined Leicester City on a six-month contract on 23 August 2008.^[14] He made his debut against Fulham in Leicester's League Cup second round 3–2 defeat, playing the full 90 minutes.^[15]

On 6 December 2008 Powell started his 750th career appearance against former club Southend; HP Compaq 572188-001 Battery

Leicester won the game 3–0.^[16] He signed a contract extension that would see him stay at the club intil the end of the 2008–09 season on 5 January 2009.^[17]

In July 2009, Powell signed a contract to be a player-coach at Leicester City, becoming first team development coach, and also re-registering himself as a player.^[18] HP Compaq 572189-001 Battery

With teammates Bruno Berner out with a calf injury and Ryan McGivern struggling with form, Powell played his first league match on 26 January 2010, in a 1–0 defeat to Barnsley.^[19] He retired from playing at the end of the 2009–10 season; his final appearance came on 27 March 2010 against his former club Derby County.^[20] HP Compaq 572190-001 Battery

Having served as a player coach under Nigel Pearson, Powell was retained by incoming Leicester manager Paulo Sousa in the summer of 2010. In October, Powell was named caretaker manager with Mike Stowell of the Foxes after Sousa was sacked. Their first, and only, game in charge came against Scunthorpe United; Leicester won the game 3–1. HP Compaq 572191-001 Battery

After Leicester's third goal, Powell showed his excitement by running down to the corner flag to celebrate with the players.^{[citation needed]} He remained a coach at the club after Sousa's replacement, Sven-Göran Eriksson, was appointed. Eriksson—who selected Powell for his England caps—commented in December 2010 that Powell "will be a very good manager in the future".^[21] HP Compaq 583256-001 Battery

On 14 January 2011 Powell was appointed manager of Charlton Athletic,^[22] who were by now languishing in League One. He signed a three and a half year contract^[23] following the sacking of Phil Parkinson.

His first signing of his managerial career was Bradley Wright-Phillips, who went on to score on his debut on 1 February 2011, against Colchester United. HP Compaq 586031-001 Battery

Wright-Phillips then progressed to score in all of the next 3 games. Powell won his opening four games at Charlton, but then went 11 games without a win, falling out of the play-off places and leaving the Addicks in mid-table by the end of the season.

Powell signed 19 new players in summer 2011, including midfielders Danny Green, HP Compaq 408545-001 Battery

Danny Hollands, Dale Stephens, defenders Matt Taylor, Rhoys Wiggins and goalkeeper Ben Hamer. Bradley Pritchard was signed from non-league Hayes & Yeading United Football Club and has excelled in midfield, with Yann Kermorgantforming a formidable strike partnership alongside Wright-Phillips. HP Compaq 408545-141 Battery

Captain Johnnie Jackson has been a talisman all season despite numerous injuries, and Chris Solly, a product of the youth academy has made the right back berth his own. Clever loan signings were made throughout the season including Hogan Ephraim, Darel Russell, Dany N'Guessan and the return of Lee Cook. HP Compaq 408545-142 Battery

Charlton powered strongly into the second half of the 2011/12 season and sealed promotion back to theChampionship as Champions of League One.