Hold The Back Page - Luton Town vs Charlton Athletic - 29/09/18

Perspective can alter the way we think about the game and the clubs we support. From a unique vantage point the sight of a goal, save or tackle can make any game unforgettable. Personally, the most recent experience of this kind came at Wycombe earlier this month when the contest reached its end-to-end finale.

With the score tied at one apiece, Elliot Lee tip-toed along the edge of the box before firing towards the bottom corner. The ball came hurtling towards me. I was certain, It was IN..! Until it wasn’t. Ryan Allsop’s contrary fingertips somehow turned it round the post. I had leapt in anticipation before returning to the concrete, head in hands. It was nothing special, but there’s something visceral about being in the firing line.

More impressive is my abiding memory of Luton’s last trip to Charlton almost eight years ago. One goal behind and with the clock ticking down, Claude Gnakpa galloped forward before poking infield to Andy Drury. From 25 yards out he struck, first time, into the top corner. The ball curling into the net gave the most satisfying rippling effect, like a pianist running their fingers across the keys. It was perfection.

I’m sure plenty of Luton supporters walked away feeling quite envious of The Valley; the embanked Jimmy Seed Stand and the two-tiered North Stand. A grand old stadium which had retained its atmosphere. The type of home we would like to be able to build.

Ironically, the ground has become something of a financial burden to Charlton in these times of austerity as their Belgian owner seeks to sell the club. Food, bottled water, electricity and WiFi are all reportedly being rationed at Floyd Road and their Sparrows Lane training ground in order to reduce operating costs.

Furthermore, the account of an employee who was allegedly refused permission to eat crisps at their desk, to cut down on cleaning, encouraged supporters to protest during the following home fixture against Fleetwood, bringing the game to a halt by throwing bags of crisps onto the field.

While the Addicks look impressive on the pitch, the supporters long for owners who will attend games, board meetings, and will pay staff bonuses they say they have been promised. It’s a despondency which Luton fans have felt under previous regimes, and a reason why we appreciate 2020 and their dedicated work over the last decade.

As football fans, we often want what we can’t have; whether it’s an expansive ground or committed board. In years to come, we’ll look at things from a different angle and be glad we persevered.




The above featured in This Is Our Town on 29/09/2018