Club legends Steve Brown and Kevin Lisbie have been appointed to head up Charlton’s new-look Ex-Players' Association.
The Association has been set-up to reunite players who have represented the club. Brown and Lisbie will lead on coordinating social events for the former players, as well as events and matches to raise funds for the Charlton Athletic Community Trust and help create improved engagement with the club.
Brown, who played 283 games for Charlton’s men’s first team between 1991 and 2003 has been appointed General Manager of the Association, while Lisbie, who played 176 games between 1996 and 2007, has been appointed as Team Manager. As part of his duties, he will set up charity matches against other clubs.
Charlton Board member Gavin Carter said: “On Saturday Matt Godden made his Charlton debut in our 1-0 win over Leyton Orient and in doing so became the 995th player to represent our men’s first team since our football league debut in 1921. In addition 294 players have represented our women’s first-team since their first game in 2000.
“Charlton is the original community club and our vision is for us to be community-driven. Our former players are very much a key part of the Charlton community, so we are delighted to be setting up the Ex-Players' Association and to have two Charlton legends leading on it to ensure our former players remain a key part of the football club.”
Brown said: “I came through at Charlton and played much of my career here. After that career I had little interaction with the club until I started working on CharltonTV a few years ago. I think it is fair to say that in recent years former players haven’t been a priority at Charlton. However, the legend that is Keith Peacock did a great job keeping that connection with little support. It is why we are grateful to the ownership and board for setting up the new Ex-Players' Association. Charlton has a special place in my heart and I’m looking forward to seeing some old faces and working with the club and community trust to provide a support network for our former players and putting on some good events that everyone can enjoy.”
Lisbie said: “I am really pleased the club has taken the decision to set up the Ex-Players' Association and really looking forward to being involved. I have so many wonderful memories at Charlton and I made so many friends during my time here, so it is exciting to be involved in the Association at the start. I’d encourage all former players to get in contact so we can keep them updated with the benefits and upcoming events.”
Ex-players will be invited to a social event at The Valley on Sunday, October 6th to launch the new Association. Former players can register for the new Association using this form.
The club would like to thank Stuart Court, who has records of player legacy numbers for men’s first-team players. You can see the full list here. The club would also like to thank Dr Sue Prior, who has records of player legacy numbers for women’s first-team players.
The below have already signed up to the Association:
Shaun Bartlett: “I have such fond memories of my time at Charlton, when Browny contacted me and explained what he was looking to achieve with this association I jumped at the chance to get involved. I can’t wait to come back."
Andy Hunt: “Playing in the Premiership for Charlton was special, we had an unbelievable team spirit and a great camaraderie. I have loved visiting The Valley in recent times, it stirred up some some great memories reminding me of the great times I had at Charlton. I’m proud to have been a part of the club's history and can’t wait to come back as a former player with the re-launch of the association.”
Garry Nelson: “Charlton is a truly special club, unique in so many ways, full of great people and wonderful characters. That rich heritage makes the Ex-Players' Association such an area of potential and a huge untapped resource for the club and wider Charlton community. I was thrilled when my former teammate Browny contacted me to tell me the club’s exciting plans moving forward. I will definitely be coming back to The Valley and very much look forward to seeing some of my old team mates and former players who have graced the famous Charlton shirt."
Mathias Svensson: “It’s been a long time since I was at The Valley, I can’t wait to come back. I think this is a fantastic idea.”
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