Ben Garner is looking forward to a special night at The Valley on Friday as the club celebrates the 30th anniversary of its return home.
All 2022/23 season-ticket holders are invited to bring a friend to Friday's game against Cheltenham Town for free, while special matchday pricing is in place for the fixture with all adult, over 65 and U21 tickets priced at £19.92 each - a nod to the club's 1992 return - anywhere inside The Valley. Click here to purchase your tickets.
“It will be a fantastic occasion for us as a club on Friday night,” explained Garner. “It’s a remarkable football story that I was aware of from a distance, but without the full detail and knowledge of what had gone on and the amount of effort that did go in – even on a political front with the campaign etc.
“Hearing it first-hand from Roger and Heather [Alwen] when they were here at the training ground was great. How much they did for the club, what went on during that period and how much it meant to everyone… you can’t help but be inspired by it.
“It’s only right that that’s a celebration for all of the people that managed to make that happen and the amount of faith and effort that the supporters put in,” the manager continued. “The best way for us to try and celebrate that is by performing well and hopefully getting those three points.
“It’s important that we understand the legacy that’s gone before us and what we now carry and what we try and take forward as staff and players now at the club.”
The Addicks face a Cheltenham side that have enjoyed an upturn in form of late. Wade Elliott’s side followed up a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town with a 1-0 triumph at home to Wycombe Wanderers last time out in League One.
“Cheltenham have improved as the season has gone on and Wade is doing a good job in terms of how they’ve developed,” Garner said. “It was a really good point for them at Ipswich and a really good defensive display. They were under pressure for long periods of that game and you can see the character and resilience that they’ve got.
“They had a great home win against Wycombe last time out and they also won in the Papa John’s Trophy away at Forest Green so they’re in good form and they’re progressing well.
“We need to focus on us and on getting our performance and levels right,” he added. “Let’s get those things right and that will give us the outcome that we want. We’re full of respect for them, fully prepared and looking forward to the game.”
Can't attend Friday's game in SE7? You can watch every kick live on CharltonTV worldwide. Click here to purchase your match pass.
