The #PrideOfTheValley campaign launched last season to reward the most dedicated Charlton fans. Each home league game, a fan is selected to win the award and the individual is presented with a signed shirt.
Paul Ellis was nominated by the Reminiscence fan group. Paul first came to a Charlton game in 1962 and has dedicated much of his life to the club, he was a Valley Party candidate and also worked for the club.
We asked Paul for some of his Charlton memories…
Why I became a Charlton fan: I’d always heard so much about the club. I told my self that one day I would go and it built from there.
My first game at The Valley was: Back in April 1962. We were playing against Swansea Town as they were then. Charlton won 3-2.
My first away day with Charlton was: Not long after that. It was a game against Millwall, a County Cup match in May 1962, we lost 3-0.
On 25th May 1998 I was: At Wembley of course, that’s a game not to be forgotten.
On 26th May 2019 I was: At Wembley again, of course. Just like in 1998, it was a game you had to be at and I’ll never forget.
My favourite Charlton game (not including the play-off finals) was: Against Barnsley in the 1984-85 season. We were 3-0 down and went on to win 5-3!
My favourite Charlton player is: Robert Lee – I followed him through the ranks – what a player he was.
My favourite Charlton kit is: From the 1965-66 season.
The best part of being a Charlton fan is: What it has meant to me, from my time being in the Supporters Club, to being a Valley Party candidate and then working for the club.
My all-time Charlton XI would be: Bob Bolder, John Humphrey, Chris Powell, Richard Rufus, Joe Gomez, Johnnie Jackson, Robert Lee, Mark Kinsella, Derek Hales, Clive Mendonca, Colin Walsh.
The Charlton player of the season will be: Conor Gallagher the way his is playing at the moment.
The game I am most looking forward to is: Millwall, it’s about time we beat them.
