Ilic sets up a yoga detox retreat

Addicks play off hero Sasa Ilic is returning to Montenegro to set up a yoga detox retreat. In 2006 he retired from football to become a consultant for banks in the Balkan region. However, he has retained his Canary Wharf home from where he keeps an eye on the progress of Charlton. He told The Football League Paper 'I regard Charlton as my home club and have a special place in my heart for them.'

The story of how he was signed up to be the keeper of St.Leonards Stamcroft at a football-themed restaurant in London is well known. After the Hastings team won promotion he was given a trial with Aston Villa but they didn't offer him a contract. So he went back to London and his took his boots round to Charlton. He commented, 'The only way I can describe it is pure fate to knock on Charlton's door and not say, West Ham's or Millwall's.' Sasa played the majority of the 1998-99 season before falling behind Dean Kiely in the pecking order.

He could, of course, have tried Sheffield Wednesday but he had fallen in love with London. Milan Mandaric has now proclaimed that the club 'is not a sleeping giant. This is a giant.' His view is endorsed by football writer Chris Dunlavy who says that Hillsborough is better than the San Siro for raw, visceral passion. The two Manchester clubs must be already looking over their shoulders.