I have now been a Charlton fan for seventy years. Addick's Diary has appeared in a variety of formats for over a quarter of a century. The time has come to close its pages, apart from two special features in the coming weeks.
Last Friday I had an emergency hospital admission and it is clear that I have a possibly long-term health problem that may prevent my physical return to The Valley. Not life threatening, but constraining.
Readership figures have fallen and probably rely on a loyal cohort of my post-war generation. I am more Voice of the Valley than MOTROD.
I can recommend Drinking During the Game for the takeover saga and Chicago Addick for team news.
This early Addick's Diary recalls when I did some reporting for the club webiste: https://wyngrant.tripod.com/Volume2.html
For the avoidance of doubt, Rick Everitt did not miss a university exam to attend a Charlton game.
Wyn: as a reader for most of that 25 years I have appreciated the honest (and the humorous) reporting you have given us over that time when the official line was sometimes less than accurate. You have been the first page I turn to for CAFC news and you will be certainly be missed. I wish you a speedy recovery from your surgery and hope all goes well for you in the future. CAFC will always be the first result to look for on a match day. Cheers
ReplyDeleteWyn, so sorry to hear that you will no longer be a part of my daily routine. Although we have never met I feel an affinity with you and we share many of the same memories and opinions. Keep the faith and look after yourself.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about health Wyn. Thanks for all your posts over the years. You have been my first port of call to catch up with the latest news about CAFC. I'll miss your pithy comments.
ReplyDeleteHealth comes first Wyn. Thanks for your contribution to the world of Charlton blogs.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best from Bangkok, Thailand Wyn
ReplyDeleteSorry to read you're under the weather Wyn - all the best for a speedy recovery. A point of order - I'm much younger than your "post-war generation" but your site along with Daryl/AllQuiet/853 has been a constant in my online Charlton browsing for nearly 20 years. A bright light on a once crowded field of 'opinion'. Even if you don't get to SE7 much you'll still be able to watch most of the games live. It's never the same as being there - there's no Bloke Behind You for one thing - but your take on the onfield performances would still be sought out by many of us, if that still floats your boat. Looking forward to your coming features and all the best
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Hi Wyn. This is a sad day. I too have read these pages since the beginning and you have been very influential in a lot of online Charlton fan material that came after you.
ReplyDeleteI also remember our get together in Chicago many years ago very fondly. Look after yourself and all my best wishes for a speedy recovery.
My Mum also wanted to me to pass on her best wishes as well. She will miss your Blog, she tells me that she would always read yours after mine each day (I actually think that is the other way around).
ReplyDeleteThis is very sad news. My daily routine has for a long time begun with a swift check of your blog (and CA). I have loved the mix of news, opinion and history. I suspect that blogging can be quite a lonely discipline and that it is ditficult to know whether you make an impact. Well, you have certainly made a positive difference to me and your words will be missed. I wish you well.
ReplyDeleteHi Wyn, Ive been reading for most of that time. Thank you so much. As a fan overseas you have been my go to resource for keeping up with all things Charlton. I wish you well and thanks for all the fish!
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed reading your blog and it was my main source of news for Charlton. I'm sorry to hear about your health issues, I'll miss the blog but am happy you're focusing on your health.
ReplyDeleteI'm from the States but lived in Charlton in 2017 and '18, in that time I attended as many matches as I could and have kept following the team after moving back. Just wanted to let you know your work has been appreciated and I will miss it. Good luck with everything and thank you.
This really is the end of an era. For roughly the last 20 years, Addick's Diary has been the first place (followed by Drinking During the Game) that I've gone to for an honest assessment of the club's news. I've thoroughly enjoyed your posts over this period. Really sorry that you will be closing the pages. I wish you all the best and hope you'll be able to make the odd game to the Valley.
ReplyDeleteThanks for these great comments. i may do the occasional reflections piece or even a podcast!
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