Charlton’s best period of the modern era coincided with the rise of Scott Parker as their midfield general, but poor career choices meant he never lived up to his full potential.
In a self storage unit in west London, buried within a box containing assorted Charlton Athletic memorabilia, lies a signed photograph of Scott Parker. It’s a typical action shot, ball at feet, eyes looking up, driving past a despairing marker – I think the image dates from our away win at Leeds United in December 2002, when Parker scored arguably his greatest goal for the club.
He picked up the ball just inside Leeds’ half and then set off on one of his signature thrusting runs. He glided past three or four players, scurried into the box and fired home, winning us the game 2-1. He ripped off his top in celebration and ran towards our delirious support.
The photo was given to me by my wife as a birthday present in the autumn of 2003. On the day I unwrapped it, Parker got his first England cap against Denmark at Old Trafford. Charlton were flying in the table and weeks later we were to batter Chelsea’s star-laden line-up. But even as I smiled appreciatively at his signature, a frisson of doubt came over me as I wondered if we would sell him January. I secretly wished the photo could somehow morph into unsung Bulgarian utility man Radostin Kishishev instead.
Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av When Saturday Comes.
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Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av When Saturday Comes.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Pirate Transmission
Broadcasters around the world are paying huge sums to screen football, but they will not be willing to invest if they cannot be protected.
Scandi Drama
Years before it was screened live in the UK, England’s Football League was building a cult following abroad thanks to a visionary broadcaster.
Pot Of Gold
A rare meeting between two local rivals brought FA Cup fever – and a useful financial boost – to one corner of Hertfordshire
Digital Divide
From earnest post-match punditry to being used in actual players’ matchday preparations, the virtual game is becoming increasingly blurred with reality.
Haringey Ladder
The decision to walk off in the face of abuse has shone a national spotlight on a community club with a progressive approach
Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0
Dean Court may have received a Premier League facelift but against today’s visitors the home team fail to live up to their status, although the low-quality draw they play out is still somehow reassuring.
Room With A View
Hampden Park
Not In The Script
ARSENAL FILM
Out Of Place...
After another unsuccessful qualifying attempt Martin O’Neill is under pressure, while a poor Republic of Ireland squad is only getting weaker
Uncomfortable Truth
At the end of April Sheffield United surprised many people by re-signing Ched Evans, who, following a retrial, has now been found not guilty of the rape charge for which he spent two-and-a-half years in prison.
