On this day thirty nine years ago disgruntled Charlton supporters, having witnessed the "last game at The Valley", were making arrangements to travel to the club's new home ground - Selhurst Park.

What followed was a seven year exile from SE7 until, on 5th December 1992, those supporters were once again able to witness their team playing at The Valley - back at last in the heart of the Charlton community. The glorious return was only achieved because of the determination, perseverance and generosity of the club's directors, supporters and staff.

The committee that managed the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of the return (BTTV30) agreed that it would be appropriate to have at The Valley a permanent memorial of the achievement  so that new supporters would be aware of this crucial passage in the club's history. CAST agreed to take this forward.

Late last year supporters voted to approve a design which showed 2632 balloons being released - one for every day of the exile - as the teams came on to the pitch for the first game back at The Valley.. The design incorporates the style of the posters for The Valley Party - a fan-organised political party which stood in the 1990 Local Authority election as a protest against Greenwich Council's refusal to grant planning permission for the new stadium.

The permanent memorial was installed today on the wall of the club shop opposite Valley Central. Alongside it is a history board which gives more details of the series of events which led to that glorious day in December 1992.

CAST is very aware that Charlton supporters need to look to the future and to work towards ensuring that our club can return to former glories. At the same time, however, many newer supporters may not be aware of the struggles of the past and might take our current stadium for granted. We hope that this memorial will ensure a fuller appreciation of our history and also serve as a reminder of what can be achieved when everyone works together.