Sarah Kelly visited The Valley for the Stevenage game in January and wrote an appreciative review which was published in Terrace Talk.
CAST brought the article to the club's attention and Sarah was invited back with photographer Louise Sturdee to expand on her theme of The Valley and Charlton supporters. Below is her description of their trip to meet the fans and experience the stadium again for the recent Wigan game.
It is a fine piece of writing accompanied by some evocative photographs by Louise.
"When Saturday rolls around you want it to be a worthwhile waste of time and there is no greater waste than the club you love"
"The Valley........ a welcome reminder of a dying breed of football stadia that gets its claws in and keeps you coming
back time and time again."
"It’s the best example in the country of a modern enough stadium with an historic feel about it. And you can’t get that out of a box. It has to be built up little by little. It gives you a sense of belonging every time you go through the gates."
"My dad was proud and I’ll never forget what he said; Charlton is big enough to be someone but small enough for you to be
someone."
"Charlton is very inclusive, a welcoming place to watch football and very supportive of the women’s game as
well, hosting their games at The Valley."
"A stadium that is as genuine as it is beautiful."
Here is the full article:
https://cdn.charltonafc.com/sites/default/files/2025-04/Musings%20of%20a%20Visitor.pdf