At a time when the club is seeking new investment, it's always good to remember that Charlton is already a club with a global fan base and values that resonate far beyond SE7. Here's the example of one of our most renowned international Addicks.
Ryan McMenamin is one of Gaelic football's most recognisable figures. A three-time All-Ireland winner with Tyrone and later a successful manager, he built his reputation on resilience, leadership and wholehearted commitment. Yet alongside his decorated GAA career has been another lifelong sporting passion: Charlton Athletic.
In a county where Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal dominate, McMenamin chose a very different path. He spoke to Paul Breen about becoming perhaps Tyrone's most devoted Charlton supporter, the players who captured his imagination, unforgettable trips to The Valley, and why the values of Charlton Athletic remind him so strongly of the GAA.
For Charlton supporters who may not know much about Gaelic football, tell us a little about your own sporting journey.
Ryan: It probably wasn't the typical route. In a way it was a bit like Charlton's story. There were plenty of ups and downs before things eventually came good. Most players who go on to represent their county in GAA come through the minor teams and then the Under-21s before making the Senior panel. I didn't. I wasn't selected at those levels and only found my way into a development squad when I was about 21 or 22. Looking back, it was a fairly unconventional journey, with plenty of ups and downs along the way, but thankfully it all worked out in the end.
How did a Tyrone Gaelic player end up supporting Charlton Athletic?
Ryan: Honestly, I still don't really know! Growing up around here, nearly everyone supported Manchester United, Liverpool or Arsenal. There were maybe a few Everton supporters as well, but that was about it. Somehow I ended up going in a completely different direction. I must have seen Charlton playing one night, probably around the end of the 1980s when they were back in the old First Division. Something about them just caught my attention.
As time went on I learned more about the club and its history, and before long I was hooked. I don't think you always choose the club you support. Sometimes it just happens. Before you know it, you're wondering how you ever ended up following them in the first place. That's exactly what happened with Charlton.
Was there a particular player who first captured your imagination?
Ryan: Yes — Rob Lee. He was probably the first Charlton player who really stood out to me. He seemed to be everywhere on the pitch. He got up and down, worked incredibly hard and threw himself into every challenge. I loved watching him play.
You must have been one of very few Charlton supporters in Tyrone.
Ryan: (Laughs.) I think I probably was! The lads were always teasing me because everyone else followed the bigger clubs. They used to joke that the Tyrone Charlton Supporters' Club held its meetings in the phone box outside the pub, because I was the only member. I got plenty of stick over the years, but it was all good craic. Even now, people around here still know I'm the Charlton supporter, and I still get a bit of teasing over it. Looking back, though, I think that was part of the attraction. I never really wanted to follow anybody else. Charlton was different, and once I'd started supporting them, that was it. I've stuck with them ever since.
When did you first come across other Charlton supporters?
Ryan: Believe it or not, not that often. For years I was probably the only Charlton supporter I knew back home. I'd maybe bump into one or two people on holiday, but that was about it. Whenever you do meet another Charlton supporter, though, there's an instant connection because there aren't that many of us over here. You end up having a chat straight away.
When did you first get to see Charlton in the flesh?
Ryan: My first glimpse of them actually came during the years when Charlton were ground-sharing with Crystal Palace. My uncle lives in Thornton Heath and took me up to Selhurst Park. I was only young, but it was exciting just to see where Charlton were playing. That was my first real taste of being close to the club.
The first time I actually saw them play at The Valley came later, when Charlton faced Middlesbrough in the Premier League. I went over with my uncle and my girlfriend at the time - she's my wife now - and it was a brilliant day. We'd stopped for a few pints beforehand, there was a great atmosphere around the ground and everybody was just looking forward to the match. I loved the experience. There was a real warmth about the place and it felt like a proper football club. It's something that's stayed with me ever since.
Looking back over the years, were there any other Charlton players who really stood out for you?
Ryan: Rob Lee was probably the first player who really caught my imagination, but after that I'd always have had a soft spot for Carl Leaburn. He never scored loads of goals, but every time you watched him he gave absolutely everything. That's probably why I still keep an eye on Miles Leaburn now. I always hope he does well because of the connection with his dad.
Another player I really liked was Mark Kinsella. Maybe being Irish had something to do with it, but he was a terrific footballer. Looking back now, Charlton actually had some outstanding players. Scott Parker, Jonatan Johansson and Paul Konchesky all came through that period. At the time you don't always appreciate just how good those teams were.
Do you have one Charlton match that stands above all the others?
Ryan: Without doubt, it has to be the 1998 First Division play-off final. I remember watching it in a pub back home. There was only me and one other person there watching it - and he wasn't even interested in football! I actually had to ask the barman to put the match on because it wasn't being shown. Watching Charlton come back in that 4-4 draw and then win on penalties was unbelievable. I'd still say it's my favourite Charlton memory of all time.
There's a story that refuses to go away in Fermanagh and Tyrone - that during one of Tyrone's biggest matches you asked for the Charlton score at half-time. Is there any truth in it?
Ryan: (Laughs.) None whatsoever! It's a good story, but it definitely didn't happen. If I'd asked the manager Mickey Harte or Art McRory before him for the Charlton score during a Championship match, I don't think I'd have been playing for Tyrone much longer! Once you're out on the pitch you're completely focused on the game in front of you. There'd have been no asking for Charlton scores. It's a great urban myth though.
One of the things Charlton supporters often say is that the club feels more like a community than a business. Does that remind you of the GAA?
Ryan: Very much so. I think anybody who's involved in the GAA understands that straight away. Whether it's your local club or your county team, people are there because they love it. When you look at an All-Ireland final, you've got more than 80,000 people filling Croke Park, but the players aren't doing it for money. On Monday morning they're back at work like everyone else. I think that's what makes it special. The players are approachable as well. You can walk into a coffee shop and meet one of the county footballers, have a chat with them and then go on your way. That connection between players and supporters is something the GAA has always been very good at.
When I look at Charlton, I see a lot of those same values.
The supporters have stayed with the club through everything - the years away from The Valley, the different owners, the promotions and relegations. Those experiences create a bond. Community trumps a lot of things, and I think Charlton supporters understand that better than most.
You also manage a team in Ladies’ Gaelic football. Have you taken an interest in Charlton Women's recent success?
Ryan: I probably don't follow them as closely as the men's team, but I know they've done very well and won promotion. I think that's brilliant. Managing girls in football has shown me just how committed and enthusiastic the players are. Whether it's Gaelic football or soccer, the girls are every bit as passionate about the game as the men. It's great to see both the men's and women's teams doing well because that only strengthens the club as a whole.
The same thing has happened in the GAA. The women were always there, but they didn't always have the same opportunities. That's changing now, and it's great to see. Hopefully it continues to grow because it's good for everyone involved.
Charlton supporters can never quite agree on who the club's biggest rivals are. From a distance, who have you always seen as the main rivals?
Ryan: I'd probably say Millwall. I know Crystal Palace are a big rival as well, especially because of the years Charlton spent at Selhurst Park, but for me it's Millwall. Maybe it's simply because they're so close geographically. Local rivalries always seem to matter that little bit more. The supporters over in London might see it differently, but from where I'm sitting that's always been my view.
You've supported Charlton through some memorable eras. As a football manager yourself, which Charlton manager stands out above all the others?
Ryan: I think I'd probably go with the obvious answer and say Alan Curbishley. Looking from across the water, he was the manager who really established Charlton in the Premier League. Every season they seemed to be competitive and capable of holding their own. When he left, opinions were maybe divided but looking back I don't think the club ever reached those same heights again. For me, he's still the manager who set the standard.
Nathan Jones guided Charlton back into the Championship and kept the club there last season. What have you made of the job he's done so far?
Ryan: I think he's done very well. At the start of last season a lot of people tipped Charlton to struggle, but he got the team organised and made them difficult to beat. They got off to a good start and, although the form dipped a little towards the end, they still managed to stay in the Championship. He's built a team that's well organised and works hard for each other.
Like every supporter, though, you'd always like to see a little bit more from some of the new signings. Hopefully this season they can push on again.
One thing Charlton have always been known for is producing young players. Is that something you've admired over the years?
Ryan: Definitely. If you look through the years, Charlton have always produced good footballers. Joe Gomez is an obvious example, and Jordan Cousins as well. That's why I like seeing players such as Miles Leaburn coming through as well.
Sometimes it's better to trust your own young players than keep bringing in people who might only stay for a few months. Charlton have always had a reputation for developing talent and I'd love to see that continue.
As one of the best defenders of your generation, do you enjoy watching a team that's built on solid defensive organisation?
Ryan: I do. They're different sports, of course, but I think the principle is exactly the same. If you're hard to break down, you've always got a chance. A good defence gives every team a platform. If you're keeping clean sheets you're going to pick up more points than you lose. Whether it's Gaelic football or soccer, everybody has to defend. It's the whole team working together, and I think Nathan Jones understands that.
Finally, what are your hopes for Charlton this season - and when do you hope to be back at The Valley?
Ryan: Hopefully I'll get back over sometime this season. My uncle still lives over there, so it'd be great to combine a visit with another trip to The Valley if everything works out. As for Charlton, I think the main thing is to consolidate in the Championship. Staying in the division is so important because of the financial side of the game these days. Once you're established, you can start looking further up the table instead of over your shoulder.
Hopefully the club can keep developing the talent they've got and continue moving in the right direction. If they can push towards mid-table this season, that would be another positive step. Like every supporter, though, you always dream of a little bit more. You'd love to think Charlton can challenge higher up the table again one day.
At the start of every season you're hopeful. If you weren't, you probably wouldn't support a football club.
Thanks Ryan and great to see what it's like to be a Charlton fan in a place where there are so few us. And yet so many similarities and shared experiences with the rest of the fan base. More proof that we're All Different, All Together, All Charlton.
Photo courtesy of ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy.
Notes for clarity :
(1) GAA = Gaelic Athletic Association
(2) Ladies Football is the term used for the equivalence of Women's Football in Gaelic games, hence usage here.