In 1985,Charlton Athletic ran into financial troubles and new safety regulations deemed The Valley unsafe,which lead to the club having to leave their home of 66 years and groundshare with rivals Crystal Palace at neighbouring Selhurst Park.The ground had been left to wrack and ruin(see ground image) but ‘The Addicks’ never gave up hope of returning to their spiritual home and with the help of new directors and the unity of their loyal fans,they cleared the overgrowth and applied for planning permission to rebuild on the site.
Greenwich Borough Council refused the club planning permission and this forced the fans to form their own political party and fight at the next election with the main agenda being a return to The Valley.
‘The Valley Party’ were victorious in their mission,and along with the publicity the campaign generated forced the council into a rethink,so in April 1991 planning permission was finally granted,and after a season sharing with ‘The Hammers’ at Upton Park,Charlton Athletic returned to their home on Floyd Road in 1992.
The Valley today.
1 comment:
That photo is unbelievable. Its always a sad sight seeing a 'hallowed turf' in such a state. Great to see it restored.
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