Seeing RedJakartass, in common with millions of viewers around the world, will be sat in front of the box this evening as
Chelsea take on the might of
Charlton.
Most of you will know that I am an Addick, although a better name might be Vampire. Charlton have earned the name because it seems that every season, with the ending of the dark winter months and the light of summer evenings ahead, they go to sleep, albeit with another season in the Premiership secured.
(Incidentally, I co-founded an expat soccer team here in Jakarta many moons ago ~ the Jakarta W***ers if you're really interested. Our goalkeeper rejoiced in the nickname Vampire because he didn't like crosses.)
At stake ('scuse the pun) this evening, local time, is pride rather than results, with a number of players looking to secure their futures. Both clubs want to
reinforce their squads once the season ends in a couple of weeks, which non-Chelsea fans may find a little strange given the Russian wealth which has bought the skills to win the Premiership. Just one Chelsea player, Hernán Crespo, bought for £16.8m but on a season's loan to Milan, is valued about the same as the entire Charlton squad.
Next Thursday there will be a chance to remember what has been with legendary cult hero Derek Hales appearing at the Valley before the start of the end-of-season play-off game that will decide the best second XI in the country. Beaten 4-0 in the Premiership last weekend, Charlton, champions of the Barclays Premier Reserve League South, will have the chance to gain revenge on Manchester United, who won the northern division, on Thursday, May 12th (7.30pm).
Hales - then and now
Will there be another cult hero in the making on view? Of course, tonight would be nicer.
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