INTO THE HAPPY VALLEY…

An impartial investigation…

With Roy, Harry, Sam and Mary…

Ah, nostalgic times, as we approach the end of the Association Football season; the Blogbrarian is reluctantly preparing to fold away his crisply starched knee-length shorts, reinforce the whale-bone in his shin pads, and rub some extra thick dubbin into his soccer-boots…

`Tis the time to take stock, and my word! – what a season it has been, eh dear readers?










Now, as you will all doubtless be aware – the Blogbrary and its Research Time are always scrupulously – for these are always their constant watchwords – neutral, impartial and non-judgemental…


(You will have noted, doubtless, that this organ – alone among the `big beasts` of the broadcasting world – chose not to pontificate upon the merits or otherwise of Messrs Hodgson or Redknapp regarding the England managership, recently vacated by my old pal Fabio…although, as a literary chappie, dear old Roy did seem the outstanding candidate when I interviewed him for the post, but there we are…)






No…The Blogbrary tries not to nail its colours to any London mast.


In footballing terms; it holds Arsenal and Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United*, even those adorably cuddly lions of Millwall to be equally fine teams and noble institutions. (Not Crystal Palace, though, obviously…that would be simply absurd!)…






And yet, and yet….


After having spent a delightful afternoon last Saturday upon the hallowed terraces of the beloved Valley, from whence I heartily cheered and applauded the awarding of the gleaming silver champion’s cup, to what – as you will all agree, dear readers, I am sure – is one of the finest, noblest, most gifted and upstanding teams ever to tread the turf, my sense of impartiality is becoming strained to breaking point: no!


I am unable to restrain myself…


Inasmuch as Mr Justice Caulfield was bound to describe Lady Archer - (“Has she not elegance?...Is she not fragrant” etc) - I feel compelled to break the bonds of neutrality and to sing the praises of London’s finest association football team…
CHARLTON ATHLETIC!
Rah, rah, rah! Are they not fragrant, too?










I confess, yes, and I`m not too proud to admit it…I shed a tear of nostalgic joy…


It would’ve undoubtedly made dear, dear old Sam Bartam proud….


A noble fellow, and the precursor of a noble team. (Oh, and by the by…Any Big Sam fans should remember that Bexley are indeed blessed by being the owners of a unique `Sam Bartram Archive`, kept at our Local Studies and Archives Centre…why not take a look?)






Well, that’s me finished once again.






As ever – your thoughts, comments or witty rejoinders will always be welcome – just use the comments box below.






* And one last parting thought, which gave me much amusement when it was pointed out by one of my Research Team…Has anyone tried reversing the spelling of West Ham United’s stadium?...(Well, it made me chuckle, anyway!)...








TTFN!