Angry Dartford fans tell Charlton Athletic: We want to watch Cody play

Thursday 30th April 2009

DARTFORD supporters wishing to travel to The Valley to watch former striker Cody McDonald attempt to keep Norwich City in the Championship on Sunday have been thwarted, writes Stephen McCartney.

The striker signed for Championship club Norwich City from Ryman Premier League outfit Dartford for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day, and Darts supporters were looking forward to watching their former hero play against the relegated south Londoners.

But it appears that Charlton Athletic - a club that steal Kent based supporters away from clubs like Dartford - are not welcoming floating supporters.

One Dartford supporter contacted Charlton Athletic to purchase tickets so he could offer support to McDonald, who banged in 19 goals in just 17 appearances for Tony Burman’s side before earning his dream move, only to be turned down.

"What better way to spend Sunday than catching up with Cody at The Valley," he told the award winning www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk.

"Local papers and the Charlton website stated that the tickets were on general sale - and why not? Charlton are hard up for cash and the stadium is not likely to be full.

"On phoning Charlton I was advised that I had to be a member and have a history of buying tickets through the club to be allowed to buy tickets for this match.

"The website was clearly showing that their were tickets available in most sections of the ground. When I finished laughing, I asked why.

"The explanation, "Norwich have sold their allocation and you might be a Norwich fan trying to buy a ticket in the Charlton section."

"So because Norwich are a well supported team because Charlton either are unable to increase the away section of their ground or can't be bothered to, the general public are banned from attending the match.

"We are currently in a recession and Charlton are known to be struggling financially. You could not make it up!

"What a sad reflection on the desperate state of football. This is supposed to be our national game, yet we are all banned from attending this match unless we have a history of association with this particular club.

"The people's game - I think not! I do not know if this is a Charlton decision or an FA directive. Either way, I consider it to be wrong. If the club's involved had a sad history of trouble, there may be some case, but Charlton versus Norwich?

"The south Londoners will not stop me from watching Cody! I shall travel to Norwich early in the new season where I expect that I will receive a hospitable welcome.

"As for Charlton, I will not even enquire about any future games unless our paths cross at some future date.

"As for the £75 that Charlton have passed up, it will go towards a Dartford player sponsorship for the new season. At least some good has come from this sorry tale."

Dartford fans, and fans from other Kent clubs, will be made more than welcome at Hayes Lane on Saturday (3pm) for Cray Wanderers’ Ryman League Division One South play-off final against Metropolitan Police.

There is a bond between both Kent clubs as Dartford shared Cray’s Oxford Road ground in Sidcup when they reformed.

Admission prices have been confirmed at £8 (adults) and £4 (concessions).

Then, on Sunday (3pm), Croydon lock horns with holders Erith Town in the Kent Senior Cup Final. The match takes place at Welling United’s Park View Road ground.

Quotes courtesy of www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk