“Two and a half hours later all you can hear is ‘super Stevie Claridge’ echoing around Wembley

[Guest Mickyblueeyes]

Great day. Claridge really was a good signing for us. Scored important goals and did the role next to Emile before TC. I always remember him being our main goal threat in the first year back in the premier. A quick google search and in the 96/97 season he scored 11 league goals and 14 in all competitions. That is a good return for a striker leading a newly promoted side - we sold him in the summer, anyone remember why ?

[FoxyJim1987]

Oh god. What memories!!! I was only 9 years old, but still remember it so well. Back when life was so simple. All I cared about was what match was next, what pub my dad was taking me in before the match. The Palace game was my 1st Wembley trip, it was unreal. Big flags and hats, my face painted, a stadium like I'd never seen before, an atmosphere like no other, and that moment was just incredible. Maybe the most iconic in our history I would argue? Obviously probably Wes lifting the prem but in terms of moments in a match that has to be number 1 surely. 

[FoxyJim1987]

7 minutes ago, Mickyblueeyes said:

Great day. Claridge really was a good signing for us. Scored important goals and did the role next to Emile before TC. I always remember him being our main goal threat in the first year back in the premier. A quick google search and in the 96/97 season he scored 11 league goals and 14 in all competitions. That is a good return for a striker leading a newly promoted side - we sold him in the summer, anyone remember why ?

As I remember he lost his place in the team when we signed Cottee and Fenton, and wanted regular football. Strange really seeing how well he did the season before in the prem. Cottee wasn't to shabby though was he.