Hello everyone I am just about to challenge every Chairman in the 4 top Football Leagues to visit their ground in a wheelchair after another disappointing experience at Charlton. I only saw the far end of the ground because everyone stands up. As I’ve said before, I must have been among those fans blocking disabled fans’ views when I could walk. I was no saint when I was ambulant. Other issues: if there’s a fire, how do I get out? This is a problem at my team Watford Football Club with room for only 2 wheelchairs in the lift up to my level in the GT stand. The lift would also close in a fire! We all assume that this will never happen at our ground. My friend Stafford Hegginbotham probably once thought the same at Bradford. My parking space wasn’t wide enough at Charlton for a wheelchair. WFC is far better, thankfully. There are many other issues that I won’t bore you with now but, Gino Pozzo, WFC Chairman, expect a letter. What are your disabled plans for the new Community Stand? The time for excuses is over. If I want to go to Portman Road, for example, I would have to sit with the Ipswich fans. Would any other away fan do that? Frank Gardner of the BBC has been copied in with my plans and is following my progress. Regards Jon Salisbury. Jon M Salisbury TWITTER: @jonsalisbury
Sorry to hear that it wasn't as easy as it should have been. I'm sure there's mileage in a plea to get owners to try the facilities or even a campaign to improve those offered. I've taken your phone number off the post as I wouldn't recommend posting it on a public forum. If you wish to give it out via PM then obviously that is your decision. Good luck with the campaign.
Good on you Jon. In my experience, complaining, complaining, and complaining is the only way. I must admit, I never used to think about this sort of thing until a few years ago when my brother-in law had a horrific accident and was paralysed from the chest down. Now, one of the first things I notice at stadiums in the access and arrangements for disable fans as it is something we as a family spend our time worrying over constantly. It is interesting to see how few clubs cater properly and just park fans right at the front like we do in the Vicarage Road end or as you said, just amongst fans where you can't see a think like Charlton or if I remember correctly, Palace, which is even worse. Facilities for home fans in the main stand at Charlton are great in the upper tier if I remember. Shame them and many more can not offer this to away fans as well. I always feel bad for away fans at the Vic for example for having to sit away from everyone else in the North-East corner.
