Charlton Athletic confirm three more ex-players for 20th anniversary dinner to make famous play-off win at Wembley

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Mark Bright, Phil Chapple and Paul Mortimer are the latest Charlton Athletic players from the play-off final winning squad of 1998 to be confirmed for the special anniversary dinner on December 9.

The event marks 20 years since the Addicks’ epic penalty shootout victory over Sunderland at Wembley which took the SE7 outfit into the top flight.

Alan Curbishley, Keith Peacock, Mark Kinsella, Sasa Ilic, Eddie Youds and Steve Jones will also be in attendance.

Peacock was assistant manager. He told Charlton’s official website: “That magical day at Wembley in May 1998 will forever be remembered for Clive Mendonca’s fabulous hat-trick, and quite rightly so. However, his experienced striking partner Mark Bright played a crucial role in helping to make Charlton history. He caused the young Sunderland centre-backs, Williams and Craddock, no end of trouble with his shrewd touches, deft headers and vital professional nudges.

“Brighty’s strong character on the pitch as well as the training ground was immense. A true professional, his influence on the last few months of that season as well as the final should always be remembered and appreciated.”

Bright added: “The Play-Off final was a magical day from start to finish. Being part of the promotion-winning team was something very special, I was nearing the end of my career and wanted to finish it in the Premier League.

“The drama of the dreaded penalties was great for TV, but horrific for those taking part. In the end we got the break and the glory.

“For many Charlton fans, the long hard struggle back to The Valley and finally into the Premier League was the icing on the cake after the years of hardship the club had been through.

“I’m looking forward to reminiscing about the season when we meet up.”