Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.8 2020-21

Everyone at Women’s Soccer Scene was
saddened to hear of the recent passing of Alan
Watts and women’s football - as well as our
magazine - has lost one of its biggest
supporters.
Our own Patrick Higgins has penned a
tribute to his friend Alan, who will always be
associated with Charlton Athletic WFC and
his love and support of the Addicks over the
years:
Very little is certain in sport. But for as long as
I can recall, a Charlton Athletic Women goal
was accompanied by the ringing of a bell. Whether at Durham or Plymouth, Cardiff or The
Valley, Alan Watts was there with his bell. Sadly for his numerous friends throughout the
women's football community, we shall no longer enjoy his cheery welcome and friendly
manner at CAWFC matches, when we are permitted to return.
I didn't know Alan as well as his many friends at Charlton. Their eloquent tributes
on the announcement of his passing just before Christmas spoke volumes. My visits to
Thamesmead, VCD Athletic and The Valley were infrequent but Alan would always make
a point of seeking me out for a chat, worry that he was distracting me from my match
reporting and invite me to join him in the bar after the match.
Alan would detail the amazing journeys he had undertaken by public transport at
silly o'clock on Sunday mornings, replete with rail replacement buses, taxis and uphill
walking to see his beloved team. He always maintained that away versus Forest Green
Rovers at Slimbridge FC and two successive Sundays at Ystrad Mynach against Cardiff City
were his biggest challenges, but I suspect Manchester United away - with a midday kick off
- ran it close. All this in his mid to late seventies.
Alan had seen it all at CAWFC. Title challenges, an FA Cup Final triumph in 2005,
defeat in 2007 followed by disaster as the men's club withdrew funding. A superb long
term plan for recovery with a brilliant youth policy leading to that triumphant day at
Bramall Lane when Charlton regained their place amongst the elite. All accompanied by
that bell ringing loud and clear wherever they played.
Addicks and ex-Addicks were his specialist subject. If he spotted an ex-Addick in
my match reports, he would be on the phone for an update on form and progress. In the
joyful days of the WSL summer league he would wile away the weeks till Charlton were
back by going to matches...but only if there was a former Addick to watch. Otherwise, no
deal!
Over the years, Alan revealed that he had played at a decent level and had lived in
other cities but I will always associate him with the SE postal area. His unbroken run of
CAWFC matches was formally honoured in a variety of ways in recent years but it was the
small details that made him special.
As someone from whom 'getting the line ups' is vital, Alan's hand written portable
team board displayed before matches at Thamesmead was a most welcome detail, done to
make other people's experience more enjoyable and typical of his thoughtfulness.
His last contact was a call in July during which he asked it was 'all right' to phone
up for a chat. Yes, my friend, it was more than 'all right', it was a pleasure to have known
you.
Photo courtesy of Charlton Athletic WFC
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk Issue no. 8 - 14 January 2021