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Charlton Athletic FC was founded by a group of teenagers who started playing under that name on fields close to where the Thames Barrier now stands.

In 1906 they joined the Lewisham League, and they played in various local leagues until 1920, when they were elected to the Southern League.

Election to the Football League

Then, in 1921, following the formation of Division Three (North), two vacancies were created in Division Three (South). Charlton applied and were accepted.

In 1923, a merger with Catford South End FC was proposed and Charlton left their ground at The Valley and moved to The Mount in Catford.

However, the proposed merger broke down, and after one season, Charlton returned to The Valley.

Charlton had to apply for re-election in 1926, and were re-elected unopposed. Thereafter their form improved and in 1929, they were promoted to Division Two.

They spent four years in the Second Division, before being relegated in 1934.

Promotion to Division One

In 1935 Charlton were promoted to Division Two again and in 1936 they finished a point behind Manchester United to secure promotion to Division One for the first time.

In the following seasons they were a formidable side, finishing 2nd (1937), 4th (1938) and 3rd (1939).

FA Cup Winners

In 1946, Charlton lost to Derby County in the FA Cup Final, and the following year, the team managed by Jimmy Seed lifted the cup after beating Burnley in extra time.

Ups and Downs

The Addicks were relegated to Division Two in 1957, and they would remain in the second tier for the next 15 years before relegation to the Third Division in 1972.

They were promoted back to Division Two in 1975, relegated in 1980, and promoted again in 1981.

Ground Share with Crystal Palace

In 1984/85, the Charlton Athletic FC faced bankruptcy, and with attendances dwindling, the decision was made to leave The Valley.

For the next five years, they groundshared with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and despite poor attendances, they were promoted to Division One in 1986.

The club announced that they would return to the Valley in March 1989, and after two years of wrangling gained permission from the local authority to redevelop the ground.

Meanwhile, the team had been relegated to Division Two in 1990.

Back to The Valley

In August 1991, they moved in with neighbours West Ham United, and finally, in December 1992, the club returned to its spiritual home, The Valley.

Premier League Addicks

They gained promotion to the Premiership in 1998, but were relegated again at the end of the season.

In 2000 they returned to the Premier League, and began to establish themselves as a top-flight side.

Relegation

However, after Alan Curbishley quit as manager in 2006, and following the disastrous appointments of first Iain Dowie, and then Les Reed, Charlton were relegated to the Championship.

Worse was to follow in 2009 when Charlton finished bottom of the Championship and dropped into League One.

The next season they made the play-offs but lost out to Swindon Town on penalties.

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