Charman shines on hisdayinthesun
Football legend Gary Charman said it was ‘very touching’ so many fans and players turned out for his testimonial.
After a 24-year playing career, the winger-turneddefender’s big day at The Camping World Community Stadium saw plenty of familiar faces gather for a thrilling 7-7 draw between Horsham and Bogno and an emotional evening afterwards.
Around 600 fans and 40 players were present, all celebrating Charman’s recordbreaking career at Horsham and other cllubs in Sussex.
“I think that’s the biggest thing – how many people turned out, in a way, for me”, said Charman. “The people on the playing side – some people travelled down from Portsmouth, Havant and Waterlooville, North London. People made a hell of an effort to get there.
“Exactly the same with the supporters. Obviously, there were a lot of Bognor fans who travelled, and supporters who can’t get to every league game for Horsham made their way down from all over the place.
“To have that many people turn up and say goodbye to me was quite touching.”
The game was a goal feast – and Charman revealed the penalty he put away to make it 7-7 was his first one!
After Charman was denied in a one-on, the penal
ty wqs only ever going to be taken by him.
“When the penalty came along, you got so many players shouting out to the goalkeeper ‘oh, I’ll give you £50 if you save it!’”, Charman said.
“It was the only penalty I’ve ever taken in my career so it was a new thing for me.
“If I’d blazed it over the top or missed the target or something I don’t think I’d ever have heard the end of it and that would’ve been my legacy.”
Fortunately, Charman did convert, delighting all
present. Charman thanked everyone who played and attended – and the committee who organised the day – and praised George Malsbury for a video about his career which was put out in the days before the match.
After the match Charman
could reflect on what retirement meant for him.
“Even two hours after the game, there was still about 150 people in the clubhouse,” he said.
"So many people hung around afterwards, "It was a very touching day.”