From the late 1950s until the early 1970s, Charlton remained a mainstay of the Second Division. The Valley was the largest football ground in the League, drawing crowds in excess of 70,000. Relegation to the Third Division in 1972 caused the team's support to drop, and even a short-lived promotion in 1975 did little to re-invigorate the team's support and finances.
From the late 1970s, Charlton played at [Crystal Palace FC]?'s football ground, as the team's financial situation prevented much-needed refurbishment of The Valley. Winning promotion to the First Division in 1986 did little to aid the failing club.
In 1990, the club again faced relegation. That same year, club supporters formed their own political party in response to Greenwich Council's refusal to allow the proposed stadium refurbishment. The Valley Party won 15,000 votes and was able to force through plans to renovate The Valley.
The next year, Charlton left Selhurst Park for [West Ham United F.C.]?'s ground, Upton Park. In 1992, they returned to a new and improved Valley. Under the leadership of manager Alan Curbishley, Charlton returned to the First Division (by now the Premiership) in 1998, only to be relegated again on the last day of the season. They returned to the Premiership in 2000, where, despite a long run of injuries to key players, they look likely to remain for some time.
Charlton's fans are known as The Addicks. Among the theories on the etymology of the name are that 1) many original supporters worked in the fish markets, and Addicks comes from Haddocks; or, 2) it's a southeast London form of Addict. The team's home kit is red, and they always come onto the pitch at The Valley to the tune of "When the Red, Red Robin Goes Bob-, bob- bobbin' along."
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