Open season at The Valley

Ever wondered how your Charlton heroes prepare for a big match? Now supporters can take advantage of an amazing opportunity on the eve of the new Championship season as manager Alan Pardew opens the Valley doors on Friday, August 1st.

Alan Pardew carried out a training session behind closed doors at The Valley - prior to the start of the season, fans will be able to see a real one for free in SE7

The Addicks first-team squad will be put through their paces during a training session at the famous SE7 venue ahead of the sole home friendly a day later - and fans can get a unique insight into the Charlton bubble courtesy of the boss himself.

Not only will Charlton chief Pardew have a whistle, he will also have a microphone, and supporters can watch and listen at The Valley completely free of charge as the manager continues to formulate his plans for a Premier League push.

The Valley doors will open at 10am, and between 11am and 1pm the players will undergo a normal pre-match training session before the gaze of the Charlton faithful.

Fans will be able to take an exclusive look first hand at new signings Mark Hudson and Stuart Fleetwood and assess how the class of 2008/09 is shaping up ahead of a critical campaign.

From stretching, sprinting and shooting practice to keep-ball and head-tennis, nothing is off limits on what's sure to be an unforgettable day.

And, aside from watching the players, those in attendance can also get an idea what makes Pardew and his coaching team tick as fans listen to his instructions over the PA system.

There is no hiding place for the players either, with, for the first time, their every move during training scrutinised by their adoring public.

Needless to say, none of the Addicks stars will want to be bringing up the rear in the running or they might just have to drop and give Pardew - and the fans - 20 press-ups!

In addition, fans might catch a glimpse of some new set-piece routines being practised - and then get to see them executed a day later or in first-team matches throughout the season.

Tactics will be discussed and positions possibly trialled, and there may even be an impromptu penalty shoot-out, a crossbar challenge or a match pitting the 'oldies' against the 'young 'uns', while the dreaded ice-baths may make an appearance.

As if all that wasn't enough, members of the first-team squad will also be available to sign autographs in the Valley Superstore following the climax of the training session.

The lower west-stand turnstiles will be thrown open for this unique event at 10am, with fans gaining admittance completely free of charge. Training will kick off an hour later at 11am.

Refreshments will be available on the lower west-stand concourse, Bartram's will serve food and drink, and as well as meeting their heroes in the Valley Superstore, supporters will be able to purchase the brand new home shirt - and customise it with the odd famous signature or two.

The same day, of course, sees the final day of Charlton's pioneering free season-ticket offerthat means supporters who purchase their seat before the deadline will receive the same Premier League place in 2009/10 completely free of charge should the Addicks gain promotion to the top flight.

More details on the open training session, including Pardew's thoughts on the idea, will be revealed in the near future, so keep checking www.cafc.co.uk.