The Valley - Charlton Athletic FC

After leading a nomadic existence for many years, in 1919 Charlton Athletic Football Club bought an abandoned chalk-pit. Their fans dug out a football pitch and used the spoil to create banks from which to watch the games, forming a unique bond between The Valley and Charlton's fans. Of all the London clubs, Charlton is the one with the most truly local support - although it's history has been turbulent. For many years, the Valley was the largest league ground in London, with a capacity of up to 75,000. But Charlton's absence from the top flight meant less funds for much-needed renovations - and then bankruptcy in the 80s. The Addicks were again forced into ground shares with both Crystal Palace (Selhurst Park) and West Ham (Upton Park) until 1992, when the club moved back into a newly constructed stadium dubbed the new Valley. Since the early 90s, the capacity has grown from 15,000 to 27,000 - although the club's relegation from the Premier League in 2007 and from the Championship two years later has put plans for a 40,000-capacity expansion firmly on hold.