D'YA THINK IT WILL BE LIKE THIS FOR OUR VISIT?

Last updated : 20 December 2002 By Editor

Charlton Athletic are to send a dozen of their own stewards to Saturday's match at Birmingham City after learning there would be no police in attendance at St Andrews.

Club officials were extremely concerned to learn that no officers will be on duty inside or immediately outside the ground.

There was serious trouble when the two teams met in similar circumstances at St Andrews in 1996.

Supporters' coaches were stoned by home fans as they left the area and police had to be summoned to disperse the hooligans.

Around 1,000 Charlton fans are expected at St Andrews this weekend.

Charlton operations director Mick Everett said: "We have sought and received permission from Birmingham for our own stewards to accompany our fans into the ground.

"However, the situation remains of concern to us and we would advise all our fans travelling to Birmingham to proceed with extreme caution."

The stewards will travel aboard Charlton Athletic Supporters' Club coaches and escort fans to and from the vehicles.