1997–98 Charlton Athletic F.C. season

The 1997–98 season was Charlton's best campaign for years. They reached the Division One play-off final and battled against Sunderland in a thrilling game which ended with a 4–4 draw after extra time. Charlton won 7–6 on penalties,^[1] with the match described as "arguably the most dramatic game of football in Wembley's history".^[2] With five minutes of normal time remaining, Charlton were losing 3–2 before Richard Rufus scored his first ever senior goal from a corner, forcing the game into extra-time. After the resulting 4–4 draw, the Addicks went on to win the game 7–6 on penalties, thus gaining promotion into the Premier League.^[3]

Charlton Athletic's score comes first^[4]

Squad at end of season^[5]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player — GK  AUS Andy Petterson — GK  YUG Saša Ilić[notes 1] — GK  ENG Mike Salmon — DF  ENG Richard Rufus — DF  WAL Mark Bowen — DF  ENG Phil Chapple — DF  ENG Steve Brown — DF  ENG Anthony Barness — DF  SCO Stuart Balmer — DF  ENG Danny Mills — DF  ENG Eddie Youds — DF  ENG Paul Konchesky — DF  ENG Jamie Stuart — DF  ENG David Kerslake (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur) — DF  ENG Jason Tindall — DF  ENG Anthony Allman

No. Pos. Nation Player — MF  IRL Mark Kinsella — MF  ENG Keith Jones — MF  WAL John Robinson[notes 2] — MF  ENG Shaun Newton — MF  ENG Matty Holmes — MF  ENG Paul Mortimer — MF  ENG Kevin Nicholls — MF  ENG Paul Emblen — MF  ENG Scott Parker — FW  ENG Clive Mendonca — FW  ENG Steve Jones — FW  ENG Mark Bright — FW  ENG Carl Leaburn — FW  ENG Bradley Allen — FW  ENG Neil Heaney (on loan from Manchester City) — FW  ENG Kevin Lisbie[notes 3]