MX23RW : Saturday, December 8 07:12:07

Darren Pitcher dies aged 49

Pitcher joined the Addicks at 13.

Former Charlton midfielder Darren Pitcher has died aged 49, the League One club said on Monday.

Pitcher came through the club's youth ranks, joining them at 13, and went on to make 214 appearances, scoring 12 goals before joining Crystal Palace in 1994.

The midfielder was part of the Charlton team which returned to their home stadium at The Valley on December 5, 1992, and helped set up the goal in the 1-0 win over Portsmouth.

Pitcher moved across south London to Palace and the Eagles went on to reach the semi-finals of both the League Cup and FA Cup in his first season.

The midfielder, though, saw his playing career eventually come to a premature end in the wake of a serious knee injury suffered against Huddersfield following a challenge from Paul Reid during a First Division match on August 31, 1996.

Pitcher had a brief spell with Leyton Orient during 1998, but never played professionally again afterwards.

In 2001, Pitcher lost his case of alleged negligence against Huddersfield at the High Court, in which he was seeking damages of more than £1million.

Since leaving professional football, Pitcher had been working in the building trade.

Charlton historian Colin Cameron had reflected on Pitcher's time with the Addicks in his book 'Valiant 500'. He wrote: "What was admirable about Pitcher was his attitude, patience and determination to improve his game."

Pitcher made 83 appearances for Palace, scoring two goals before his retirement, including a long-range effort in the 1994-95 FA Cup quarter-final win over Wolves.

"Crystal Palace are saddened to hear of the passing of former midfielder Darren Pitcher at the age of 49," the Eagles said on their official website.

"Everyone at the club would like to pass on their condolences to Darren's family and friends."


Click here for more stories about Charlton Athletic

Share this article now:
Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov
Read Next:
Usmanov considering bid for Charlton?
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Premier League
Championship
Scottish Premiership
La Liga
Bundesliga
Serie A
Ligue 1
Eredivisie
Primeira Liga
Russian Premier League
Belgian Pro League
League One
League Two
National League
Scottish Championship
Scottish League One
Scottish League Two
NIFL Premiership
Argentine Primera Division
Major League Soccer
Segunda Division
2.Bundesliga
Serie B
Greek Superleague
Swiss Super League
Turkish Super Lig
Ukrainian Premier League
Australian A-League
Indian I-League
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Portsmouth19135132151744
2Sunderland19117139182140
3Luton TownLuton20116337181939
4Peterborough UnitedPeterborough20115436241238
5Charlton AthleticCharlton1910453122934
6Barnsley1996431171433
7Doncaster RoversDoncaster209563026432
8Blackpool198742318531
9Coventry CityCoventry208572123-229
10Wycombe WanderersWycombe207762928128
11Accrington StanleyAccrington207762224-228
12Fleetwood Town207672821727
13Walsall207672128-727
14Southend UnitedSouthend2082102526-126
15Shrewsbury TownShrewsbury206682325-224
16Burton Albion197392427-324
17Rochdale206592738-1123
18Gillingham2063112934-521
19Oxford UnitedOxford Utd205692531-621
20Scunthorpe UnitedScunthorpe205692942-1321
21Bristol Rovers2045111721-417
22Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2044122137-1616
23AFC Wimbledon2042141430-1614
24Bradford CityBradford2042141536-2114

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account