Alan Curbishley was left to reflect on what might have been after Charlton's Premiership derby against West Ham at The Valley was called off just an hour before kick-off. Pitch covers were removed as late as possible, but further heavy rain saw referee Eddie Wolstenholme rule the pitch unplayable at 2pm.
Charlton boss Curbishley, speaking to the club's official website, www.charlton-athletic.co.uk, said: "I am disappointed for the fans, because this is one of the games everyone looks forward to. It was a difficult decision for the referee and his problem was that it just would not stop raining. If it had stopped then I think the chances are that the game would have gone ahead, but then it threw it down just as the ref was making his decision."
He continued: "We would have liked to have played the game now because we are on a good run and things could be different when it is rearranged. The turnstiles had already been opened because of concerns about the safety of delaying admission to the ground further, but all tickets will be valid for the rearranged game."
Referee Wolstenholme added: "The last thing I wanted to do was call the game off, and I've given it every chance. The groundstaff have been doing a great job getting rid of the surface water, but it was being replaced just as quickly, and the forecast was for the rain to continue. It got to the stage at around 2pm where we couldn't wait any longer."
Earlier, Fulham's home clash with West Brom at Loftus Road also fell victim to the weather.
Filed by Shane Murray
