Nineteen years might seem like a lifetime in football, but for Charlton Athletic fans and Premier League purists, Shaun Bartlett‘s breathtaking volley against Leicester City remains as vivid as if it were scored yesterday. This wasn’t just a goal; it was a moment of technical perfection that transcended the game, a strike so pure it was crowned the Premier League’s Goal of the Season and continues to be a benchmark for brilliance. As Charlton’s social media runs a poll for the club’s greatest-ever goal, Bartlett’s masterpiece rightly finds itself in the final four, a testament to its enduring legacy. At Crickex, we delve into the story behind the strike, the man who made it, and his journey from Premier League hero to coaching in South Africa.
The Strike That Defied Physics and Expectation
There are volleys, and then there is Shaun Bartlett‘s volley. The sequence was deceptively simple: a ball looped into the left channel, dropping over Bartlett’s shoulder. What happened next was anything but simple. The South African striker connected with a ferocious, first-time effort that arrowed into the far corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Simon Royce rooted to the spot and defender Gary Rowett in a state of disbelief.
Speaking exclusively to Crickex, Bartlett reflects on that iconic moment with a mix of pride and humility. “People still remember it,” he says. “You cannot exactly run away from it, but it is a great feeling.” When asked about his thought process, Bartlett reveals the instinctual nature of the goal. “My first thought was to strike it and see what happens. You have to go with your first thought. Do not hesitate or doubt yourself. Nine times out of ten, that would hit someone behind the goal, but this time it came off perfectly—the contact, the power, and the direction.”
More Than Just Luck: The Training Ground Mastery
To dismiss this goal as a fluke would be a grave injustice. Bartlett is quick to point out that this was the culmination of meticulous preparation. “It was the culmination of what we had done that week,” he explains. “Keith Peacock was the assistant manager at the time, and he used to do a lot of training with us specifically on technique and movement, certain patterns that would help the team. It was no coincidence me peeling away from the defender.”
Upon review, the intelligence of the movement becomes clear. Bartlett expertly created a yard of space, a subtle shift that neither Rowett nor Royce anticipated. The result was a goal that felt both spontaneous and rehearsed—a perfect marriage of instinct and coaching. Bartlett, with a laugh, admits that the goal became a recurring topic with his future Charlton teammates Rowett and Royce. “Over and over,” he says. “It never stopped.”
The Charlton Era: A Golden Period
Bartlett‘s time at Charlton Athletic spanned six seasons, coinciding with the club’s most successful and stable period in the Premier League under the astute management of Alan Curbishley. His impact was immediate and profound. On his home debut, he announced himself by scoring twice in a thrilling 3-3 comeback draw against the mighty Manchester United.
Image: Bartlett announced his arrival at The Valley with a brace against Manchester United on his home debut.
Reflecting on those early days, Bartlett highlights the immense challenge of adapting to English football. “I had only been with the club a few weeks, and I was thrown in at the deep end. What surprised me was the pace of the Premier League. It was 100 miles an hour, non-stop action. It took me around three months to get used to it.” Having compatriot Mark Fish at the club proved invaluable, helping him settle faster during those initial, demanding months.
From Premier League Hero to Coaching Visionary
Now 47, Shaun Bartlett has seamlessly transitioned from the pitch to the dugout. He is currently the assistant manager at Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s most prestigious clubs, where he is applying the lessons learned from his time in England. “Working with strikers is my bread and butter; I know how to get the best from them,” he states with the confidence of a seasoned expert.
His coaching journey required dedication. He obtained his coaching badges through the English FA, a process that involved significant travel between South Africa and the UK. “I got my A Licence in 2014, three days before my first game as a head coach,” he recalls. His first managerial role was a resounding success, guiding Golden Arrows to promotion at the first attempt.
Ambitions for a European Return
While his focus is currently on leading Kaizer Chiefs to their first league title in five years, Bartlett‘s ambitions stretch back to Europe. The professionalism of English football left an indelible mark on him. “Just as with my playing career, I have always wanted to be in the UK… my time there was a massive influence on me in terms of the professionalism on and off the field.” He believes it is all about “the right person, the right club, the right contact,” but his desire to return to European coaching is a burning ambition. His son, Tyrique, who had a spell at Newcastle, also shares dreams of forging a career in Europe.
Shaun Bartlett’s Iconic Volley: A Premier League Moment Etched in Time
From that unforgettable strike at the Valley to his current role shaping the next generation of talent, Shaun Bartlett’s story is one of passion, adaptation, and an unwavering love for the game. His goal against Leicester was more than just a moment of individual brilliance; it was a symbol of what can be achieved through instinct, practice, and sheer audacity. For any aspiring striker or coach, it remains the ultimate tutorial.
Here at Crickex, we love hearing from football fans across the globe. What is your favourite Premier League goal of all time? Was Bartlett’s volley the best you’ve seen? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments section below and be sure to explore our other in-depth tactical analyses and player profiles.
