Charlton Athletic’s owners must ensure that manager Nathan Jones can put together a stable group to generate momentum throughout the season.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Jones needs to shape Charlton’s squad in his image during the summer to avoid another disappointing season like the last.
- Charlton’s owners must back Jones in identifying the right players to build a settled squad, no more loan signings unless necessary.
- The team and fans need to move on from last season’s failure, focus on building optimism for a potential top six finish.
Charlton Athletic’s owners must allow Nathan Jones to mould the squad in his image during the summer transfer window to avoid a repeat of last season’s situation.
Charlton made 23 acquisitions during the 2023/24 season, resulting in their lowest league position in 98 years.
Only three of the 23 newcomers appeared in League One for at least 30 games, with only three more making more than 20. Four of the Addicks’ acquisitions left the club during the season.
| Charlton Athletic – 2023/24 signings that made over 20 League One appearances (Transfermarkt) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player Name | Signed From | Appearances |
| Alfie May | Cheltenham Town | 43 |
| Tennai Watson | MK Dons | 34 |
| Lloyd Jones | Cambridge United | 32 |
| Tayo Edun | Blackburn Rovers | 26 |
| Harry Isted | Luton Town | 21 |
| Louie Watson | Luton Town (loan) | 21 |
Charlton recruited eight players on loan throughout the season. Jones has declared that he will not bring in players on loan this summer unless the proper chance presents itself.
Only 11 of last season’s signings are under contract for the 2024/25 season, and a number of them may leave before the next season begins.
Charlton must have a more settled group next season, and their recruiting during the summer transfer window will be critical to achieving that.
Charlton must make the most of this summer.
Charlton’s owners have pledged their support for Jones this summer. It is critical that they pick the correct players and put together a group that will not need to be changed throughout the season.
The Addicks signed 11 players over the summer in preparation for the 2023/24 season. Twelve more signings were made throughout the season. To achieve success, Charlton must have a roster that requires minimal reinforcements throughout the season.
Jones, who joined the club in February and signed a four-and-a-half-year contract, stated that the forthcoming transfer window will be “one of our biggest summers” (London News Online).
It will be interesting to see who comes through the door at Sparrows Lane over the next few months, as Jones hopes to build a squad capable of playing Championship football in the future.
The Addicks must draw a line under their last season.
Charlton’s players and fans must put last season’s defeat behind them and focus on the new season. If Jones is able to sign the players he desires this summer, there will be reason to be optimistic in The Valley.
The present players, including January additions Conor Coventry, Rarmani Edmonds-Green, Macauley Gillesphey, Kayne Ramsay, and Thierry Small, have had a few months to adjust to Jones before a fresh start next season. It should also be noted that Charlton boast the division’s top scorer, Alfie May.
Jones had a points-per-game ratio of 1.38 in 16 League One games last season, which would have led to a top-half finish if maintained throughout. Charlton fans should be hoping that Jones, with his own group, will be able to push on and finish in the top six next season.
Jones’ most previous managerial position was in the Premier League with Southampton, and he was on track to finish in the Championship play-offs for the second time in a row with Luton. He is not a manager who will be satisfied in League One for long, and with the correct support from the fans and owners, he might secure a return to a level where he and Charlton believe they belong in the coming season.
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