Charlton Athletic

Charlton manager Nathan Jones was proud of his players as they climbed further clear of danger with a huge win at Middlesbrough.

Conor Coady's first goal for the club was enough for three points and a dogged rearguard display pleased Jones.

He told BBC London: "It is all about the result for us at this point. To come to one of the best teams in the division and put in that level of performance, I'm pleased. Every time we had the ball we gave it away so we were better off without it.

"They have wonderful players, they will get promoted I am sure but my players did me proud. You saw a group wanting to defend and doing the basics well. It's such an important part of the season to get back-to-back wins. It is a monster of a league."

Image source, Opta

Middlesbrough will seek to keep the pressure on Championship leaders Coventry when they host Charlton on Wednesday night (19:45 GMT).

After the Sky Blues went eight-points clear courtesy of a 2-0 win at Bristol City on Saturday, Boro reduced the gap to five points with a 4-0 win at QPR on Sunday, their eighth win in 11 games, from which they have earned 26 points.

Charlton are 18th but overcame Birmingham by the only goal at The Valley on Saturday to move nine points clear of the relegation zone and have lost just one of their past five away games.

• Middlesbrough have lost just one of their past 13 league games against Charlton (W10 D2), winning the past three in a row.

• Charlton have won just one of their past 17 away league games against Middlesbrough (D6 L10), and are winless in six visits since a 3-0 win in August 2005.

• Middlesbrough are unbeaten in their past five home league games (W3 D2), conceding just one goal in that run.

• Charlton have won just one of their past 12 away league games (D5 L6), beating Leicester 2-0 at the end of January.

• Middlesbrough's Morgan Whittaker has scored in each of his past three league games against Charlton, though all of these have come away from home.

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Shutterstock

By the time Oxford United's win at Preston North End on Friday trimmed Charlton Athletic's cushion over the relegation zone to six points, there was already a nervous tinge to the weekend.

Yet, a bright red robin in my garden on match morning hinted at better omens - and so it proved at The Valley.

Nathan Jones had urged focus on Charlton's own business, rather than the league table, and his side did exactly that.

Birmingham City tried to unsettle the Addicks by switching ends before kick‑off, but the ploy backfired spectacularly when Charlie Kelman fired home to seal a huge 1–0 victory.

It had only been four minutes since he had entered the field of play - bish, bash, bosh.

Charlton's backline was immense as they conducted a disciplined, full‑blooded defensive performance to ensure the club's 12th clean sheet of the campaign.

Injuries to Reece Burke and Collins Sichenje had forced a reshuffle, but the likes of Lloyd Jones (pictured above) rose to the occasion, adding another towering display worthy of his third consecutive player of the month award while behind them Will Mannion commanded his box with assurance.

The Blues' squad is packed with quality, boasting the likes of Demarai Gray and Jay Stansfield, but were reduced to a single effort on target as manager Chris Davies cut a subdued figure on his 100th game in charge.

For a side that stormed League One with 111 points last season and recently put together an eight-match unbeaten league run, this was a firm reminder that Charlton can go toe-to-toe with quality Championship teams.

The win underlines the resilience and unity shaping Jones' side and, more importantly, puts the Addicks nine points clear of danger.

Our manager was drained after the game and so was I, along with all Charlton connections. However, I could go into the evening with renewed vigour and post-match jubilation.

A midweek trip to high‑flying Middlesbrough now awaits and their 4-0 away win at Queens Park Rangers looks ominous for us, but this victory felt like a statement: Charlton are here to compete, and they're doing it with nerve, graft, and belief.

Charlton boss Nathan Jones says his side will not relax despite moving nine points clear of the relegation zone in the Championship after their 1-0 win over Birmingham City.

The Addicks clinched victory thanks to Charlie Kelman's fifth goal of the season with 16 minutes remaining at The Valley.

"It was a huge win. We backed up the level of performance from last week against a really good side.

"When you look at where we both were last year - the level of play - I think we've closed that gap.

"A little bit more clinical finishing and we could've won two or three.

"Every win is massive in this league and this stage of the season. I felt it was thoroughly deserved.

Despite the sizable cushion to the bottom three, Jones says they do not feel safe yet.

"I don't think we're close [to safety]. You won't feel that way until it is mathematical. That wasn't our goal after the first 15 games. We didn't expect to be in this position.

"We picked up injuries at the wrong time but now we're coming through that.

"The performance levels have been good lately, we haven't lost many.

"Could we have won a few more? Yeah. Have we let ourselves down with one or two performances? Yeah. But we are fighting and competing at this level, it's only our first year back."

Charlton remain worryingly close to the Championship's relegation zone with only seven points separating them from the bottom three.

Birmingham have suffered successive defeats to halt their charge towards the play-off places and are looking to bounce back in a match between two clubs promoted from League One last season.

• Charlton are looking for consecutive home league wins against Birmingham for the first time since beating them in 2004-05 and 2005-06 in the Premier League.

• Only one of the past 14 league meetings between Charlton and Birmingham has seen more than two goals scored, a 2-1 Addicks win in April 2016.

• Charlton have lost 11 of their past 21 league games (W4 D6) – since the start of this run on 8 November, only Sheffield Wednesday (18) and West Brom (12) have lost more Championship games.

• Birmingham City have lost their past two Championship matches but have not lost three league games in a row under manager Chris Davies before. The Blues last had a longer losing run in March 2024 (four defeats).

• Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has only won two of his nine league games against Birmingham City as a manager (D3 L4), 1-0 wins with Luton in February 2021 and the Addicks in October 2024.

Image source, Shutterstock

Earlier we asked what you make of the news that, from next season, the Championship play-offs will be expanded to include the teams finishing seventh and eighth?

It was announced on Thursday morning that EFL clubs voted in favour of expanding the play-offs from four to six teams.

Here's a selection of your comments...

Josh, Derby: I don't believe this is necessary. I do think that the play-off format should be aligned throughout the top five leagues, but expanding isn't needed. Better distribution of the monies involved and establishing a clear matchday structure to balance various men's and women's leagues would be a better use of everyone's time. This strikes me undue American influence.

Callum, Dartford: I think it's a good thing so teams can push for promotion that thought they wouldn't get near the play-offs.

Cato, Sheffield: If we adopted it to this season, it means that eighth-placed Derby (on 51 points) have about as much a chance of going up as third-placed Millwall (on 63 points). Plus, to accommodate the extra games, would they extend the season into June? I don't like the idea of it at all, and I hope it's short-lived.

Steve, London: Another example of football being ruined, week by week. Don't you dare think about implementing VAR too.

Mark, Stafford: As a Stoke fan, I think it's good news. The season has come to a grinding halt due to being decimated by injuries. Add to that, the quality of what is coming down from the Premier League, it would mean upsets can happen and still allow teams in that mid-table race to dream of greater heights!

Richard, Stansted: Absolutely ridiculous. What is the point of a league format if you are going to make it a bigger lottery to include even more teams at the end of the season? It also brings teams that are even less ready to actually be in the Premier League into scope. But mostly it's the undermining of the league format which makes no sense. I'm a Derby fan - and we look like we would have a chance of benefiting from this if it were in place this season.

Andy, Nuneaton: Anything that expands the opportunities for those outside of the parachute teams is a good thing. We need to get away from this elite view of the Premier League. If it was up to them, they'd stop automatic promotion and relegation and have a system like Rugby Union, where it's based on meeting certain criteria. The eighth-placed club in the Championship getting to the PL? Bring it on!

Ron, Hayling: Money, Money, Money. Players complain about the amount of games they play with the league games and cup competitions so the intention is to play even more at the end of the season. Owners will make some money but that's all that matters!

Barry, Dartford: Yes it's a fantastic for everyone, all the small teams as well as the big boys, to have something to play for. It will give the end of the season something to look forward to.

Benjamin, Poole: I'm a Charlton fan, so it's unlikely we'll come 8th in the Championship any time soon, however, this is ridiculous. More pandering to Americans to make it more likely they'll make money, which is the only thing they care about. Sporting integrity out of the window again. Shame as I felt the Championship was the last bastion of quality and integrity combined. Game has gone.

Broughton, Derby: Absolute ridiculous, put it back to the old days of three straight up, no play-offs. If you don't make top-three you don't deserve to go up.

Julian, London: The worst decision from a footballing point of view ever! The National League teams have been trying to change their system to be like the current EFL system so it seems a very strange decision for the EFL to take. You can finish 8th after 46 games and still get promoted - sporting integrity has been totally lost with this decision. Money over integrity every time!

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Shutterstock

Charlton Athletic's 1-0 defeat by Wrexham was not about effort or attitude.

The performance and work rate could not be faulted. What hurt most was the lack of composure and quality in front of goal — the inability to be more clinical when chances came our way.

Let's take four moments that defined the afternoon.

In the 20th minute, Luke Berry, found by Tyreece Campbell, hesitated just long enough for Issa Kabore to close him down. A lighter touch and quicker release, and it would likely have been a goal.

Then came Harry Clarke who, having already missed a big chance against Portsmouth, again failed to connect cleanly after stealing in front of his marker - simple technique letting him down.

Next, Campbell's header from Lyndon Dykes' inviting cross. He is not known for his aerial threat, and this was another example where good technique and calmness could have made the difference.

The final moment, by contrast, came from Sonny Carey. His positioning, composure and crisp strike ticked all the right boxes, and only a superb save from Arthur Okonkwo denied him. Carey, our top scorer with eight this season, is the example others should study.

Being clinical is not just about power; it is about technique, decision-making, precision and mentality under pressure. Too often on Saturday, those elements were not aligned.

Clarke snatched at his chance, Berry over-touched before shooting, while Campbell needed more control with his header. These are fine margins, but decisive ones.

To sharpen that edge, confidence and calmness must be paired with constant practice — rehearsing finishes when fatigued, working on weaker-foot strikes and expecting to score. That mindset separates the ruthless from the wasteful.

Against Wrexham, all other aspects of Charlton's display were promising - but until finishing improves, those efforts will count for little.

Let's hope the lesson lands quickly, starting with Birmingham City on Saturday.

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones said his team dominated Wrexham despite losing to the Welsh side at The Valley in the Championship on Saturday.

Jones told BBC Radio London: "The level of performance was outstanding, but how we haven't scored three or four, I don't know.

"It was a dominant performance, and I thought we were excellent, how we moved the ball and limited them just to counter-attacks, bearing in mind they've got some very, very good players.

"If we're going to win games and punish teams we have to take chances. They weren't just half-chances, they were clear.

"Bezza's [Luke Berry's] chance is unbelievable. I expect him to score that, because that's the player he is. Harry Clarke's chance is gilt-edged, TC [Tyreece Campbell] has a chance first half, Miles [Leaburn] has a chance second half, Collins [Sichenje], and from Sonny Carey the keeper makes an unbelievable save at the end.

"The stats say we only had 12 shots, but I don't believe that - a more dominant display I don't think you'll see."

Image source, Coventry City FC

You might not hear the old terrace refrain of 'you're not fit to wear the shirt' as often as you used to, but it still has a better ring than 'the shirt's not fit for you to wear'.

Championship leaders Coventry City launched a new collection on Friday, proudly taking inspiration from a kit widely dubbed the 'Worst of All Time'.

A take on the club's infamous brown change strip worn away from Highfield Road from 1978 to 1981, the modern reinvention features what the club calls "a deeper chocolate plum colour with sky blue elements".

Many would suggest it sounds tastier than it looks.

But it's got us thinking... what are actually the worst EFL kits of all time? Let us know which of your club's shirts is hiding in the back of the wardrobe, or even if they were too ugly for you to even part money for them.

We'll collate a list of the biggest eyesores and will give you the chance to vote on the ghastliest of all next week.

Click here to let us know your suggestion, and you can even attach a picture if you really want to convey the horror.

Image source, Getty Images

Phil Parkinson is relishing the prospect of facing his former club Charlton Athletic once again as Wrexham bid to maintain their impressive away run.

The Red Dragons are unbeaten in their past five Championship matches on the road and have claimed more points (26) than any other team in the division since Christmas.

"We've always had competitive games with Charlton over the last couple of years, both home and away," said Parkinson.

"It's a great stadium, especially when there's 20,000 plus in there.

"We went down there in the league last year and it was a great atmosphere and it's going to be a really good game."

Having won the reverse fixture 1-0 at Stok Cae Ras in November courtesy of a late Josh Windass penalty, Parkinson's men have the opportunity to claim a first league double of the season when they face Nathan Jones' men at The Valley on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

"They had a dip after a very strong start and they've picked up again recently," Parkinson said of the Addicks.

"Like all of Nathan's teams, they're very hard-working, very organised and are showing all of the qualities you need to be a Championship team."

Image source, Getty Images

The Red Dragons secured a famous 3-0 win over Jones' side to seal automatic promotion from League One in April last year.

And ahead of the meeting between the sides in the English capital this weekend, Parkinson stated he is hoping to create similar memories during his time as Wrexham manager.

"It's one of the most incredible days in my memory as a player or as a manager," said Parkinson.

"Just everything about that day was incredible in terms of the game in the lunchtime kick-off, the atmosphere in the ground, the celebrations after, we'll never forget that day."

He added: "The drama, the tension, the performance of the group - when it mattered most, we put in one of our best performances of the season.

"We can enjoy those memories, but this season it's now seeing if we can we create some more."

This is only the eighth time Charlton Athletic have played a home league game against Wrexham.

The Addicks have only won two of their past six league matches at The Valley.

Wrexham have won their past two league games and are hoping to make it three in a row for only the second time this season having climbed up to sixth in the table.

• Charlton have lost just one of their seven home league games against Wrexham (W2 D4). Their 2-2 draw in League One last season is the only time they have hosted the Welsh side this century.

• Following their 1-0 win in November, Wrexham are looking to complete the league double over Charlton for the second time after 1979-80.

• Charlton have not scored more than once in any of their past 11 home league games, though they have only failed to score on one occasion in that run. They last netted multiple home goals against Sheffield Wednesday in October (2-1).

• Wrexham have won four of their five away league games so far in 2026 (D1), having been winless in their final eight on the road in 2025 (D5 L3).

• Josh Windass is Wrexham's top scorer in away league games this season with five goals, though four of these came in his first five trips this term (one in his last nine).

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Shutterstock

For the second time this season, Charlton Athletic have sparked a Championship sacking.

The ignominy of not beating us led to Eric Ramsay, head coach of West Bromwich Albion, depart from his post after just 44 days and eight league games, returning a 0% win rate.

The same fate occurred to Gary Rowett who was sacked not long after his Oxford United side lost 1-0 at the Valley back in December.

The Addicks were poor to be fair, but Albion did not capitalise and were profligate in open play.

Ramsay talked a good game, full of the right psychological soundbites, but the Championship is an unforgiving place for on-the job apprenticeships.

After an uncharacteristic defensive error allowed the Baggies the lead before half-time from a corner, it gave the beleaguered Championship rookie boss some false hope.

It was another Ramsay (Kayne) who ended the suffering for his namesake by setting up Lyndon Dykes with a lovely through-ball.

Dykes crafted a good first touch before showing Albion what cool, composed finishing is all about by nutmegging goalkeeper Max O'Leary.

Jed Wallace's pre-match plea for WBA players to "look at themselves" came too late. No league wins under Ramsay tells its own story.

The boos at full‑time were followed by a predictably brief club statement about the head coach's departure.

West Brom's owners will now search for yet another reboot, hoping to spark a revival before it's too late.

For Charlton, though, this point matters. While the performance disappointed, the result kept a useful seven‑point gap intact after two challenging away trips.

Lloyd Jones' injury is a worry ahead of Wrexham at The Valley, but Dykes's deft piece of footwork - his second goal in red - offered both relief and a slice of momentum.

The Addicks' pattern this season has been maddening inconsistency.

Recently we struggled at Millwall but impressed against Leicester, QPR and Stoke. Fell short at home to Portsmouth, showed resilience at Southampton and delivered another uneven display at The Hawthorns.

But grinding out something when playing poorly is often the mark of progress.

Albion, meanwhile, seem trapped between heritage and drift - a proud club unsure of its direction.

The Hawthorns, the Football League's highest ground above sea level, felt heavy with resignation as the Ramsay era ended after just over six weeks.

Charlton headed back down south with perspective and a point.

Next up, two home games against Wrexham and Birmingham City respectively, who are both considerably richer than us.

Charlton Athletic striker Lyndon Dykes says he is "really enjoying" his time at the club since joining them in January.

The Scotland international left Birmingham City for the Addicks in last month's transfer window and scored his second goal for the London-based side in their 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday.

George Campbell nodded Albion in front from Alex Mowatt's corner in first-half stoppage time, but Dykes raced on to Kayne Ramsay's pass in the 70th minute and slotted the ball between Max O'Leary's legs to secure Charlton a point.

"In the end, a good point," Dykes told BBC Radio London.

"I think the game itself was a bit scrappy, especially first half. We didn't show our full capability, but at the end of the day, we take the point.

"It was a good, better performance second-half and we threatened a bit more and looked a bit more like ourselves, so we have to take the point and then we move on.

On his goal: "It was a great ball from Kano [Kayne Ramsay], great movement. Just wanted to hit it low and was really happy to see it hit the back of the net because we needed it as a team.

"I think it lifted us a little bit and obviously for myself. I'm really enjoying it here and I'm feeling good, especially in front of goal."

West Bromwich Albion can avoid a potential drop into the bottom three if they win Charlton Athletic at the Hawthorns on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).

The West Midlands side, who have yet to win under boss Eric Ramsay, may be at risk of entering the relegation zone should Leicester pick up all three point at Middlesbrough.

However, visitors Charlton will also be keen on ascending up the table, with a victory possibly taking them 10 points clear of relegation.

• West Brom have won just one of their last five home league games against Charlton (D1 L3), though this is the first time they've hosted them since a 2-2 draw in October 2019.

• Following their 1-0 win in November, Charlton are looking to complete the league double over West Brom for just the third time after 2002-03 and 1936-37.

• West Brom have won nine of their last 13 home league games against promoted sides (D2 L2), though failed to beat Birmingham in their only such game this season (1-1).

• West Brom have won just one of their last 12 midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) league matches (D3 L8), beating Norwich 1-0 in October.

• Charlton have lost four of their last six midweek (Tues, Weds, Thurs) league games (W1 D1), with their one win in this run coming against Stoke earlier this month.

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Shutterstock

Up against a team brimming with confidence after that incredible comeback at Leicester City and a cup win over the same opponent, Charlton Athletic knew this would be a stern test at Southampton.

After the Portsmouth disappointment, a draw at St Mary's felt deeply satisfying.

When I saw Nathan Jones' defensive line-up, featuring new signing Collins Sichenje, I felt a renewed sense of confidence – and by full-time, it was justified.

We kept the Saints largely at bay, which is no small feat.

Let's be honest, in pure footballing terms, Southampton are the superior side.

But if you play to your strengths – in our case, organisation and discipline – you can get your reward.

After going behind, the equaliser was the product of cohesive team play, with Amari'i Bell, Greg Docherty and Sonny Carey providing the vital ingredients.

Jones had promised his team would be better prepared for Southampton's threats, and so it proved.

Did they truly trouble our goalkeeper, Thomas Kaminski? Hardly.

Credit to Charlton for that — and for returning unbeaten from trips to all three clubs relegated from the Premier League last season, with two wins and a draw.

Given the November mauling at The Valley by these opponents, few expected much this time. But a disciplined, composed display prevented any repeat.

Hats off to Jones, his staff and players for delivering that response.

Character defines this Charlton side. After a strong defensive first-half showing, concentration levels dipped after the break and we conceded.

Yet Charlton showed resilience to fight back.

Carey, fast becoming a player of the season contender, delivered once more.

As the minutes ticked toward 100, the team held firm against Southampton's late pressure.

For Jones himself — having faced former clubs Stoke City and Southampton in quick succession — a win and a draw represent quiet satisfaction.

Elsewhere, though Blackburn Rovers' late winner on Friday evening stung, results were kinder overall.

Leicester were pegged back by Stoke, maintaining our seven-point cushion, while Coventry City's defeat of West Bromwich Albion sets up a massive six-pointer on Tuesday.

The one time you want Millwall to win, they didn't [3-1 loss to Portsmouth] - typical!

Hitting 40 points feels like a milestone. Now the target is clear: 50. Three wins and a draw from 13 games — come on, you Addicks!

Image source, Getty Images

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones felt his side were "very good defensively" in their draw with Southampton.

The Addicks went behind to a Ross Stewart header after the break but were able to rescue a point thanks to a Sonny Carey goal.

After 90 minutes with the score still level, 10 minutes of added time were played and Saints really pushed Charlton, but Jones' backline stood firm and were able to leave the south coast with a point.

"Southampton are a really good side at the level," Jones said after the game. "And after what they did to us at home when we were too open and gave up too many clear-cut chances, we knew we couldn't do that - and we didn't.

"I thought we were really good defensively, very disciplined but we could have had a little bit more quality in transition and built a little bit more.

"Every time we did build, or every time we secured the first or second pass, we actually got in, so I would have liked this to have been a little bit more. But on the scale of stuff, it's a good point."

Charlton are next in action when they play Championship strugglers West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday.