Charlton Athletic

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Charlton's trip to the Potteries promised a flicker of renewed belief but ended in another night to forget.

A 3-0 defeat at Stoke City told its own story, though the script felt painfully familiar - defensive implosions, a couple of half-chances at best and that sinking certainty by half-time that it was all over again.

When the teamsheet dropped an hour before kick-off, optimism briefly returned. The reappearance of James Bree brought comfort, Lloyd Jones' recovery reassured and the experience of Luke Berry added belief.

Yet all those flickers of promise were snuffed out swiftly, undone by two goals in the first five minutes (why did I leave that nice, warm, cosy pub?) and a third that goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski really should have dealt with.

Captain Greg Docherty had spoken passionately after Saturday's 5-1 home humiliation by Southampton, promising the team would put things right at Stoke.

Those rallying cries rang hollow by the interval as Charlton again found themselves beaten in all the key moments.

Macaulay Gillesphey looked uncomfortable at this level, Docherty himself and Tyreece Campbell struggled to impose themselves and, as a side, Charlton offered very little offensively.

Two matches in a row have now slipped beyond reach before the break.

The challenge of a cold Tuesday night in Stoke was taken on by 919 of us. We sang and backed the team until the end - the one redeeming feature of a grim evening.

Nathan Jones has plenty of credit in the bank and deserved and received our appreciation at full-time, despite this latest horror show against one of his former clubs.

Football is supposed to be simple: focus, compete, show the basics. Right now Charlton look more than a little unwell and realistically the recovery can only probably begin after the might of Coventry City has been faced.

The need to start accruing points in December is obvious, because survival - staying up, pure and simple - is now the only aim I'm afraid.

"Coventry look like a team that are ready to go the season - but every team has a wobble."

Have the Sky Blues already got the Championship title in the bag? Is new Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg the right man for the job at Riverside Stadium? Is it time for Southampton and Tonda Eckert to make their partnership official?

The 72+ team are joined once again by Chelmsford City striker Lyle Taylor to discuss all of the latest news in the Championship - from Coventry's dominant 10-point lead to Charlton's defensive woes.

Listen to the full episode of 72+ and more on BBC Sounds.

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones says that his side "wasn't good enough" following their 3-0 defeat to Stoke City on Tuesday.

The Addicks were 2-0 down by the opening five minutes and were unable to pose any real threat to the hosts.

"We've come here looking to bounce back and that start has killed us because goals change games," Jones told BBC Radio London.

"It's very difficult to say I'm pleased about anything tonight because we have just lost 3-0 away from home.

"We were really open. We weren't at the levels we needed to be.

"The first was a stroke of good fortune and the second we feel is a foul and the third is a big error again. You have to defend it better.

"We have been stretched in recent weeks, injury-wise, but it wasn't good enough."

This is a first league meeting between and Stoke and Charlton for five years and Addicks' boss Nathan Jones will hope it goes better than his last encounter against another of his former clubs.

Charlton's 5-1 drubbing at home by Southampton on Saturday leaves them looking to avoid three successive league defeats.

A victory for Stoke and defeat for Middlesbrough against leaders Coventry would move the Potters into second place in the Championship.

• The home side has won each of the past four league meetings between Stoke and Charlton, with this the first since a 3-1 victory for the Potters in February 2020.

• Charlton have won just one of their past 13 away league games against Stoke (D2 L10), with that coming in their first ever visit to the bet365 Stadium in February 1998 (2-1).

• Stoke lost 1-0 in their last home league game against Coventry, last losing consecutive home matches in September 2024.

• Charlton's first six away league games this season followed a pattern of draw, loss, victory, draw, loss, victory. Their seventh game was a draw at Hull and then they lost at Wrexham in their eighth.

• Since winning their first meeting in October 2017 with Coventry (3-0 vs Luton), Stoke boss Mark Robins is winless in his past seven against Charlton's Nathan Jones (D3 L4), most recently a 2-2 draw in September 2022.

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It was all beautifully set up. When the fixtures were released in June, Nathan Jones must have circled this one - a home clash with the club that dismissed him after just three months in charge.

He's been open about how poorly he felt treated during his brief spell at St Mary's, and you sensed he'd have loved nothing more than to get one over on the Saints.

As it turned out, he was right to play down the narrative before kick-off. His patched-up defence took one almighty beating. The Southampton fans let him have it, taunting him relentlessly, but to his credit, Jones took it on the chin.

The signs were there early. A new interim manager bounce, two straight wins and, despite their wobbly start back in the Championship, Southampton's talent pool runs deep. In front of our biggest crowd of the season, they showed their class.

We, meanwhile, were threadbare at the back. James Bree, Amari'i Bell, Reece Burke and Josh Edwards — all out. Their replacements struggled badly against a side from the south coast brimming with confidence.

The only consolation? A cold Tuesday night away at Stoke — the perfect test of character.

Hard analysis is needed now. Lessons must be learned, but it's hard to shake the feeling that things may get worse before they get better.

We await the return of our first-choice defenders, yet the forward line is also suffering, hampered by the ongoing absence of Charlie Kelman and Matty Godden.

Addicks fans — brace yourselves. This could be a long winter as we limp through these injury troubles towards the January window, desperate for reinforcements.

The Championship table remains a game of snakes and ladders. You can climb or fall in an instant. For now, we just need to steady ourselves and wait for the climb to begin.

Charlton boss Nathan Jones said his side gave Southampton "too much respect" in Saturday's game where they were well beaten at the Valley.

The Addicks conceded five goals in the first half and managed to get a mere consolation back before the break as they fell to defeat.

After the day's results Charlton drop to 13th in the Championship table but are still just two points off the top six.

"Give credit to them, for 20 minutes they were as good a side as we have seen at this level," Jones told BBC Radio London.

"[but] could we have been a bit more aggressive? We did not do the things we normally do and that is basically what has cost us.

"We do not defend the box well enough for the first goal, we allow certain things to happen for the second which kind of kills it, and then they go up and level and make it three and four very quickly.

"We showed a lot of character in the second half, we tweaked it defensively – we were probably a little more reserved than we normally are. Credit to Southampton they were much better than us but that is a learning curve for us.

"We are stretched. We have four fit defenders and one could not play today because it is against his club; wingers in wing-back positions, so it's tough.

"We did not quite get things right, we gave them too much respect.

Charlton are back in Championship action when they travel away to Stoke City on Tuesday night.

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones says that having his old club Southampton come to visit on Saturday (12:30 GMT) does not any provide extra motivation for a victory.

Jones managed the Saints in the Premier League for just three months before being sacked, joining up with the Addicks the following year.

However, Jones' mind is fully focused on his current club and what their fans can bring to the game, with Charlton currently enjoying a more fruitful season than the visitors.

"We are really looking forward to the game," Jones told BBC Radio London.

"Not because it's Southampton, not because it's an ex-Premier League side, but because it's the next league game where we play at The Valley with an excellent crowd.

"There is an ambience in there that is conducive to win games and that's what we have at The Valley.

"It was a tough place to come, a tough place for home players to play but we've harnessed it well. We've got players who can handle the atmosphere, that the fans can relate to."

Listen to the full interview with Jones and more Charlton Athletic content on BBC Sounds.

If you're wondering where your team is going to finish in the Championship this season, you no longer need to worry.

Well, kind of.

Opta's supercomputer has worked its magic to figure out the most likely final league position of every team - and the chances each has of being promoted, making the play-offs or getting relegated.

Who is most likely to win automatic promotion?

It will come as no surprise that leaders Coventry are heavy favourites for the title (69.3%) and also have the highest chance of automatic promotion (84.2%) to the Premier League.

The next most likely to go straight up, with a 30.8% chance, are Middlesbrough. Despite currently sitting seventh and six points behind Boro in second, Ipswich are expected to be the third favourites for a top two finish (18.9%) followed by Stoke (14.1%).

Even though they've each enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, Preston (10.3%), Hull (6.1%) and Millwall (8.3%) have slimmer chances of finishing in an automatic promotion spot.

Who will make the play-offs?

Image source, Rex Features

Even if Coventry don't win automatic promotion, Opta's supercomputer has given the Sky Blues a 97.9% chance of a top-six finish, suggesting it's almost guaranteed.

Each of Middlesbrough, Ipswich, Preston and Stoke are expected to finish in a minimum of a play-off position at least one in two times.

Hull might feel the hardest done by as they sit fifth currently, but are said to have less chance (32.3%) than Millwall (38.8%) and Charton (32.4%), who are below them in the table.

The most likely of the chasing pack to make a surge up the table are 12th-placed Leicester City, who have been given a 31.8% chance of finishing in the top six and are more likely than Bristol City (28.9%), Derby (22.9%) and Birmingham (19.9%).

Last season's beaten play-off finalists Sheffield United have just a 1.8% chance of recovering their season to make the play-offs again, while relegated Premier League side Southampton (12.5%) aren't likely to either... if you trust the supercomputer!

Who is going down?

Image source, Rex Features

It's probably not hard to work out who is most likely to finish bottom and be relegated to League One.

Sheffield Wednesday's 12-point deduction, which has left them 17 points adrift of safety on -4 points, means they're pretty much nailed on to finish bottom (84.8%) - and failing that, are almost certain to go down (98.2%).

Second from bottom Norwich are the next most likely candidates to fall through the trap door (58.5%) but Sheffield United, who currently occupy the final relegation spot, have just a 22.4% chance of going down and are considered more likely to stay up than Oxford (37.8%) and Portsmouth (31.3%).

The Championship action resumes after the international break as Charlton Athletic welcome Southampton to The Valley on Saturday (12:30 GMT).

The Addicks are ninth after going down 1-0 at Wrexham in their final game before the break to end a run of five games unbeaten, from which they took 11 points, but Nathan Jones' men remain within two points of the play-off places.

Saints won back-to-back games under interim boss Tonda Eckert before the break to jump up to 17th, now eight points clear of the drop zone, and another win here would close the gap to their hosts to just two points in a congested mid-table.

• This is the first league meeting between Charlton and Southampton since April 2011 in League One, a game won 2-0 by the Saints.

• Southampton are winless in their past 10 away league matches against Charlton Athletic (D7 L3), with each of the last five ending in draws between September 2004 and March 2011.

• In all competitions, Charlton have won 18 of their past 23 home matches (D4 L1), winning 16 on home soil in 2025. It's their most home wins in a year since 1983 (also 16), last winning more back in 1938 (18).

• Southampton have won their past two league games, as many as they'd won in their previous 27 encounters (W2 D9 L16). Saints last won three in a row back in April 2024.

• Southampton have had 72.5% possession on average when losing in Championship games this season, the most of any side. However, when winning they average just 38.8% of the possession, a drop of 33.7% which is the largest difference between any side's possession average when winning and losing.

Charlton Athletic midfielder Conor Coventry has expressed his pride in making his debut for Republic of Ireland.

The 25-year-old came off the bench in the 68th minute in the 2-0 win over Portugal and then was an unused substitute for the win against Hungary which secured their place in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.

"It's something that obviously I've always wanted and something that I've been close to a few times and I've been striving for it," he told BBC Radio London.

"It can be tough when you're so close and it's not come but to actually get on in such a big game and at home was nice as well, to get on and make my debut at home was probably the nicest thing that it could be.

"It meant the world to me and just made me want more."

You can listen to more from Conor Coventry on BBC Sounds.

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Charlton's squad is on its knees.

The trip to North Wales ended in frustration, with injuries, illness, and a costly mistake from Onel Hernandez all contributing to a 1-0 defeat at Wrexham.

Key figures such as James Bree, Lloyd Jones and Kayne Ramsay battled through pain and illness to feature, while others were unavailable including Miles Leaburn who was listed as a substitute and proclaimed injured but there is much speculation and mystery as to what has actually gone on in-house.

Despite the setbacks, Charlton showed promise in the first half with decent chances keeping the home crowd quiet.

Fatigue began to tell after the break, and it was clear the team's mounting physical issues were taking their toll. Still, full credit goes to Ramsay, who, despite feeling unwell, made a lung‑bursting run deep into stoppage time to make a block and avert danger, sparking one last chance.

Substitute Luke Berry's header forced a good save from Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, preventing what would have been a dramatic equaliser.

Wrexham were far from dominant, and their previous home win over league leaders Coventry City underlined just how unpredictable this Championship season has become.

The long four‑hour journey back south offered time for reflection and perspective. With 23 points from 15 matches, Charlton's return so far is commendable.

For the third time this season, the team enters the international break on the back of a defeat - a break that feels badly needed, as the squad is clearly on its knees.

Reinforcements in January could prove vital if Nathan Jones is to maintain the fine work achieved so far and guard against suspensions and further injuries derailing momentum.

There remains a strong belief that Charlton can consolidate their Championship status by season's end but any loftier ambitions may depend on fitness and fortune.

Once the break concludes Charlton return to action with Southampton at home, followed by difficult away trips to high-flying Stoke and Coventry.

It's a tall order, but if there's one thing supporters have learned, it's never to underestimate a Nathan Jones team.

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones has praised Lloyd Jones, James Bree and Kayne Ramsey for playing against Wrexham despite not being fully fit.

All three players featured in the 1-0 defeat, even though Bree has been nursing a groin problem and both Jones and Ramsey were ill in the days before the match.

It was the injury-hit Addicks' first loss in five games.

"Lloyd, Bree and Kayne Ramsey in a normal world wouldn't have played because of illness and injury," Jones told BBC Radio London.

"They've gone through the barrier for the club. Not everyone does that, but they have. I'm proud of the group for what they've given me."

Bree's set-piece delivery has been an asset for Charlton but he is so restricted by his injury that he currently cannot take them.

"Those three shouldn't have played," Jones explained.

"Bree can't take a set-play - he's one of the best in the league at set-plays and he can't take one because of his groin, but he's playing through the injury.

"Lloyd and Kayne both had illness for the past two or three days but have absolutely put in a shift, and that's the group we have."

Image source, Opta

Two promoted teams finding their feet in the Championship lock-horns at the Stok Cae Ras on Saturday as Charlton head to Wrexham (15:00 GMT).

The Addicks have made a flying start to lie 6th after a last-gasp 1-0 win over West Brom on Tuesday night made it 11 points from the past five games for Nathan Jones's men.

Phil Parkinson's Red Dragons have suffered just one defeat in nine and followed up their 3-2 win over previously unbeaten leaders Coventry in their last home game last Friday with a battling goalless draw at Portsmouth on Wednesday to go 14th, just five points behind their visitors in the play-off places.

• Wrexham have won their past three home league games against Charlton Athletic and have lost just one out of seven overall (W4 D2).

• Charlton have won just one of their last nine league matches against Wrexham (D4 L4), a 1-0 win in February 1982.

• Wrexham have won their past two home league matches – they last won three in a row in the second tier back in March 1982.

• Charlton Athletic have won 23 points after 14 Championship games this season (W6 D5 L3), their best at this stage of a second tier campaign since 1999-00, when they had 29. They went on to win the title that season.

• Charlton's Welsh manager Nathan Jones has won his last four away Championship matches in Wales, with this his first since a 2-1 win at Cardiff with Luton in August 2022.

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Unbelievable scenes unfolded on Tuesday at The Valley as Charlton snatched victory deep into stoppage time, courtesy of the irrepressible Sonny Carey. The place erupted. The Covered End was in rapture. And what a story this man is writing.

When Carey arrived as Charlton's first signing of the summer, few expected much. Many supporters – myself included – were underwhelmed. Even Blackpool fans seemed relieved to wave him off.

Fast forward four months and he's become one of the club's shining lights, a genuine early contender for Player of the Season. Every time he advances into that central attacking space, there's the promise of something magical. The late strike this time around – his fifth of the campaign – was just that, breaking Albion hearts and sending Charlton soaring to fifth in the table (now sixth, after Preston North End beat Swansea City on Wednesday evening), going five games unbeaten.

Yet Carey wasn't the only revelation.

Ibrahim Fullah's introduction transformed the contest. His youthful energy, swagger and quality changed everything in an instant. A game that had been limp and goalless suddenly burst to life under the new floodlights; though truthfully, it was Fullah who turned up the wattage tenfold.

Albion will rue their missed chances, particularly Samuel Illing-Junior's strike off the stanchion and by Isaac Price twice, when through on goal. A weak penalty miss by Charlton captain Greg Docherty gave Albion a leg-up.

But credit must go to Charlton's defence: it was resolute, defiant and now boasts a sixth clean sheet in 14 matches. It's a testament to the unity in this squad, forged through disruption and challenge.

These three points should put a spring in our step as we make the long journey up to North Wales on Saturday afternoon to take on Wrexham, who will be buoyant after their last home game beating table-toppers Coventry City.

Nathan Jones' men will want to avenge their last visit in April, when automatic promotion hopes from League One were dashed while Wrexham secured theirs, beating the Addicks 3-0.

We will look to continue to be the best of the promoted sides, by beating one of them. It's a tough ask but we've overcome tough asks all season so far.

Just under a year ago, we were losing at Exeter City. Now look at us!

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones says his side "thoroughly deserved" their "wonderful" late victory over West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday.

The Addicks grabbed the win in a the dying embers of the game after midfielder Sonny Carey saw his shot deflected into the net to beat Baggies keeper Josh Griffiths for a 95th minute winner.

"It is wonderful and you have to enjoy those moments. I said to Sonny [Carey] at the end go and enjoy it as you don't often get 17 or 20,000 people singing your name," Jones told BBC Radio London.

"It was a wonderful, wonderful night but thoroughly deserved as well. I thought we had real control, I thought we finished strong and [brought on] the subs at the right time.

"The subs came on and gave us a massive impetus late on and it would have been a travesty if we didn't win it and definitely if they had nicked something at the end."