‘Respect but no fear’ – Charlton boss on facing Bolton, Portsmouth and Derby in challenging fixture run

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has said there will be “respect but no fear” ahead of their challenging run of League One matches.

The Addicks head to third-placed Bolton Wanderers on Saturday before hosting leaders Portsmouth at The Valley. After that comes a midweek trip to Derby County, currently second in the standings.

Jones collected his first point as Addicks boss on Tuesday after a 1-1 draw against Lincoln City in SE7.

Asked about looking to build on that despite some tough-looking fixtures, the Welshman said: “We will build on it. The opposition is the opposition – we can’t affect that.

“It is three great tests where we will get better, week in and week out.

“Results will be the results but as long as we get better then we will be fine.

“I saw a categorical difference tonight in intensity and the way we played from Saturday. If we have that upgrade week in and week out then we are going to be a good team.

“They are all tough games – this is League One. It is going to be brutal at times. Games will be different but all we can do is build – we face who we face – and we go into each game with respect but no fear.

“They (Bolton) are very strong but we’ve got to be disciplined and do well. We have got to be really good defensively and then be a threat in possession.

“We’ve got good players as well.”

Kayne Ramsay, signed from Harrogate at the end of the winter transfer window, started at right wing-back as one of five changes made by Jones.

Ramsay went off  in the 82nd minute after needing a spell of treatment.

“He hasn’t played and he wouldn’t have played at the intensity of that for a while,” said Jones. “It was just a stiff hamstring. We’ll just see how he is.”

MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD