‘It’s my life’ – Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones on huge energy expended to turn around League One form
Nathan Jones has talked about the efforts he has expended since becoming Charlton Athletic manager.
The Addicks are unbeaten in 11 matches after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Barnsley.
Charlton’s form over that period is boosting hopes that they can fashion a proper promotion challenge next season under Jones, who enjoyed big success in two spells at Luton Town.
Asked about what has gone into putting together a lengthy undefeated run which stretches back to February 13, Jones said: “Every part of your life…literally every part of your life.
“I live away from family. I dedicate every part of my life. Anyone who works at the football club knows the hours that we do and what we watch, how we prepare and how meticulous we are on every aspect of what we do – how we (the players) eat and sleep. You just have to demand.
“If you want to raise standards, you have to set those standards. If you want to demand from people then you have to set them and live those standards. Then you have to see it from everyone else.
“When you’re a manager of a football club there are a lot of people who look at you and think: ‘Okay, what are you going to bring?’ You have to set those. I’ve got great staff with me and a great club – this is a fantastic football club, it always has been.
“It has lost its way because certain people were making decisions that didn’t have the football club at heart. Now, right throughout, we have got a thing called a golden thread where everyone wants Charlton Athletic to be the best version it can.
“It’s a process. We are on it. We’re all driving standards and demanding from each other. As a manager, what I do, is try and set that standard.
“It’s my life. I have people close to me who say: ‘Do you see yourself in that football side?’ I’m starting to see myself, at times, in what I demand and the energy I bring.
“These players have responded really well. For whatever reason, it’s not my concern in any way, they were underachieving – because they are a talented bunch. Now they are together and have a clear way of doing stuff. We’re starting to build something at this football club.”
PICTURES: PAUL EDWARDS
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