‘I understand there is a big rivalry’ – Nathan Jones on Charlton deal with Millwall for defender Alex Mitchell
Charlton manager Nathan Jones has said that the South London rivalry with Millwall was never going to be a deterrent in his desire to sign Alex Mitchell.
The centre-back signed the Addicks on a three-year contract at the end of June.
Mitchell, 22, came through the youth ranks at Millwall and has had loan spells at Bromley, St Johnstone, Leyton Orient and Lincoln.
There are not loads of players who have featured for both clubs in recent seasons – a few that spring to mind at Lyle Taylor, Nicky Bailey and Therry Racon.
“Being very respectful to both clubs, if the player is the right player then I’m able to look over that,” said Jones, when asked about a switch between the South London neighbours.
“I understand there is a big rivalry and we haven’t done that (the Mitchell transfer) willy-nilly.
“Alex is a young player and he hasn’t played too much for Millwall – it’s not like we are bringing in a Millwall legend. We are bringing in a young player who has had a good grounding at Millwall – he has gone out on loan because he has wanted to play games.
“He is someone who probably needed to find a home. If he’s not going to play at Millwall then I’m not going to cut off my nose to spite my face, in terms of not signing a player I know can do really well for Charlton. I think Charlton fans will like him.”
Jones, speaking before this week’s arrival of Gassan Ahadme and Matty Godden, does not think one incoming deal is any more significant than another.
“They are all important,” he said. “They are all pieces of the jigsaw. Someone like Luke (Berry) will be important to us but so will Alex Mitchell, so will Josh Edwards and so will Will Mannion. We need all of those pieces to come together so that we’re not just reliant on one player.”
PICTURE: PA
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