Nathan Jones gives verdict on FA Cup tie against Southend United – Charlton boss sees it as ‘nice distraction’
Nathan Jones has described Charlton’s FA Cup tie tomorrow at his former club Southend United as “a nice distraction” from their League One campaign.
The Addicks are 11th in the table after Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Wrexham in front of a bumper 24,692 crowd at The Valley.
Jones had a three-year playing spell with Southend United before transferring to Brighton in 2000. The Shrimpers lost their EFL status in 2021 and have been in the National League since.
“First of all the league is our absolute priority,” said Jones. “But the FA Cup is such a wonderful competition that you can’t not get excited about. When I was at Luton, for example, I went and watched St Albans when they got to the first round and played league sides.
“I’m really looking forward to the Southend game – it is a nice distraction. Would I love to win the FA Cup or would I rather get promoted out of this league? The honest answer is I’d rather get promoted, even though it would be quite extraordinary if we won the FA Cup. The league is our bread and butter.”
Charlton are unbeaten in their last four matches – with three successive draws.
Jones is happy that the South Londoners do not face fellow League One opposition in the FA Cup first round.
“I’d rather play someone at the top of League Two rather than the bottom of League One – just because it is something different to prepare for,” said the Welshman.
“Kevin Maher (Southend boss) is a very good friend of mine. I’ve no doubt we will take a decent crowd there. It’s a nice one for the fans in sunny Southend.
“I was a real rollercoaster three years I had there. Alvin Martin signed me. I had a good first season and an average second one which ended up with me going on loan to Scarborough, to a manager I knew in Colin Addison.
“Then I came back and won Player of the Year in a Southend team just starting to develop under Alan Little. I enjoyed it under him. I was surprised Alan didn’t stay in football for longer.
“At the end of that year I joined Brighton, which proved to be an excellent move.”
PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS