‘That’s not going to happen anymore’ – Charlton boss makes admission after Lloyd Jones commits future

Nathan Jones says that Charlton’s days of losing key players on free transfer are over after Lloyd Jones committed his future to the club.

The defender penned new terms on a two-and-half-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2027, which was announced before Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers.

Jones, 29, has been a key player under former Southampton and Luton boss Jones but was linked with high flyers Wycombe Wanderers this January.

Lyle Taylor, George Dobson and Joe Aribo have all left The Valley on free transfers. 

There was compensation involved in Arbio’s move to Rangers, but it was limited due to the midfielder switching to Scotland.

Corey Blackett-Taylor was also heading into the final six months of his deal before leaving to join Derby.

When asked if the centre-back committing his future was a signal of intent with recent players leaving on free transfers, Jones said: “I can’t speak historically.

“But that’s not going to happen anymore. We have got a real plan here and we’re well ahead of the game here in terms of stuff.

“We have good players and we’re delighted that Lloyd signed. He showed his intent.

“We shared a private conversation and I knew he wanted to sign – I knew that was his desire.

“It was just about getting the deal done. We’re always going to be exposed at this football club because we believe that we have the raw materials in the academy and with how we recruit.

“We believe we do good work. I’ve been at other clubs where we have been constantly exposed to teams higher up the pyramid.

“But everyone that we’re relatively exposed on believes and buys into the project here.

“They know that if you do that and we continue to move forward, there is no better place than home.

“We’re delighted with Lloyd. We have a number of other ones who are in a similar place.

“They’re converted and people want our players, but they’re not going anywhere.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD