Charlton Athletic boss Jones on why team and selection news is kept top secret

Charlton Athletic supporters are wondering whether a number of key first-team players will be available for Sunday’s League One play-off tie at Wycombe Wanderers – just don’t expect manager Nathan Jones to shed any light on that in his pre-match media duties.

One feature of the Welshman’s reign as Addicks boss has been little information on the availability of members of his squad.

Lloyd Jones, Thierry Small and Luke Berry all missed last weekend’s 3-1 win over Burton Albion. The trio have been a fixture of the Charlton side which has powered into the play-offs and whose form had even opened up the possibility of a late surge into the top two.

Charlton boss Jones is happy to keep the opposition guessing over the fitness status of his squad.

“It is no secret to how we go about and do our work,” Jones told the South London Press at the club’s training ground on Tuesday. “We are very consistent in the things we do.

“But, for me, my team and state of how we train is a personal thing. Sometimes fans get frustrated because they want to know. We live in a world and a society where information is readily information – it is key – and everyone wants it. Everyone is prepared to do anything for it.

“If there is one thing with us, is that we like to keep our cards close to our chest. Not because we are hiding anything – but that is the way we like to do business.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS