Charlton Athletic boss reveals exact squad size he wants to have at his disposal next season

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has revealed the ideal squad size he wants to run with next season.

The Addicks boss revealed earlier this week that he would cut the amount of players on the League One club’s books in the summer transfer window.

Asked by the South London Press what his optimum squad size was, Jones said: “Twenty-two outfield players and three goalkeepers – 25, no more than that.

“They include young elite development players that you have got through the ranks. You have to have two elevens where they really go and compete against each other so that you don’t weaken the squad at any point – you add things to it.

“There has to be competition. Any more than that, really, and it’s tough for the training.

“The big thing we have to do is add more balance to it as well. There are a lot of central midfield players here and you can’t keep everyone happy and fit.

“We have to one add balance, two add quality and three streamline.”

Asked if there are any areas he feels the squad is light, Jones said: “There is but I’ve come in and inherited pretty much everyone.

“So first we have to evaluate and see what we can take forward and then go from there.

“We want to add balance so that we can play certain ways and not just play one way. We want to be able to play in different ways.

“We want it streamlined so everyone can feel they can play. At the minute we have got four or five outside the squad on a Saturday and that is demoralising for them. It’s difficult for me to keep then having the conversations all the time. I want them to buy into everything and I want them to push – but it’s difficult, I’ve been there as a player.

“We have to have 20-odd players that I really trust and back. And players who can play the way we want to at Charlton. Then add quality, so we can win games.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS