Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones explains decision to switch goalkeepers for Reading match
Nathan Jones opted to change his starting goalkeeper for his first match in charge of Charlton – but added that Harry Isted’s inclusion was no slight on Ashley Maynard-Brewer.
The new Addicks boss worked with Isted when the pair were at Luton Town.
Isted’s return to the starting line-up could not prevent the South London club’s drop fears growing after a 2-0 defeat at Reading today with Femi Azeez scoring both the hosts’ goals.
Jones – asked about switching up his stoppers – said: “Just probably that I know him (Isted) a little bit better. I have worked with Harry for three or four years, I know him – that’s all it was.
“Ashley has done well. He’s probably one of the best for saves. I just felt Harry knows the starting positions I ask for and the proactivity that I need.
“He’s just a little bit more up to speed. Nothing on Ashley because I think he’s been good. I don’t think he has made many errors at all, he’s made saves. It’s just sometimes you go with a bit of familiarity.
“Harry was excellent.”
Asked if he still enjoyed his first match back as manager after a year out of the game following his dismissal by Southampton, Jones replied: “Oh, absolutely.
“You don’t enjoy the result but what you have to do is be philosophical about it. You can’t be down or ranting and raving constantly – because that doesn’t help those (players) in there.
“What we have to do is learn quickly and look at what we did well and where we can be better. We will get better, that is the thing.”
Charlton are at home to Lincoln City on Tuesday. It is not 13 matches without a victory for the Addicks and they are 20th in the table.
“They are all massive games now,” said Jones. “But it is one at The Valley and we want to put on a performance and do well.
“I’m sure we’ll be better than today – in and out of possession.
“We have to take a lot of the positives from today and just try and be better on every little level that we can.”
PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS