Charlton Athletic midfielder: League One title has to be the aim

Conor Coventry has set his sights on Charlton Athletic being League One champions next season.

The former West Ham United midfielder, signed in the January transfer window, was part of the MK squad which finished third at this level in 2022.

The Addicks are unbeaten in their last 14 league matches – 10 of those draws – as hopes grow that manager Nathan Jones, appointed in early February, can replicate his success at this level with Luton Town.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on us but I think the club we have should be looking to win the league,” said Coventry, who was also the subject of interest from Sheffield Wednesday at the turn of the year.

“We have a good squad here and who knows what will come in this summer? We want to aim as high as we can.

“I want to get that promotion, get that title and be part of a promotion as such a big club. I want to improve and get the best performances out of myself.

“It might sound like a silly thing to say but I think we have some things in place that can take us to that level. With this club – its history and fanbase – there is no reason why we should be aiming any lower.”

Coventry signed for Charlton when Michael Appleton, who he had worked with at Lincoln City, was head coach.

But not long after that Appleton was dismissed.

“It was unexpected but that’s football – things change quickly,” said Coventry. “I’ve really enjoyed working with the new manager and everything he stands for and demands from us. Hopefully we can achieve something next season.

“I’ve enjoyed it here. It’s been a bit up and down at the start but I feel like I’ve found a bit of consistency in the team and enjoyed this last little run.

“He (Jones) is really demanding of high standards from us in training and picks apart a lot which, for me, is great because nothing can go unnoticed – everything is high level and high detail.”

Charlton finished their Valley campaign with a 1-1 draw against Shrewsbury Town.

“I think the first half we were all disappointed – staff and players,” said Coventry. “We felt our standards had been set higher than that.  He (Jones) wasn’t happy (at half-time) and rightfully so. He couldn’t see what we have been working on and our identity as a team. We could all agree it wasn’t us.

“He said before we thought about anything we needed to up our intensity, aggression and pressing that we’ve been really good at lately.

“Second half you saw more of the real us, we had that intensity and aggression. We could be more proud of the second half.

“We wanted to finish the home season with a win but we have still got a nice unbeaten record going.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS