Charlton boss Nathan Jones did coaching sessions for his local team during period post-Southampton exit

New Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has revealed that he put on coaching sessions for his local team during his time out of football management.

The 50-year-old talked to the South London Press about his 12 months away from the cut and thrust of the game.

Jones was sacked by Southampton in February but has been lured back by the Addicks, who also made a play for his services in September before appointing Michael Appleton.

“I made it a priority and time for the really important things in life because I had neglected those,” said Jones, about life post the Saints job.

“When you are in the midst of your job and your career – especially at a football club – it can consume you. And that’s what it did. I’m not talking Southampton – I’m talking Luton as well. I was immersed and I had three years of relentless work at a football club.

“I wasn’t even able to take a break when everyone had a break because I went from one project straight into another. I had to try and hit the ground running there.

“I hadn’t had a break for a while. I took that time to spend time with people that I cared about and who I neglected. We bought a place on the South Coast to enjoy certain aspects of life and I was able to do that.

“I was able to properly switch off. No alarm went off for a few months and I could have an afternoon sleep or a glass of wine in the afternoon, if I wanted to. Normal things that were just luxuries to me.

“Then there was my own CPD (continuous football development) work where I went into clubs – I’d speak to managers and certain people. I went and watched as many games as I possibly could. I did a bit of eclectic coaching for different people. I coached my local team, which no-one knows about, not just to keep my hand in but to give a little bit back as well.

“I had a nice balance of family, a bit of CPD and working towards my next project, as well as maybe giving a little bit back to people.

“It’s been a productive time. Probably after about eight months I started to get really itchy feet and when projects came in I really listened to them. I was close to taking a few in this country and also close to taking one abroad. Then the Charlton thing came back in.”

Jones is yet to bring in any backroom staff but confirmed there will be changes.

“We will definitely bring in staff before the end of the season,” he said. “It is important we evaluate the environment.

“One of the exciting things about a project is to build and enhance every department. We have the opportunity together – not just me but the club – to enhance every department, because that is what you have to do if you want to go to a certain level.

“We have to drive that. In the interim we evaluate and there are good people there.

“Then the gaps we need will have to be filled very quickly, but with good people we can take forward. We don’t just want stop-gaps and anyone that can be brought in. It has to enhance the environment and make us better.”

PICTURE: CHARLTON ATHLETIC FC