Charlton boss Nathan Jones wants ’empathy’ for a manager’s job as he gives verdict on his touchline ban

Nathan Jones will be back on the touchline for Charlton’s home game against Wrexham on Saturday and has had his say over his ban for collecting three bookings.

The Addicks manager had picked up his yellow cards in successive matches.

Under the guidelines that leads to a one-match suspension which Jones served in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Barnsley.

The former Luton, Southampton and Stoke boss watched from just below the directors’ box.

Asked about the rules that led to his ban, Jones told the South London Press: “It is very difficult to comment. I found it difficult in midweek because I like to be proactive – I’m a proactive person. I’m a proactive manager, I like to demand from my team.

“I want to be in amongst it with them, so I’m delighted I can be – because it is a tough watch when you are watching and you are not at the levels you need to be, then I find that very difficult to take a back seat.

“On the touchline ban, I am embarrassed by it and I never want to be banned. Arguably the first two were justified. This (his caution on Saturday) was totally unjustified. I went and saw the fourth official afterwards and just asked him for a bit of empathy for how difficult this job is.

“This job is difficult to do. You are reliant on results and if you just take a back seat, sit down and be calm then I’m not sure you get the job done.

“They have to have an element of empathy. I think now with the rule changes we are getting clamped down so much with time – being out on time. There is so much revolving around football now with money, TV rights and everything that the rules are changing.

“For me they are looking at all the wrong stuff. Get decisions right, have respect for managers and managers then have respect for officials. If we use foul and abusive language – being irate and in people’s faces – then fine, hand out those things. If we’re just trying to drive the team on and have them realise the importance of what results are then we can all work together.

“I just feel society is not like that any more. That has gone into football. Realistically everyone wants to get one up on people and see people fail. The culture has changed in society and that has petered into football, you can see it. Football is changing and not for the better.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS