Charlton interim boss Curtis Fleming on Nathan Jones being at Valley ahead of expected appointment
Charlton Athletic caretaker head coach Curtis Fleming has given his thoughts on the impending arrival of Nathan Jones.
The Addicks lost 1-0 to Derby County at The Valley today.
And Welshman Jones, who has agreed to succeed Michael Appleton in the Charlton hotseat, was in an executive box to watch the League One match.
The South London club have not won in 12 League One matches and are only three points above the relegation zone.
Fleming – asked if he had been told that Jones is coming in – said: “No, not really. I’m probably with you – we know something is going to happen. But until it is official then we have just got to keep plugging and going.
“He has looked at the game today and seen things I’d probably say he is happy with and also things that he will be thinking he can make a change with.
“The situation is not about me – at all. It is about if the head coach comes in then how are we going to get the win. Where I stand is I’ve worked very hard and I try to do my best but he could be coming in and then we just work from there.”
Picture : Keith Gillard
Fleming has been told he will have a position in any new management structure.
“I want to stay and I really enjoy it – they are a great bunch of lads,” said the Irishman. “But, at the same time, I’m a grown man and I know the game.
“I have been given assurances I will be staying but things change. I’m more gutted about the lads and the result. It is a big game next week – huge game. We all know. Next week is a huge game. I said last week when I spoke to the press that Nigel Pearson used to go mad. I’m a glass half full. I always look forward. I’d hate to be in that bottom four. We’ve got to go and try and win that game – then we’ll be six points ahead.”
Jones has had success at Luton Town.
He had a brief spell in charge of Southampton but was sacked in February 2023, before their relegation last season.
“I think he is a really good appointment,” said Fleming. “It is an appointment that a lot of people would think probably wouldn’t happen. There probably aren’t many that have had a Premier League job as their last one to coach in League One. You are getting a manager who has been coaching in the Premier League to come down to League One.
“He is an honest guy and he’s upbeat. Playing against his teams before you know you are going to be in a battle when you play against them. He seems to be able to galvanise teams. If you look at the Luton team there weren’t many superstars. He had a real team togetherness, workrate and structure – it’s a very, very good appointment. I’m not saying that because I want to stay!”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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