‘He’s been silly but it opens a chance for someone else’ – Nathan Jones after Lloyd Jones picks up two-game ban for 10th yellow card
Charlton boss Nathan Jones sees Lloyd Jones’ two-game suspension as a chance for somebody else to stake a claim in the Addicks defence.
The centre-half was shown his 10th yellow card of the campaign during the goalless draw with Portsmouth and will now have to sit the trips to Derby and Northampton out.
“He’s been silly,” said the Charlton manager.
“He’s picked it up for dissent, so we’ll deal with that. It’s sad really because he’s been in good form. He’s been aggressive, he’s defended fantastically well but it gives someone else a chance now.
“It gives someone else a chance. That’s what we’ve demanded from people. We’ve got six centre-halves. We’ve got Michael Hector back. [Lucas] Nessy is there. [Macauley] Gillesphey came in and played today. We’ve got cover in there.”
Lloyd Jones, signed from Cambridge United in the summer, appeared to be suffering from a lack of confidence towards the end of Michael Appleton’s reign – and gave away a goal at Blackpool during the first game after the former head coach’s dismissal.
But the 28-year-old has looked back to his best over the last few weeks. He impressed during the Portsmouth game, with the Addicks keeping a first clean sheet in 22 league games.
“The thing about defenders is when they make a mistake then it costs and gets highlighted,” added Nathan Jones.
“A centre-forward can mis-control a ball and it doesn’t lead to anything and it’s not a problem. When something happens with a defender or goalkeeper it’s usually alarming. All I asked Lloyd is to go back to basics.
“I signed him for Luton as real competition for the people we had and we had excellent centre-halves. I know what we can do and what he is capable of. It’s just about getting everyone to play to the maximum.
“There’s other people that have played regularly that are not involved at the minute but will be. We have to find a balance with athleticism, defensive solidity and then also pick a team that can open up teams. That’s taking a little bit of time.”
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