‘I see certain things’ – Charlton Athletic boss on Greg Docherty and Thierry Small dropping out of starting line up

Nathan Jones has talked about Thierry Small and Greg Docherty’s recent lack of game time.

Club captain Docherty has not started the last two League One matches while left wing-back Small has not made the squad since being subbed off in the 37th minute of the 2-1 defeat to Blackpool on September 21.

Docherty also made way in the loss against the Seasiders – replaced by Luke Berry in the 64th minute. Since then the Scot has made two late substitute appearances.

“We ask certain things from a midfield player or a wing-back that our essential to how we play,” said Jones, asked about the pair by the South London Press.

“I felt that we needed something different for those games. I don’t want to get into an argument about team selection and so on. People see different things. I see training every day. I watch games. I watch it live, like fans. I watch it back. I analyse it. I clip it. I watch training and I clip it – I look at it again.

“I see certain things. If the best version of Thierry Small turns up every day and is there on the matchday, then he’s very difficult to leave out of the team.

“I don’t leave people out of the team who I feel are in wonderful form. I just have to make those decisions.

“We have got a very strong squad. Josh (Edwards) is coming back – there was no problem with Josh starting the season. He was in wonderful form and we feel Josh is also a good wing-back.

“To single certain players out (who did not start)….Allan Campbell didn’t come on and he’s dropped down from the Championship. There is a lot of competition there.

“I could make 11 changes and then if we don’t get a result, everyone goes: ‘It’s because you made 11 changes’.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD