‘If he wants to be a top footballer then he can be’ – Charlton boss Jones on defender’s qualities

Nathan Jones has expressed his admiration for Charlton Athletic centre-back Lloyd Jones.

The 28-year-old defender has played every minute in the 2024-25 season with the Addicks keeping successive clean sheets in League One.

Jones scored their winner at Wigan Athletic on the opening weekend of the campaign.

He signed for Charlton last summer after his contract at Cambridge United ended.

Asked about the player’s composed finish against the Latics, Addicks manager Jones said: “We want everyone to chip in with goals. We have more threats now in terms of size and aggression. We do expect those centre-halves to contribute in the opposition area.

“Lloyd is a really good player. I signed Lloyd before (at Luton) and I’ve inherited him now. Lloyd can be whatever he wants to be, if he knuckles down and if he really wants to be a top footballer then he can be.

“He has all the attributes. He is a great lad, he’s aggressive, front-footed and technically (as well) – he has been at Liverpool – so he is no slouch in that.

“It’s just about bringing everything together.

“He did very well for me before he got injured (at the end of last season). He scored for me away at Bolton. He only played four games, which was disappointing, because I’m excited to work with Lloyd.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD