‘I’m never totally satisfied’ – Nathan Jones on start to his Charlton Athletic managerial career
Nathan Jones has described himself as “relatively pleased” with the start to his Charlton Athletic management career.
The Addicks have won two of their last three League One matches – both away – and are on a six-game unbeaten run.
Tuesday’s 3-1 victory at Cheltenham Town in midweek lifted the South Londoners seven points clear of the bottom four.
“I am relatively pleased with the progress when (you consider) we came in and were in the position we were – we lost our first game against Reading – to have the reaction over these six games (has been good),” said Jones, who replaced the sacked Michael Appleton at the start of February.
“I’m never totally satisfied. We should have beaten Northampton and possibly Lincoln – we could have an even better points haul.
“The players have given me absolutely everything and bought into what we’re trying to do. It has been a pleasing reaction since that first week.
“There is plenty of hard work to still be done. We’re only laying the foundations. We’re nowhere near the finished article. We have to keep this going and start winning games – we’re unbeaten but we’ve won two in six. I’d rather win four and draw two, then we can really start pushing up.
“We take every game as it comes. It is another really difficult game coming up at the weekend. It is nice to be back at home rather than on the road. Hopefully we can respond.”
Charlton’s current form will mean they are heavily fancied to pick up a first Valley victory since November 28.
Carlisle are marooned at the bottom of the table and lost nine of their last 10 in the league.
“What we have here is a way of working – we take every game as it comes,” said Jones. “Now we have to back up Cheltenham with another good performance at home. We haven’t won a home game yet. We’d like to do that.
“Whether there is expectation or pressure, I’m sure in my tenure at the football club that we’ll be in enough high-pressure situations that we’ll be able to handle it. This is just another one.
“We’ve had two tough games (at home since he took the job on). Lincoln are one of the form teams in the division, we should’ve won that game, then we’ve taken on the leaders Portsmouth in a really good League One game.
“We haven’t had any easy fixtures, not that there are any at this level. Saturday will be tough – two teams with a lot to play for. We’ve got to be the best versions of ourselves, that’s all I can prepare.”
PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS