‘Immense pride’ – Charlton Athletic boss Jones on clinching League One play-off place

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones says he feels “immense pride” now that they have secured a League One play-off place.

It is the first time that the Addicks have finished in the top six since the 2018-19 campaign which ended in promotion to the Championship under Lee Bowyer.

The South Londoners knew a victory today against Northampton Town would guarantee a play-off finish.

Luke Berry volleyed the home side ahead early on but Dara Costelloe converted from the penalty spot soon after – Tom McIntyre handling a cross by former Charlton winger Tariqe Fosu.

Matty Godden slotted the Addicks back ahead in the second half, racing on to Chuks Aneke’s flick to net his 18th goal of the campaign just minutes after he saw a header crash back off the crossbar from Thierry Small’s cross.

Charlton moved up to fourth in the standings after Stockport were held by Peterborough United. Only Birmingham have matched the Addicks’ 23-point haul over the last 10 League One matches.

“It gives you immense pride to get to the point we have now because you have to have strength and belief,” said Jones, who was appointed in January 2024 with Charlton in danger of relegation. “Our players have been magnificent all throughout this season.

“We haven’t achieved anything yet but I remember Crawley here, Bristol Rovers [away] – some of the negative comments surrounding Godden, Berry and all these things.

“I’m proud of myself and those close to me. Sometimes people are nailing you and being critical – with no context – it gives you immense pride to get to where we are now.

“We are a work in progress. We’ve had to go through some tough times – we came from 18th in League One and not having won in 18 games – to where we are now. But what a run we have been on.

“Then you see the fans and the place is moving forward – we are so, so happy about that.

“The work that has gone in during that year has been considerable. We’ve had to take some things on the chin, make brave decisions and have broad shoulders. I’m proud of everyone involved in that.”

Charlton have banked 48 points from 22 home matches with Wrexham (50) and Birmingham (58) the only clubs to collect more.

“We’d have lost that game last season or drawn it,” said Jones. “You see the goalkeeper (Will Mannion) right at the end – proactive coming for stuff. Outstanding. A lot of people were putting bodies on the line. We couldn’t have had any more positive players on the pitch (with the second-half changes).

“Today we made bold decisions. We made a change after 50 minutes. We should’ve made it at half-time but I waited to see if we’d grasp the nettle first five minutes and we didn’t.

“We have deserved the win today in terms of the chances we have created.

“Every time we showed any quality than we had opportunities. Godden had a great opportunity just before he scored. We’ve had to bring on big Chuks and he shows what a big threat he is. We’ve had to win it another way. I’m really, really proud because all that matters now is results.

“I know what Matty Godden can do – a lot of people didn’t. A lot of people criticised us and said: ‘He is this or that’. You won’t find a better striker in League One. He is Championship quality and scored everywhere he has been. I’d love to see the comments back in June and July.”

Northampton boss Kevin Nolan wanted McIntyre sent off for his handball.

Jones said: “It was a ridiculous decision – that can’t happen. That is the only disappointment that at times we were sloppy and we can’t give team’s an opportunity.

“He didn’t get pushed in the back. It was a moment of madness. Tom is an experienced guy, he knows what he has done and he doesn’t need me to tell him. Let’s not think about the negatives because we’ve had to show character. The onus is all on us to win games here at The Valley and we have kept going – we have changed shape and personnel – and somehow found a way to win.”

Macaulay Gillesphey missed out with a tight hamstring but Lloyd Jones returned to the backline after being absent due to a calf issue.

“You always want your best players back and Lloyd is one of them,” said Jones. “We really missed Macca today with his quality.”

PICTURES: PAUL EDWARDS