Nathan Jones: Match prep reason for my Charlton players being in on Sunday – not punishment for Reading reverse

Charlton Athletic’s players were in at their training ground on Sunday – but that was not as any kind of punishment for their 2-0 defeat at Reading the day before.

The Addicks are back in action tomorrow at home against Lincoln City.

It will be Nathan Jones’ first match at The Valley since being appointed manager.

The Welshman’s opening game ended in a loss in Berkshire as Charlton’s winless run in League One was extended to 13 matches. They are only out of the bottom four on goal difference.

“I’ve very rarely in the seven or eight years I’ve been a manager ever punished a team,” said Jones, asked about the fact his squad reported in on Sunday. “We have a schedule which we stick to – win, lose or draw – and that it is.

“If we play Tuesdays then we’re in on a Sunday. It is just recovery. The fact we were in on a Sunday is just structure.

“There were a lot of good things that came out of the weekend – we just didn’t defend two long throws. If we had defended those we could’ve come away with a clean sheet. We want to be better at all levels but that comes with time.

“You have got to keep doing the basics right. We haven’t given them anything groundbreaking, up until this point, to do. We just want them to do the basics right and get a bit of confidence back into the group. As long as they work hard and are front-footed – that’s all we can ask of them. Then we’ll add structure and add quality. It’s a good group, it’s a talented group – it’s just getting the most out of them. That is what we are endeavouring to do, day by day.

“Every week I hope we see a difference – a better and more front-footed team, in every aspect. Points are really important but also that there is substance behind it that we build. Points have to come quickly.

“We can’t focus on what could go wrong. What we have to focus on is what we’re going to put right and the positive things.”

The club have launched a promotion that season ticket holders can bring along a friend for free for the visit of the Imps.

“Last time I managed at The Valley Charlton won (against Luton) – so I hope that happens,” said Jones. “It’s going to be a big moment. It is a great initiative by the club to boost attendance – it shows that we’re being really proactive in generating an atmosphere. We have to then give a little bit back in terms of the performance and everything.

“For me it will be a very proud moment – to manage at The Valley for Charlton for the first time. In God’s will it will be a real good occasion.”

Charlton had Panutche Camara back on the pitch at Reading and the likes of Chuks Aneke and Terry Taylor are both back in training.

“I want as may headaches as I can, metaphorical ones, in terms of having a lot of strong players available,” said Jones. “Chuks coming back, Panutche coming back and Hec (Michael Hector) is not far off as well, gives us real good depth. Plus everyone else is fit.

“It’s a difficult choice to pick the 11 and just as difficult to pick the bench – we want those conundrums.

“Panutche looked really good. There are some big players injured here – Michael Hector, Miles Leaburn, Chuks Aneke and Panutche Camara. They are four big players that if they are at it and in the starting line up then we’re a different animal.

“It’s great to have Panutche back, it’s great to have Chuks back and Hecs not too far off. Miles is more long term. Previous managers have probably had that issue. I probably wouldn’t be sitting here if all four had been fit.

“It’s the way it is. We have to manage the group and make sure everyone is focused on doing well. It’s always great to have players back and that’s what we have now.”

MAIN PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS