Nathan Jones on being ‘absolutely abused’ by Charlton Athletic fans – and the need to trust his process
Nathan Jones felt that Charlton Athletic’s 1-0 win over League One table-topping Birmingham City was evidence that they should trust his management skills.
Matty Godden’s second-half goal earned the Addicks a fully-merited three points and ended a three-match losing streak.
It was also the first loss inflicted on a Birmingham City side that had won their seven previous league fixtures.
Jones had shouldered the blame for Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat at Bristol Rovers but then expressed irritation at some of the questions expressed and treatment he endured after the midweek fixture.
“I’m really proud of the group today,” said the Welshman.
“There has been a lot of noise this week – I got abused by my own fans the other day. Absolutely abused by my own fans. Questioned about things – our selection and that he should be playing and they should be playing.
“We had to make big, bold and sane decisions.
“I’m proud of the group and the coaching staff – because we didn’t panic. We made bold decisions – because no-one has gone after Birmingham like we did there.
“I’m experienced enough to know you can’t panic and listen to noise.
“It’s a message for the fans – if you want to get behind something then get behind something. We’ve had some bad performances but we’ve given them more good times than bad. We’re in credit.
“People don’t know what happens during the week. So when they say: ‘He should be playing’. Why? Because he might be carrying an injury or something might’ve happened in training.
“If people want to trust us – trust me to manage the football club – then fine. If they want to pick teams themselves then come in, have my money and I’ll move somewhere else. If that is what needs to be done.
“I see the players every single day and we pick a side we feel can win the game. Yeah, sometimes we get let down. Sometimes players let us down. The players absolutely let us down on Tuesday. I took responsibility for that but we bounced back with an absolutely wonderful performance.
“Bristol Rovers scored two from outside the box – two worldies – and that’s what it takes to beat us at the minute. We don’t get carved open. It takes a really unbelievable strike to go into our net at the minute. That sometimes happens. On the whole we have been fairly consistent.
“Are we at the level we want to be? Not all the time. But we are building. Let’s not forget we were 19th when I came in, so to turn around such a juggernaut that is Charlton Athletic and take it forward with momentum – takes a lot.”
MAIN PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS