‘We ain’t going to fear anyone’ – Charlton boss Nathan Jones on Derby County challenge

Nathan Jones has talked about having “nothing to fear” against any League One opponent with Charlton looking to extend their unbeaten run to four matches when they face second-placed Derby County tomorrow night.

The Addicks have drawn their last three matches but all against tricky opponents – in-form Lincoln City (1-1), Bolton Wanderers (3-3) and leaders Portsmouth (0-0).

It is nearly three months since Charlton won a league match – 2-1 against Cheltenham at The Valley on November 28 – but there has been a positive upturn in results under Jones, who was appointed manager at the start of this month.

Derby lost 2-1 to Barnsley on Saturday but have taken 20 points from their last 10 games.

Jones said: “I don’t fear going to Derby, with respect. I respect everyone and we know that Derby – at the level – is a very, very difficult game. But we ain’t going to fear it, we’re never going to fear anyone.

“We have a way of playing – we go after teams – and if you’re good enough to beat us, then fine. If you’re not, then we’re Charlton. That is the mentality now.”

Jones was in attendance at Charlton’s 1-0 defeat to the Rams in the reverse fixture on February 3. The former Luton Town boss was appointed by the South London club the following day.

“There was nothing in the game (against Derby last time out),” said Jones. “Charlton were probably the better side in the second half – just Derby showed the one bit of quality in the game from a slight error which won them the game. That is the margins in games.

“We have to show that quality but still be the aggressive team that we are.”

Charlton are 20th in the standings.

“We drew against Lincoln but look at their last seven games – they haven’t lost,” said Jones. “They have won games. My assistant is there and they are well-drilled. I know how good they are and we dominated the game here.

“We’re not in a false position because it is 34 games in. You’re not unlucky for 34 games. It’s just for the last three games we have started to put performances in which defy where we are in the league. But we have to keep building because we’ve got to get away from here and then build for the future.”