‘We need equilibrium to build something’ – Nathan Jones underlines his commitment to Charlton Athletic project

Nathan Jones says it is vital for everyone at Charlton Athletic to be “united” as they look to achieve success in League One this season.

The Addicks manager was left celebrating on Saturday as Matty Godden’s second-half goal earned a 1-0 victory over Birmingham City in SE7.

Jones had been stung by some of the fallout from a three-game losing streak before that.

“If I’m not wanted here and continue to get abuse – and they are questioning everything I do then fine, no problem – I’ll hand the reins over,” said the Charlton boss. “I don’t want that to happen. I want to be here.

“I want the fans to enjoy it. I want days like today. I understand the frustration. I understand the frustration of certain players when they are not in the team, so on and so forth, because I have been there and done that.

“I want to be here with this football club. I love the club. I love the people. But we have to be united, because if there are factions – I understand it – but we need an equilibrium. Since I’ve been here we’ve had more good times than bad. So let’s continue that.”

Jones was asked how he is perceived as a manager and whether he needs a promotion with Charlton as confirmation he is “something special”.

He responded: “I have absolutely no idea. At Stoke I categorically failed. I was given enough time. At Southampton I was given eight games. I’m not sure David Blaine would’ve done a good job in eight games. That is an anomaly…Southampton.

“At Luton I built something special and they reaped the benefit of that. Here we are endeavouring to build something. We’re going to have downs and we’re going to have ups.

“When we have a dip like we did – we had a bad week. Then everyone can’t suddenly get carried away and suddenly be negative – he this, he that. Because when we win three in a week, like we did at the start of the season, we don’t start jumping around and thinking we’re the best team in the world.

“You have to build something, but building something takes time. I have come here specifically to build something.

“I went into Luton with the opportunity of building something – I did. I went into Stoke and wanted to build something – but didn’t get the results to back that up. I went back to Luton and built it again. I was there for three years.

“Then I had a wonderful opportunity to go to a club and build something – but I was given eight games. I’m not one to jump. I want to be here and build something. I would like us to be really successful and me to enjoy everything about being a manager at Charlton Athletic – that’s what I want.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS