Conor Coventry: I'm a more rounded footballer at Charlton

Even moaners have had to concede that Conor Coventry puts in s a shift and it is therefore no surprise that he has been selected for a feature interview by The Athletic (the online publication from the New York Times stable.

Conor Coventry is open, engaging and affable, but one question from The Athletic prompts the former West Ham United youth product to pause for thought.

It is 14 months since the midfielder swapped West Ham for League One Charlton Athletic in search of opportunities.  He has become a lynchpin in Nathan Jones’ promotion-chasing team,, but emotions are still raw for the 25-year-old when it comes to his former club.

“I find it weird watching West Ham,” Coventry tells The Athletic. “I haven’t been back to the London Stadium since leaving. If I went back, I can picture the lads giving me stick and telling me to let it go.

Coventry made 10 first-team appearances for West Ham, but they were sporadic. From a debut in September 2018 against Macclesfield Town, then of League Two, in the Carabao Cup, Coventry was never given a regular run of games.

Charlton first showed interest around November and it just felt right.  Even the new start at Charlton has had difficulties. He was signed by Michael Appleton on January 12 — but within 12 days the manager had been sacked and replaced by Jones, with Charlton in relegation trouble.

“It was a difficult time leaving West Ham and then the change at Charlton. When the gaffer (Jones) arrived, we spoke when he took over about where I could improve and what he liked about me.

“I’m a more well-rounded footballer now, but there’s still more to come. I’ve overcome disappointments and not playing consistently in my career. But this is the best I’ve felt and I needed this stability.

This season, Coventry and Charlton, who have been in League One for five years, have been transformed. He has started 42 of their 44 league games and impressed in his holding midfield role as Jones has built a team with a play-off place secured. In November, his form earned a senior call-up for the Republic of Ireland squad for the Nations League game against England.

“Last summer, I arrived for pre-season with the intention of being in the team, so it’s great to feature heavily in the push for promotion — the gaffer has shown great faith in me,” Coventry says.

“Maybe people from the outside thought we wouldn’t be around it. But we all had confidence we would compete and here we are now. I believe the club can return back to where it belongs (the Premier League, where they have not played since 2006-07).

“We’ve seen it with recent performances from the team. The club is back on a rise and hopefully we can end the season on a high. I look back positively on my year here.”

 

 

Tough match and a 'massive victory'

Mansfield made it difficult for Charlton tonight in a tough match on the old Nottinghamshire coalfield, but the Addicks claimed all three points with a 2-1 win.  Steve Brown, never one to praise easily, hailed it as a 'massive victory'.   Mansfield had a tight defence and were capable of disrupting Charlton.

Nevertheless, a key contribution was made by players derided as 'useless' by moaners earlier in the season: Matt Godden, Tyreece Campbell and Claus Aneke.   Godden was seen earlier in the season as an inadequate replacement for Alfie May, Campbell was often scapegoated and Aneke was supposed to be  a crock.

Conor Coventry put in a real shift and displayed some skill.   A calf injury kept Lloyd Jones out.   Tom McIntyre did a good job of replacing him.

Godden opened the scoring in the first half with the home side equalising on 40 minutes.  Mansfield had a tight defence, but  Tyreece Campbell then put Charlton ahead on 71 minutes.  Campbell was applauded by the Addickted after he had to be taken off following a knock.

Mansfield then threw every piece of discarded mining equipment they could find at Charlton, but the Addicks stayed firm.  In the five minutes added on an under pressure Aneke put in a strong shot from distance which the keeper had to tip over the bar, giving Charlton two corners.

Charlton were impressive for the first half-hour and almost went ahead after two minutes, Thierry Small heading a good chance wide from Tyreece Campbell's cross.  Christy Pym was down well to save from Macaulay Gillesphey after 13 minutes.

But in the 22nd minute Louis Reed's loose pass at the back intended for his keeper rolled straight to Matty Godden who made no mistake in tucking away his gift.

Stags went up a gear and after Reed had drilled inches wide in the 29th minute they were level after 40 minutes.  Baily Cargill's cross was headed out to Matty Craig who smashed an unstoppable rising finish home from 16 yards off the underside of the bar.

Soon after, Will Mannion had to get down to deny Caylan Vickers as Stags ended the half on a high.

Josh Edwards saw his shot blocked on the line on the hour after a scramble from a corner.  But Charlton noses were in front again with 16 minutes to go as Tennai Watson found Campbell to his right and he beat Stephen McLaughlin before tucking a low 15-yard finish inside the near post.

Charlton defended well under late pressure before Pym saved superbly from a powerful Chuks Aneke shot in added time.

It was also a win for Mrs Brown as with hubby off in the wastes of Notts she was able to load the dishwasher without complaints about the left side not being utilised.

Wycombe Wanderers could only manage a 0-0 draw at home to Shrewsbury, but Stockport beat Stevenage 3-0.   Huddersfield lost 1-0 at Lincoln and Bolton made it into the top six.

Another clean sheet as Charlton secure away point

I would have taken a draw at Stockport before the game and Charlton remain 5th.

County's Kyle Wootton came closest to breaking the deadlock by striking the bar after half-time in a contest which lacked final-third ruthlessness.

Miles Leaburn fired wide under pressure inside three minutes for the Addicks, while Callum Camps' Stockport penalty appeal after five minutes was turned down by referee Martin Coy following an incident with Thierry Small.

Charlton could have gone ahead before 20 minutes but Luke Berry hooked over from Josh Edwards' dangerous cross at the back post.

Immediately after half-time, Wootton forced a superb diving save from Will Mannion who maintained the deadlock.

Will Collar's deflected effort landed wide as County stepped up the pressure and Wootton struck the bar shortly after as Stockport sought the opener.

Camps curled over on 70 minutes and substitute Benony Breki Andresson could not connect with a ball across the face of goal from Collar, while Charlton's Macaulay Gillesphey fizzed a header wide before full-time.

Louis Mendez describes it as 'a battling point for the Addicks and a good one': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-stockport-county-charlton-athletic/

With the team securing 16 clean sheets all season, Nathan Jones says that he would have taken the result all day long: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-hails-charlton-athletics-outstanding-points-return-this-week-after-stockport-stalemate/

Jones explained why he brought on Chuks Anke rather than Matty Godden as a substitute: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-manager-nathan-jones-explains-decision-making-behind-striker-substitution-at-stockport/

Conor Coventry says the players are aiming to get higher up the table: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-midfielder-conor-coventry-as-addicks-remain-entrenched-in-top-six-were-aiming-higher/

Lloyd Jones blames players for long ball

Returning from injury and playing 90 minutes at Lincoln, Lloyd Jones says his fellow players are to blame for long ball tactics: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/lloyd-jones-welcomes-positive-draw-at-lincoln-city-and-says-players-take-the-blame-for-recent-long-ball-antics/

Of course he can't criticise the manager publicly, but the return of players like him may well improve the standard of play.

Nathan Jones says he felt that Conor Coventry wasn't fit enough to play at Lincoln: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-explains-conor-coventry-absence-during-draw-at-lincoln-city/

He said he did not name a substitute goalkeeper because he wanted to be 'positive'.   Substitutes were available.  That seems a bit risky to me given that we no longer have a 'Steve Brown' who did well in goal when called upon.

BTW, I don't think Nathan Jones is beyond criticism.   I didn't think Curbs was: he often left substitutions too late to make a difference.  But I do think Jones knows more about football than many of his critics.  Sometimes I think we should just get rid of a coach and let a fans' committee take the decisions.  Many of them think they know what to do: 'if we can see it, why can't he?'

I was conscious when I had two knee replacement operations, but I didn't criticise the surgeon for his technique.   Good job he hadn't learn it on the internet.

Three points away, but performance disappoints

Charlton moved to 12th in the League One table tonight after a 1-0 win over bottom club Burton Albion, but the performance gave vocal moaners a narrative.   Some of the complaints seem to focus on Jones being Welsh, and call for 'real Charlton people' to get involved which could be code for Lee Bowyer.

Much criticised player Conor Coventry’s first goal for Charlton was enough to see off 10-man Burton and give the Addicks a first win in six games.

Coventry finally broke the Brewers’ resistance with eight minutes to go, firing home the loose ball after Max Crocombe had saved twice with Albion under pressure after the sending-off of charm merchant midfielder Charlie Webster.

A lacklustre first half saw Charlton have the better of the chances but lack a serious cutting edge in the final third.  Charlton had far more shots and shots on target across the game, but possession was equally divided.

Miles Leaburn had two opportunities, one of which forced Crocombe into a comfortable save and Karoy Anderson also managed to send an attempt on target without seriously troubling the Burton stopper.  This was perhaps no surprise to his many critics.

The home side looked threatening when they could get midfielder Webster into advanced areas, but it was Tomas Kalinauskas who went close for Albion early in the second half with a low shot that Ashley Maynard-Brewer had to get down well to save.

Webster saw red for his reaction to being hauled down by Terry Taylor leaving the Brewers with an uphill task, with Burton unable to hold on for a point.

I am grateful to CAFC Facts and Stats for pointing out: 'Charlton Athletic’s first league win in 6 games last night and brings up the same number of points gained after this many games played for the 3rd season in a row.'

I know nothing!

Some fans are once again calling for a change of manager, but our greatest success has been with managers who have served for long periods.  Of course, there is no point in retaining a manager who is not good enough.   However, there are not many quality managers available who want to come to Charlton with its 'structural' problems and demanding fans.

Given the confidence that many fans have in their own judgment, perhaps we should revive the idea of a fans' consultant, although Jonathan Acworth seems to have disappeared from view.

I have been watching football for over 70 years and I realise that I know very little.   For a start I never see the team training.   I was unable to go to a non-league game recently and listened to the radio commentary instead.  Both the commentator and the analyst were first rate (better than Charlton) and having listened to them I understood some of the tactics.

Who is your scapegoat player?

Keith Jones, to whom I dedicated a book

Charlton fans like to have a scapegoat player.  My father used to think that 'Squib' Hammond was not up to much, but I thought he played his part in the midfield engine room.

I remember when it was Keith Jones whose kit I sponsored. People objected to him passing the ball sideways, but he was supposed to be a defensive midfielder.  When he stepped up to take his penalty at the Greatest Game people around me shouted 'Not him', but he scored.

In his latest blog, the Chicago Addick assesses Conor Coventry who was an unused substitute for Ireland in their 5-0 defeat.

However, perhaps it is the Gasman who has disappointed most this season.   Here a fan analyst [?] discusses his contribution: https://soccer4u.co.uk/?p=12255

Players want Dobbo to stay

Conor Coventry says every player wants George Dobson to stay next season (as do probably almost all fans): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/every-charlton-player-wants-george-dobson-to-stay-midfielder-conor-coventry-on-skippers-future/

Richard Cawley of the SLP comments: ‘Contract is legally binding. Only way to change that is agreement between the two clubs. Plus you've got to factor in what GD wants to do. I'd hazard a guess that having signed for another team from July 1 it wouldn't be a great look - even if he was so-inclined - to say that he wanted to stay!’

Some signs of hope in defeat

Some Charlton fans saw some hope after yesterday's anticipated defeat by Peterborough with Coventry rated a good acquisition along with Bakinson.

The visitors dominated the first half and deserved to make the 29th-minute breakthrough when Mason-Clark curled a shot beyond Addicks keeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

Charlton, who have now lost four of their last five league games, were booed off at half-time and boss Michael Appleton made a double change in an attempt to spark life into his side.

The changes had an immediate effect as the hosts drew level just three minutes after the restart when May headed home from close range after Tyreeq Bakinson's shot was blocked.

However, they finished the game empty-handed when Mason-Clark drilled in a low drive 15 minutes from time.

Michael Appleton has said that Charlton will not stand in Scott Fraser's way if he wants to leave in the transfer window: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/we-wont-stand-in-his-way-michael-appleton-on-charlton-midfielders-future-after-absence-from-squad-against-peterborough/

His performances have not been inspired this season, indeed he always had his critics - but then that is to be expected if you play for Charlton.

May return bothers Posh

Peterborough United are concerned about the return of Alfie May for tomorrow's fixture at The Valley: https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/boost-for-charlton-athletic-is-not-good-news-for-peterborough-united-4473997

Even so, our leaky defence does not make me confident of a good outcome.

The signing of Conor Coventry from West Ham has been completed in the face of competition from the Massives: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-complete-permanent-signing-of-west-ham-midfielder-conor-coventry/

In their preview of the game, CAS Trust think that a 0-0 is unlikely: https://castrust.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=47ab8cc58db1fe6727e9ed9c2&id=85eec395e0&e=97ed1d02c3

Transfer turbulence

Sheffield Wednesday have expressed an interest in West Ham midfielder and Charlton target Conor Coventry:https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-given-permission-to-enter-talks-with-west-ham-united-midfielder-4469217

Jonson Clarke-Harris is yet to agree personal terms with Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/posh-boss-claims-clarke-harris-yet-to-agree-personal-terms-with-charlton-athletic/

Charlton have a history of signing injured players and Lewis Fiorini will be heading straight for the treatment table at Sparrows Lane after 18 months of 'injury hell.'   However, he played for Michael Appleton at Lincoln City.  So that's all right then.

John Eustace, mistakenly replaced by Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City, is still without a job.  The Sunday Times warned yesterday that he should be careful or he would end up at Charlton.

Charlton swoop for Championship centre back

Richard Cawley reports that 'Plymouth's left-sided centre-back Macaulay Gillesphey has been spotted at The Valley. Charlton are close to deal for the 27-year old and it will be a six figure fee.'

Gillesphey has made a total of 78 starts and 13 substitute appearances for Argyle since signing from Australian A League club Brisbane Roar in the summer of 2021.  He played 35 times for the Pilgrims in their 2022/23 League One title-winning campaign but missed the start of this season due to injury and since returning to fitness has been limited to just three starts and one appearance off the bench.

Charlton have not kept a clean sheet for 12 games.

Charlton are also interested in 23-year old West Ham midfielder Conor Coventry.   His contract ends in June and he would be available for a small fee: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-interested-in-january-transfer-window-deal-for-west-ham-united-midfielder/