It's difficult to judge the way in which Charlton fans have reacted to the appointment of Nathan Jones from comments on social media. The loudest are not necessarily representative and even if one did a poll, it would not be based on a proper sampling frame.
Nevertheless, there seems to be more scepticism and grudging acceptance than I expected. The fan consensus was that Appleton had to go. At the end of the day, results matter.
Nathan Jones was well regarded by Luton fans, as the Chicago Addick has shown. Peter Varney, who knew him, has paid him a warm tribute. He states: 'I have worked with Nathan Jones and pleased to see he is referenced as the manager. He has a tremendous work ethic and fans should get ready for a ball of energy on the touchline. A very positive move and he will need time to impose his standards with the players he wants.'
Then we have Charlton fans grumbling because he is not a Londoner. It doesn't matter where he comes from, it's whether he can energise the squad and getting them scoring goals and avoiding defensive howlers. It's a big challenge.
It's a tough and vital test at Reading on Saturday, but turning the oil tanker round may not happen that quickly. What is important is that fans, not least the devoted away fans, give him and the team unstinting support.
For what it's worth Wyn, I'm not filled with confidence by the appointment of N. Jones.
ReplyDeleteI hope I'm wrong and I wish him well. He has one job this season; avoid relegation.