Lloyd Jones has been named in the League One Team of the Year. He was also picked by Four Four Two for their list of the top fifty EFL players.
Josh Edwards reckons that Jones has been 'like a brick wall' (other labels are available): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/hes-been-a-brick-wall-charlton-defenders-praise-for-vice-captain-lloyd-jones/
That was the verdict of Nathan Jones on the 3-0 defeat at Wrexham with Charlton hit with injuries - and that to Lloyd Jones sounds particularly worrying: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-defeat-at-wrexham-a-game-too-far-as-charlton-battle-with-injuries-ahead-of-play-off-campaign/
I was surprised that so many Charlton fans thought that Wrexham would roll over in the same way as Wycombe. They had automatic promotion in their sights. What they have created from a non-league start is not a circus but a minor global brand.
Unfortunately after being 0-2 down Stockport managed to beat Lincoln 3-2 so we are back in 5th. Let's hope we can get to 4th as it would give us a better start in the play off lottery. Leyton Orient may be in with a shout under their new American owners. With Wycombe playing Stockport there is a variety of possible outcomes in terms of play off line ups. If Reading qualify, they may be disqualified by the EFL because of their unresolved ownership issues.
The excessive pessimism of the 'We'll be playing Bromley next season' moaners had been replaced by an excessive optimism that we could get automatic promotion, although more realism now seems to be creeping back in. However, the squad was never as bad as some made out and some of them have developed over the season. I intend to spend a few days on the Kent coast in the summer and if I can find Desmond from Deal and Derek from Dymchurch and all the other seaside pessimists I will ask them why they are so miserable.
My forecast was 3-1 for this game, but we didn't get the consolation goal. Louis Mendez provides his usual forensic analysis, emphasising the impact of the absence of Lloyd and Small: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-wrexham-3-charlton-athletic-0-addicks-top-two-hopes-ended-as-wrexham-seal-promotion-to-second-tier/
Nathan Jones was clearly unhappy about Chuks Aneke being sent off at Wycombe, but it doesn't look as if the club will challenge the red card: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-jones-on-aneke-red-card-there-is-more-on-that-i-can-promise-you/
Lloyd Jones is understandably pleased with his defensive contribution this season and in particular the way he dealt with Wycombe striker Richard Kone: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/it-means-a-lot-charlton-defensive-rock-jones-delighted-after-20th-clean-sheet-of-season/
The Times said this morning that Charlton were a team coming into form at the right time and they demonstrated that with a 4-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers in beechy Bucks this afternoon. The clean sheet was offset by the dismissal of Chuks Aneke in time added on for violent conduct. Earlier Nathan Jones was booked for excessive celebration.
Charlton remain in 4th place. Second placed Wrexham won at Blackpool and Charlton face what Steve Brown called a 'massive game' there next week.
The Addicks bossed Wycombe from start to finish and took an
11th-minute lead through Lloyd Jones' well-taken half volley past goalkeeper Will
Norris.
It was 2-0 after 24 minutes thanks to a brilliant strike
from Luke Berry, who fired home from 15 yards.
Wycombe rarely offered anything in attack, indeed it was 86 minutes before Will Mannion had to deal with a shot on target. Richard Kone
was starved of service and around the hour mark the game was wrapped up.
Norris slipped when receiving a back pass from Xavier Simons
and Matt Godden tapped in Charlton's third in the 58th minute.
Four minutes later, moaners' target Karoy Anderson scored a header to send
the 1,849 travelling fans into ecstasy.
With players such as Godden taken off, Charlton stepped off the gas in the closing phase of the game.
Conor Coventry had an excellent game in midfield and Macualy Gillesphey was outstanding.
His ears ringing from an angry phone call from the steppes, Wycombe's shell shocked supremo Mike Dodds rued the loss of their defensive record and said that Charlton had forced them into errors and were really aggressive on second balls: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/wycombe-boss-looking-to-conduct-autopsy-after-4-0-loss-to-charlton-athletic/
Nathan Jones says that he was very pleased with the level of performance: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/national/25104962.nathan-jones-hails-outstanding-charlton-display-wallop-wycombe/
As the Shoe Army plans to descend on The Valley on Friday, the Cobblers are planning to derail Charlton's play off hopes in front of what is expected to be the biggest home crowd of the season: https://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/2025/april/17/kevin-nolan-17-04/
I had this down as a 3-0 win at the beginning of the season, but every game is potentially tricky.
Northampton are five points clear of the drop zone so they are not entirely out of relegation trouble and a point (as they gained at home to Reading last Saturday) would be a good result for them.
Away from home they have won five, drawn eight and lost eight. Along with Wigan and Reading, this makes them the away draw specialists in League One. Three of their last six matches have been drawn.
Nathan Jones is not taking any risks with Lloyd Jones, the implication is that he will be available for the vital game at Wycombe on Monday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-not-taking-any-risky-approach-with-vice-captain-lloyd-jones/
Will Mannion looks back on his season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-not-taking-any-risky-approach-with-vice-captain-lloyd-jones/
Moaners complained about the exclusion of Lloyd Jones from the squad at Mansfield and the inclusion of Tom McIntyre in his kilt. In fact McIntyre had a good game and Nathan Jones has explained that he does not want to take any risks with his namesake: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-not-prepared-to-take-any-risks-with-key-performer/
Charlton fans chanted 'Nathan Jones' Red Army' at the end of the tricky Mansfield game.
Charlton went to 4th in League One as Thierry Small's first-half goal gave the Addicks a narrow League One victory at struggling Crawley to consolidate their play-off push with a ninth win in the last 12 games. Bolton and Wrexham both lost.
Crawley improved somewhat after the break but lacked a
cutting-edge up front.
Charlton captain Lloyd Jones had a dangerous low cross
intercepted early on with Tyreece Campbell in a threatening position before
Crawley striker Will Swan fired off target at the other end after a strong run
by Panutche Camara.
The recalled Alex Gilbert, arriving late inside the area,
had a shot blocked for Charlton, having earlier put a fierce 20-yard chance
inches over.
The Addicks made the breakthrough after 37 minutes a Gilbert
assist found Small to the right of goal after Crawley had failed to clear and
his powerful close-range shot gave goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott no chance.
Wollacott was well positioned to save a goal-bound chance
from Karoy Anderson shortly after the interval.
And the Crawley keeper was in action again to save drive from Gilbert
from the edge of the area.
Campbell came close to doubling Charlton's lead when he put
an angled shot just wide after showing blistering pace.
Charlton's victory saw them climb above Stockport into
fourth place and they now boast 17 clean sheets in the league.
Nathan Jones said it was 'a very tricky game but a wholly professional performance', singling out Lloyd Jones for praise: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-jones-on-really-professional-win-over-crawley-town/
What airport workers are reading on the night shift: https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/crawley-town-0-charlton-athletic-1-reds-winless-run-continues
Now that Lloyd Jones has signed a new contract, something that I think will be welcomed by the majority of Charlton fans, Nathan Jones has urged to show him what he is capable of, admitting that one cannot use the word 'potential' at age 29: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-urges-lloyd-jones-to-take-opportunity-to-achieve-what-he-is-capable-of-after-extending-charlton-athletic-contract/
While we may not make the play offs this year, we are building a platform for the future. At least the 'we will be playing in League 2 next season' crowd has gone quiet.
Nathan Jones says he is 'pretty' convinced that Charlton will bring players in before the end of the transfer window, but is rather vague about what sort of players they might be other than that they will add 'quality'. Never mind the quality, feel the width: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/im-pretty-convinced-nathan-jones-makes-charlton-athletic-transfer-admission/
Jones seems more confident that he will conclude a deal with Lloyd Jones to extend his contract: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-very-confident-of-defender-agreeing-new-deal/
He is still fuming about the referee's failure to issue two cards at Bolton and has asked for 'observations': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/complete-and-utter-loss-charlton-boss-wants-answers-over-challenges-in-bolton-win/
It's really a waste of time, as much use as Karl Robinson's belief in a referees' conspiracy against Charlton, but the technophobes who dislike VAR should perhaps ponder.
To be fair, Jones did succeed and the player was banned for three matches, but he did have the decency to admit to his misconduct.
Karoy Anderson scored a late winner on 86 minutes to complete Charlton's comeback 2-1 win at Bolton in League One. The Addicks are now four points off the play off places with a game in hand but we mustn't be complacent about Shrewsbury on Saturday.
Joel Randall's first goal since his recent move from
Peterborough after 55 minutes appeared to ease the pressure on under-fire
Bolton manager Ian Evatt.
But Lloyd Jones and Anderson both scored in the last 20
minutes to turn the game around.
Randall's eighth goal of the season - seven of them for Posh
- came via a tap-in from Aaron Collins' assist.
Evatt's day began with an apology for swearing as he left
the field at half-time of Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Cambridge. However, he appeared to have a tantrum at
the end of the game, exchanging views with Lloyd Jones.
Charlton hit back to earn a first win in three league games. Bolton's already frustrated fanbase were
seething when defender Jones met the supposedly useless Gillesphey's pinpoint delivery
for his second goal of the campaign 19 minutes from time.
Up to that point Charlton had been second best, apart from two great saves by Maynard-Brewer, but they grew
in confidence and Anderson's deflected right-footed effort sealed the Addick's win after 86 minutes.
Fuller report from Louis Mendez here and also comments from Nathan Jones who thought that the home side should have had two red cards (Bolton have had more yelllow cards than any other team in League ON e):: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-commends-charltons-character-after-turnaround-win-at-bolton-and-says-hosts-should-have-had-two-red-cards/
For a local perspecive, the Bolton News report is here: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/24874231.bolton-wanderers-1-2-charlton-athletic---full-time-report/
One wonders if manager Ivatt might be the latest victim of the curse of Charlton.
The authoritative Richard Cawley reports that contract talks with key defender Lloyd Jones are going well: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-in-positive-position-in-terms-of-contract-talks-with-key-defender/
Speculation had linked him with Kazak billionaire side Wycombe Wanderers.
Talking online to Steve from Petts Wood before today's game against Reading we both agreed that a draw was the most likely outcome and at 0-0 Charlton remain in 11h place. Reading's goalkeeper did a lot to help them.
Harlee Dean produced a vital goalline clearance as Reading earned a 0-0 draw at Charlton. The Royals defender was in the right place to hook away Miles Leaburn's shot after goalkeeper Joel Pereira had spilled Thierry Small's cross in the 69th minute.
Both clubs came into the contest on a run of three straight League One victories but neither could break the deadlock in an entertaining contest.
Reading's Tyler Bindon had the best chance of the first half but steered Amadou Mbengue's cross wide of the right post in the 24th minute.
Tyreece Campbell's pace caused the visitors problems and his low shot was turned around the right upright by Pereira towards the end of the first half.
Charlton goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer denied Sam Smith just moments after the restart after the Royals striker was played through by Harvey Knibbs. The Australian stopper got just enough of a touch to divert it out for a corner.
Pereira needed to be alert again in the 75th minute, holding on to Lloyd Jones' first-time shot from Small's skimmed delivery from the right.
Serene supremo Nathan Jones said that the game showed that Charlton were one of the better sides in League One and were gaining momentum: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-after-goalless-draw-with-reading-were-now-showing-that-charlton-athletic-are-one-of-the-better-sides-in-league-one/
Whether we will gain enough momentum to get a play off place remains doubtful. but the hollowness of the 'relegation form' narrative has also been exposed.
Reading boss Hunt was delighted with his clean sheet: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/reading-boss-hunt-delighted-with-clean-sheet-at-charlton-athletic/
Losing Lloyd Jones in the transfer window would be a blow and the coach confirmed that contract talks were ongoing: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-asked-about-lloyd-jones-future-with-in-form-centre-backs-contract-talks-ongoing/
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.
Lloyd Jones has been nominated for League One player of the month for August. Among the other nominees is Alfie May: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-defender-nominated-for-august-league-one-player-of-the-month-and-is-up-against-birmingham-striker-alfie-may/
Steve Avory has stepped down as academy director at Charlton after nearly 25 years of service. He will remain in an advisory role. Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa (playing for England yesterday) and Ademola Lookman just some of the recent success stories. Academy boss Tom Pell will lead the academy moving forward.
Sincere thanks to Steve for all he has achieved.
A solid defensive display - when could we last say that - saw Charlton win their opening game at Wigan 1-0. Lloyd Jones scored the only goal nine minutes from time as Charlton, and it was a goal that a striker could have scored.
The home side had the lion’s share of the encounter at the
newly-named Brick Community Stadium, but could not make any of their chances
count.
Thelo Aasgaard sent one volley wide and another free-kick
over the bar, before his teasing left-wing cross was missed completely by Baba
Adeeko at the beginning of the second period.
Aasgaard really should have opened the scoring when he raced
through on goal, only to take too long in shooting and being dispossessed by a great tackle by Kayne Ramsay in the nick of time.
The three substitutions made on 73 minutes were well judged and boosted Charlton.
But the Addicks had the last laugh in the 81st minute as
Wigan failed to clear a free-kick, and the unmarked Jones slotted home at the
far post.
Charlton boss Nathan Jones was shown a yellow card deep into stoppage time after remonstrating with the official on the touchline, but he will care little about that, as his celebrations in front of the away support proved. About 1,000 Addicks were there and were in great voice, even though it wasn't the most exciting game.
Sky TV managed to end coverage just before 90 minutes.
Report from Louis Mendez here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-wigan-athletic-0-charlton-athletic-1-addicks-off-to-a-winning-start-after-cagey-opening-day-affair/
Yesterday's draw against Portsmouth received an enthusiastic response on social media from the Addickted, confounding those who like to read results off the table. Our position is still precarious but there is a new spirit, cohesion and determination in the team. Critics of Nathan Jones have had to bide their time.
Despite the teams' contrasting form of late, Pompey had only won one in 10 against the Addicks before this game and experienced another stern test during a first half in which both sides struck the woodwork.
Daniel Kanu hit a post in the third minute for the home side and Paddy Lane's header came back off the crossbar for Portsmouth after 16 minutes.
In a much less open second period, the visitors had the chance to snatch an 88th-minute winner when Myles Peart-Harris was sent through on goal but he was denied by a last-ditch challenge from Macaulay Gillesphey.
Portsmouth failed to capitalise on losses for both Derby and Bolton and although the stalemate meant Charlton claimed another impressive point, they are now 18 games without a victory, matching the longest winless streak in the club's history.
Unfortunately, Lloyd Jones - who has been praised even by the hyper critical - picked up a booking for dissent and will now miss the next two games: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/hes-been-silly-but-it-opens-a-chance-for-someone-else-nathan-jones-after-lloyd-jones-picks-up-two-game-ban-for-10th-yellow-card/
Keeper Harry Isted also deserves credit for his part in keeping a clean sheet for the first time in 22 matches: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/massive-charlton-goalkeeper-harry-isted-on-a-first-clean-sheet-in-22-league-one-outings/
