Charlton Athletic

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

The first time I took notice of Nathan Jones was in 2012, when he joined Charlton Athletic as the Under-21s professional development coach. Even then, whispers around the club spoke of his sharp coaching mind and infectious energy.

Before long, Brighton & Hove Albion came calling — and just like that, he was gone, off to assist Oscar Garcia. I remember feeling disappointed. It felt like we'd just glimpsed something special, only for it to slip through our fingers.

Still, I followed his career from a distance - the highs at Luton, the bruising spells at Stoke and Southampton - always wondering if he'd return to SE7.

So when Charlton appointed him manager in February 2024, while we were sitting in 19th place in League One, I was genuinely excited. He returned not as a coach, but as a man on a mission. His message was simple: tighten up at the back, sharpen up front, survive the season, then build something better.

The summer that followed brought promise. Smart recruitment. Three wins on the bounce. But football is rarely linear — and soon, the Nathan Jones rollercoaster took a dive. A woeful performance at Reading saw him, in his own words, "go off his nut". A few shaky results followed. The mood turned restless.

Then came a moment few expected. After a home win against big-spending Birmingham City - a moment made for celebration - Jones instead lashed out at the home fans, frustrated by their lack of belief. He even offered to step aside.

It was shocking. But also, in a strange way, galvanising.

Supporters began to understand the method behind the madness. Jones wasn't here for hollow applause - he wanted buy-in. Unity. Grit. Around Christmas, things began to click. Results improved. So did the connection between manager, players and fans.

That journey culminated at Wembley in May - a day that rewrote the mood of the club.

What I admire most about Nathan Jones is his brutal honesty and burning passion - qualities that resonate deeply in this working-class corner of London. Yes, he demands a lot. Yes, he's intense. But he gives everything. And in return, he asks only that we trust the process, even when it's uncomfortable.

That infamous Birmingham rant? It wasn't petulance. It was a challenge. A turning point. And looking back, it was the beginning of Charlton rediscovering its heartbeat.

Macaulay Gillesphey summed it up perfectly after the play-off final: "He doesn't mess about."

Jones has a deep affection for this club - forged in that early stint back in 2012, strengthened by old friendships, and cemented by this chapter of redemption. As we now step into the Championship, there's a quiet confidence that we're in good hands.

The foundations are set. The belief is returning. And with Jones at the helm, the 'grand design' doesn't seem so far-fetched anymore.

Nathan Jones: a builder, a believer, and the man Charlton didn't know it needed - until now.

Charlton Athletic have confirmed their triallist during a friendly victory over Wealdstone was Wolves and Jamaica right-back Dexter Lembikisa, 21. (Louis Mendez via X), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Thursday's gossip column here.

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Rex Features

Minutes after Charlton Athletic sealed their return to the Championship following five gruelling years in League One, manager Nathan Jones spoke of tough decisions ahead, the need to adapt, and the importance of adding quality for the challenges to come.

That's been reflected in a busy summer of recruitment, with a wave of signings combining high-level experience and raw potential.

But what about the existing squad members who put in the hard yards to earn promotion? Are they ready for the demands of the Championship?

Deep down, goalkeeper Will Mannion will know that new signing Thomas Kaminski - who played every minute of Luton Town's 2023-24 Premier League campaign - is likely to be handed the No1 jersey.

A defence that kept 26 clean sheets last season will now be looking over its shoulder, with the arrivals of Amari'i Bell and Reece Burke adding competition to an already strong back line.

Most Charlton fans will feel that Josh Edwards, Lloyd Jones, and Kayne Ramsay are capable of making the step-up, while Macaulay Gillesphey's prospects were covered in a previous article.

Conor Coventry will back himself to make an impact in midfield, but Greg Docherty - released by Championship side Hull City before joining in August 2024 - faces tough competition from new arrivals Joe Rankin-Costello and Sonny Carey.

Luke Berry brings valuable top-flight experience, but at this stage of his career, his role may be more limited to squad contributions.

Up front, new signings Tanto Olaofe and Rob Apter arrive with strong reputations following standout seasons at Stockport County and Blackpool respectively.

They add to an already promising attacking lineup featuring Tyreece Campbell, Miles Leaburn and Matt Godden - last season's top scorer with 18 league goals - who may find the return to the Championship more challenging, despite his previous experience with Coventry City.

The new signings are crucial in helping establish Charlton as a genuine Championship side, but the players who earned promotion still have a key role to play. As Nathan Jones rebuilds for a tougher tier, it's no longer just about the starting Xl - impact off the bench matters just as much. Together, old and new can drive the revival of this proud football club.

Paul Sullivan provides commentary on Charlton Athletic games for the visually impaired.

As winger Rob Apter joins Charlton from Blackpool, BBC Radio London's Xavi Bird and Aaron Paul reflect on the Addicks' busy transfer window, and what it might mean for the new season.

Newly-promoted Charlton are lining up a move for Blackpool winger Rob Apter, 22. (Richard Cawley, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Tuesday's gossip column here.

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

From being vilified by some sections of the Charlton Athletic fanbase to becoming a play-off final goalscoring legend - catapulting the Addicks to the Championship after five years in the League One wilderness - Macauley Gillesphey has gone from zero to hero since his arrival in SE7.

It's been a remarkable improvement considering at the start of the season he was perceived to be the weakest member of the Charlton defence, with the fear of a mistake in him at any time.

However, as the season wore on his hard work paid off as he contributed to a defence that kept 22 clean sheets, while scoring six goals.

Nathan Jones believes he has grown into the team. Demands have been put on him and he's responded magnificently.

The Championship will be another challenge and he will need to step up another level, but he's been doing that since he entered the building.

He has become a forceful and determined defender, whose composure and reading of the game have improved dramatically.

The 29-year-old has settled well in the London area with his young family and his new two-year deal, with a club option for a further year, has come at the perfect time.

Gillesphey only made four second-tier appearances after winning the League One title with Plymouth Argyle in the 2022-23 season, so the question now will be is he ready to make the step up?

Well, he was born in Ashington - a breeding ground for winners like Jackie Milburn and the Charlton brothers [Jack and Sir Bobby]. Only time will tell.

Paul Sullivan provides commentary on Charlton Athletic games for the visually impaired.

Andy Bayes
BBC Radio Lancashire sports editor

Image source, Getty Images

Joe Rankin-Costello will have been a dream for the past four bosses to have sat in the Blackburn Rovers hot seat.

An injury or suspension in a number of positions, and he'd be asked to fill it.

If I had a pound for how many times in the last 25 years that a player would tell me, "I'll play wherever the manager wants me to play," I'd be a very wealthy man. It's the stock answer, really, for any player to give; only occasionally will someone with a strong personality tell you how they really feel.

It's only natural that at 25 years of age the lure of a new challenge has led him to join Charlton Athletic, and where he plays for them will interest a lot of people who follow Rovers.

An academy graduate, Rankin-Costello can play central midfield, as a number ten, or wide in a front three on either side – not to mention at right-back where he undoubtedly produced his best form under Jon Dahl Tomasson.

He started the 2023-24 season as first choice at right-back after a sparkling second half to the previous campaign. And, although squad numbers barely resemble playing positions these days, a player wearing 11 at right-back tells you all you need to know.

Standout displays at Huddersfield Town and QPR showed him at his very best - comfortable in possession, spending 70% of the match in the opposition half rather than as an orthodox right-back - it was the position for him in a Tomasson system that brought the best out of him.

Yes, there were injuries that hampered his progress, and the emergence of Callum Brittain as one of the championship's best right-backs has meant that he's really only been a deputy under John Eustace and Valerien Ismael. He started last season wide on the right after finishing the previous campaign as a holding midfielder.

But when does versatility cost a player? It does when he isn't first choice in any position. Then when a chance comes due to the absence of someone else, a high-level performance is expected.

Given his age, he should have more than 132 senior appearances across all competitions. His talent should dictate that. He'll not have too many issues settling in with Thomas Kaminski and Amari'i Bell (new arrivals at The Valley), both being former Rovers team-mates.

On paper, the deal looks a good one for all parties. Rovers get cash for someone surplus to requirements; Charlton get a player with well over 100 championship appearances; and the player himself will get a change of scenery and a brand new challenge to kick-start a career that badly needs it.

Charlton Athletic are eyeing up a deal for Blackpool midfielder Rob Apter, 22, but Tangerines boss Steve Bruce is eager to keep hold of the Liverpool-born Scotsman. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Friday's gossip column here.

Charlton Athletic and Derby County are in a race to sign Fulham and Wales under-21 midfielder Luke Harris after the 20-year-old caught the eye during his loan spell with League One champions Birmingham City last season. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Thursday's gossip column here.

Image source, Getty Images

Charlton Athletic defender Macaulay Gillesphey has signed a new two-year contract with the Championship club.

The 29-year-old joined the Addicks from Plymouth in January 2024 and his new deal includes the option of a further 12 months.

Gillesphey, who started his career at Newcastle, made 54 appearances in all competitions for Charlton last season, scoring six goals - including the winner against Leyton Orient in the League One play-off final.

"I feel the club's going in the right direction and I've enjoyed every minute so far, obviously getting promoted through the play-offs was an incredible experience," he told the club website.

"I just can't wait to get going with the new season at The Valley in front of all our fans again."

Charlton will open their Championship season at home to Watford on 9 August.

Preston North End are set to beat Charlton Athletic and QPR to the signing of Brighton defender Odeluga Offiah. (London World), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Wednesday's gossip column here.

Charlton Athletic are interested in signing experienced Luton Town goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski, 32, following their promotion to the Championship. (Luton Today), external

The Addicks are also closing in on the signature of Stockport County striker Isaac Olaofe, 25. (Darren Witcoop via X), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Monday's gossip column here.