‘EXCLUSIVE’:”Nathan Jones Sees Small Extension as Big Breakthrough for Charlton…Read more
Nathan Jones Aims to Spin Charlton Athletic’s Small Extension into Magic, with Manager ‘Elated’ over Prospects for Addicks’ Future Success.
Charlton Athletic’s manager, Nathan Jones, will be thrilled if everything proceeds as planned while he revamps his squad this summer.
Jones took over from Michael Appleton at The Valley in February. The former Luton Town manager lost only two of his 16 matches in charge, successfully guiding Charlton away from the League One relegation zone. The Welshman anticipates the upcoming months to be among the busiest summers of his tenure at Charlton. He has indicated that the Addicks will be in a significantly better position by the end of the transfer window.
With experience managing a major summer overhaul, Jones previously made extensive changes to his inherited squad during his first stint at Luton, which led to a play-off spot and subsequent promotion to League One.
Charlton fans are hopeful for a similar success story in SE7 for the 2023/24 season. Jones signed a four-and-a-half-year contract upon his arrival in south London, and the results of the upcoming transfer window could be crucial in setting the stage for future success.
With that in mind, here are four objectives Jones will aim to achieve this summer:
Thierry Small inks a new long-term deal.
Charlton wing-back Thierry Small has already attracted interest from Derby County and Tottenham Hotspur since the season ended. The teenager joined the Addicks in February after departing Southampton at the close of the January transfer window.
Jones, who arrived at the club around the same time as Small, started the left-sided defender in Charlton’s last 14 League One games. Small’s performance was impressive, leading Charlton to exercise their option to extend his contract by 12 months.
The Addicks have also offered Small a long-term contract. If he signs, Jones will be thrilled to continue developing the 19-year-old former Everton player while also securing his future value.
Luke Berry has been signed.
Charlton are negotiating with midfielder Luke Berry, recently released by Luton Town, reports London News Online.
Jones initially signed Berry from Cambridge United in 2017 and worked with the 31-year-old across all three EFL divisions during two stints with the Hatters.
This season, Berry made 17 top-flight appearances, scoring two goals and providing an assist as Luton were relegated in their inaugural Premier League campaign.
Persuading a player of Berry’s quality to move to League One would be a significant move for Jones, who hopes to reunite with the midfielder this summer.
Charlton’s squad has been streamlined.
In his first month at The Valley, Jones stated he wanted a squad of three goalkeepers and 22 outfield players for the 2024/25 season.
This summer, Charlton’s manager will need to make decisions about players returning to Sparrows Lane after season-long loans.
The 51-year-old might aim to remove midfielders Scott Fraser and Conor McGrandles from the wage bill following their loans at Hearts and Lincoln City.
Jones plans to assemble a balanced squad with two capable players in each position to push for promotion to the Championship.
Charlton retain their key players.
Charlton need to add quality to their squad to improve on this season’s disappointing 16th-place finish, but Jones will also want to retain all of their key players.
Promising wing-back Small has already been the subject of transfer rumors, and Jones might worry that players like Alfie May and Miles Leaburn could attract interest.
May scored 23 goals in League One this season, earning the golden boot. The 20-year-old striker Leaburn has been linked to several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Brentford.
Jones hopes to keep his most crucial players and strengthen Charlton’s squad without weakening it.
GET RELATED CONTENT ON:
