Charlton Athletic

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Shutterstock

The relief inside The Valley was palpable on Saturday afternoon as Charlton Athletic stopped the rot and ended their miserable 11-game run without a win, triumphing over The Blades of South Yorkshire.

No mean feat by the way. Defeating any side led by the vastly-experienced Chris Wilder is not to be sniffed at, also considering Sheffield United have had a decent start to the season.

They included seasoned professionals in their ranks with the likes of ex-England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, Chilean international Ben Brereton Diaz and Ghana forward, Jordan Ayew.

All we had was Millenic Alli, massively disappointing since he signed in the summer. We had a reserve goalkeeper, Will Mannion, out of sorts central defender Tyler Bindon and midfielder Conor Coventry, who has been suffering with poor form.

But, wait a minute.

Alli was transformative as he scored and made an assist, Mannion made a world-class save at the death and Bindon (pictured above) at last stepped up to the plate as a dependable defender against the side he played for on loan last season.

Coventry used his new captain's armband as a source of strength to arguably put in his best performance in a Charlton shirt.

The rest of the team put together following injuries to regular starters Kayne Ramsay, Nathaniel Chalobah, Lloyd Jones, Miles Leaburn and Karlan Grant were all heroes on the day to lift us from this swamp of a slump.

And finally, our beleaguered manager Nathan Jones, who surely would have been odds-on for the sack had he reached a dozen matches without a win. He orchestrated a team and a plan to beat a renowned Championship side.

Congratulations Nathan - a job well done. Use this international break to earn some well-earned rest with the family and come back rejuvenated and keep moving this club forwards.

Image source, Shutterstock

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones spoke to BBC Radio London after the Addicks' 2-1 win over Sheffield United earned them their first Championship win since August 29. For a written selection of quotes, click here.

Charlton Athletic will be aiming to put a halt to a miserable run of games when they host Sheffield United on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Having won their opening three games, the Addicks have not been able to claim another victory since and are currently in a rut of four successive losses.

The Blades will have their own play-off ambitions in mind, however, with just one point keeping them outside in ninth as it stands.

• Charlton did the league double over Sheffield United last season, winning both games 1-0. They last won three in a row against the Blades between 1955 and 1957.

• ●Sheffield United have won just two of their last 17 away league games against Charlton (D6 L9), with these wins coming consecutively in November 2007 and November 2008.

• Charlton are winless in their last 11 league games (D5 L6), losing the last four in a row. They last had a longer run without victory between December and February in 2023-24 (16).

• Sheffield United have won consecutive league games for the first time this season, last winning three in a row in November/December last year (4).

• All four of Sydie Peck's league goals for Sheffield United this season have come away from home, with the 22-year-old netting a hat-trick at Preston last time out.

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Shutterstock

It is looking pretty bleak at The Valley right now, with the very real and worrying prospect for most Addicks fans that a return to League One is distinctly plausible.

The uplift Nathan Jones has given this club since his arrival in February 2024 has been immense.

Genuine worries of relegation to League Two were what faced him when he first walked through the doors.

He dispelled those fears pretty swiftly, with only two defeats in the remainder of the season steering us well clear of the dreaded drop.

In the 2024-25 season, he led us to glory, triumphing at Wembley in the play-off final to return us to the Championship. The club were ahead of schedule with their evolving plan.

The remit for last season was simple - survive. And we did, and so did he.

Now, here is the potential catch.

It is second-season syndrome, and it is biting Charlton right now. Fans have been exasperated by the owners' choice to limit spending in the summer, resulting in what appears to have been a limited upgrade to the squad.

At first, Jones fought against the tide admirably, taking us to the summit of the Championship at the end of August.

Now however, we appear to be in our rightful place, 21st given that we reportedly have the fourth-lowest budget in the league.

In this modern football era, 11 matches without a win usually spells the end for any manager. However, given what I have outlined, he has credit in the bank.

As a family club, we are all desperate to continue on the journey Nathan has laid out which is one of continued evolution.

However, he has been stopped in his tracks by the brakes put on recruitment, and arguably by his brand of football which does incense a lot of our fans.

He appears to me to be quite jaded. Anything short of a home win over Sheffield United on Saturday could spell the end of him which would be sad if it is to come to pass.

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones spoke to BBC Radio London after the defeat against Bolton Wanderers. For a written selection of his quotes, click here

Charlton host Bolton on Tuesday (19:45 GMT) in a meeting between the winners of the League One play-off final over the past two seasons.

The Addicks have taken only two points from their past six games, the same record as rock bottom Preston North End, and are without a league win since 29 August.

• Charlton Athletic won both league meetings with Bolton Wanderers when they last faced in 2024-25 (League One) – they last won three in a row against the Trotters between 1954 and 1955.

• Each of the past 10 league meetings between Charlton and Bolton have been in League One. They last faced each other in the Championship in 2015-16, with both games finishing level that season.

• Bolton have drawn 0-0 at QPR and lost 4-0 at Millwall in the Championship this season. They last went three league games without a goal away against London sides between September 2011 and February 2012 in the Premier League (4).

• Following a six-game unbeaten run at The Valley (W3 D3), Charlton lost their last home league match 3-1 against Norwich.

• Bolton have won two of their past three away league games (D1), as many as they had in their previous 24 in the Championship (D5 L17).

Charlton boss Nathan Jones spoke to BBC Radio London after the defeat at Middlesbrough. For a written selection of his quotes, click here

Image source, Opta

Middlesbrough will aim to at least maintain their two-point lead at the top of the Championship when they host free-falling Charlton on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Boro's 5-1 win at Bolton took them top before defeats for closest challengers Swansea and West Ham but they return to the Riverside where they have won only one of their past three games.

The Addicks are 19th after taking just one point from their past four away games and are now winless in nine league games overall, failing to score in four of them.

• Middlesbrough have won 10 of their past 14 league games against Charlton Athletic (D2 L2), keeping six clean sheets across the past 10.

• Charlton Athletic won this exact fixture 1-0 last season and will be looking for successive away league wins over Middlesbrough for the first time since April 1965.

• Middlesbrough are unbeaten in their past 10 league games (W6 D4). They last had a longer run between March and August 2016 (13), and last did so within the same season in 2011-12 (unbeaten in first 11).

• Having won their first three league games this season, Charlton are now winless in nine (D5 L4). The only team in English Football League history to win their opening three games and then have a 10-game winless run are Blackburn Rovers in 1986-87.

• Middlesbrough have scored 27 goals across their opening 12 league games this season, last netting more at this stage of a campaign in 1959-60 (30).

Image source, Shutterstock

Former MK Dons and Charlton Athletic striker Chuks Aneke has confirmed his retirement from playing.

The 33-year-old came through Arsenal's academy but made just one first-team appearance for the Gunners, in 2011.

it was as a late substitute in a League Cup game against Shrewsbury Town, coincidentally the team he would end his career with 15 years later.

In between, he played for Belgian side Zulte Waregem, MK Dons, Charlton and Birmingham City, and also had loan spells with Stevenage, Preston North End and Crewe Alexandra.

He scored 94 goals in 414 games during his career, 24 of them during two loan spells at Crewe between 2012 and 2014, earning him a move into Belgium's top flight after his release by Arsenal.

He scored just four times in 41 games for Waregem, but did net in the Europa League.

He was more successful at MK Dons, with 33 goals in 94 appearances, and Charlton, where, across two spells, he played 138 games and scored 27 times.

He also had a year in the Championship at Birmingham and played the first half of last season with Shrewsbury, with his final appearance coming against Bristol Rovers on New Year's Day.

Image source, Getty Images

Charlton Athletic have appointed Ben Mansford as their new chief executive.

Mansford is a former CEO at Leeds United, Barnsley, Blackpool and Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he also had a spell as sporting director

The position had been vacant since March 2025, when it was announced that Charlie Methven was leaving.

Chairman Gavin Carter said Mansford "brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record of success and strong leadership qualities".

"We're incredibly proud of what has been achieved at Charlton over the last three years, both on and off the pitch. With that progress, expectations have rightly grown," Carter added.

"We've been very deliberate in taking the time to find the right person to lead the next stage of our development.

"I'm delighted we've been able to attract someone of Ben's calibre."

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Shutterstock

My prediction for this match was a 3-0 defeat, so I wasn't far off. But what prompted me to be so negative before even a ball was kicked?

A dose of realism I guess.

Following research for my commentary for the visually-impaired, it was clear to me Norwich City were a force to be reckoned with. They were, after all, many pundits favourites to be contesting for promotion following their resurgence under Phillippe Clement in the latter part of 2025-26.

However, going into this game, they were floundering in 21st place after five successive league defeats and no clean sheets since they visited The Valley on the first day of spring back in March.

A closer look at their results and some of their performances would suggest it would be only a matter of time when they would surmount another climb up the table.

They've played some good teams in this division like Middlesbrough, Swansea City and Southampton, pushing them all the way.

As for Charlton Athletic, Nathan Jones rang the changes as promised after the dreadful performance and result at Watford previously.

Three of the replacements looked impressive in that bright 20 minute opening spell for Charlton.

Joe Rankin-Costello and Sonny Carey livened up our moribund midfield. Then Charlie Kelman delivered with a fine well-taken goal.

Paris Maghoma is a player well known in coaching circles for carrying the ball and shooting from dangerous positions. He did just that as he equalised for the Canaries with aplomb.

Charlton had now retreated into their lower-table shell and showed no sign of escaping it in the second half as they allowed centre-back Ruairi McConville to put a ball in from the left and an unmarked Mathias Kvistgaarden rubber-stamped his penchant for movement, intelligent positioning and sharp finishing.

The final wound was executed as substitute Anthony Musaba drilled his way into Charlton's penalty box, ending in an own goal for the third killer strike.

Talking of killers, the legendary Derek 'Killer' Hales was introduced to the crowd before the match with a montage of some of his goals shown on the big screen. We are crying out for someone like that in this modern era.

Next up is a visit to top of the table Middlesbrough. Like storms Austen and Boelo, when it rains - it pours.

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Championship match between Charlton Athletic and Norwich City.

Here are some of your comments:

Charlton fans

Roland: What's left to say about yet another inept performance by Charlton, devoid of quality, ideas, tactical ability - all stemming from a lack of guidance, leadership and mismanagement of the board's assets. Nathan Jones has got to go before we plummet into another few years in League One, or worse. Act now - save CAFC from utter humiliation.

Barry: It seems that Jones is the only individual at Charlton that doesn't realise his defensive mindset is anathema to all concerned and completely ineffective. Score a goal and then soak up pressure for the rest of the game? Rinse and repeat. It's now a short journey to League One surely...

Peter: Another episode of a dismal display. Started brilliantly but after the goal disappeared, only one shot on target in the second half. The players may be the same but have a different line-up each match, not good for getting a settled team. The manager has done well to get Charlton this far but the Championship is beyond him. If the drop is to be avoided then he must go before Christmas. The players must show more fight with a determination to win. Now 10 plus games without one, next week included.

Image source, Shutterstock

Norwich fans

Grey: Good to see Norwich win, they've not had the rub of the green in a few matches, but Charlton will feel aggrieved with a goal disallowed and a good penalty appeal. On balance, Norwich deserved the win, just. Good to see.

Victor: Back to sensible form, probably due to captain McLean's return. Puzzling how they could look so bad at home to Portsmouth last Saturday without him and so much better away at Charlton.

Jamie: At last, after a 1/4 of the season you need to be at least one point per game to survive. Maybe NCFC can kick on from this and repeat last season's run towards the play-offs.

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones spoke to BBC Radio London after his side's 3-1 defeat against Norwich. For a written selection of his quotes, click here.

Neither Charlton Athletic or Norwich City have been having a great time of it as of late but will be hoping to turn things around when they meet at the Valley on Saturday lunchtime (12:30 BST).

The Addicks are on an eight game winless streak (D5 L3) but remain unbeaten at home this season.

While the visiting Canaries are on a five match losing run and are just one point above the relegation zone.

• Charlton Athletic have lost each of their last three home league games against Norwich City, this after winning each of their prior five in succession between December 1997 and May 2009.

• Norwich City have won their last three league games against Charlton Athletic; they've never won four in succession in this fixture before.

• Charlton are winless in their last eight league games (D4 L3), though at home they're unbeaten in their previous six outings (W3 D3).

• Norwich have lost 10 of their last 12 league games (W2) including each of their previous five matches; last losing six in a row in November 2025.

• In the Championship this season, only five different Charlton players have found the back of the net; it's the joint-fewest individual scorers of any side in the competition alongside Derby County (ex. own goals).

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Shutterstock

When backs are against the wall and a club is in turmoil on and off the pitch, who is the perfect team to face to lift your spirits?

Answer: Charlton Athletic.

We have been the most accommodating club for years. Whoever the personnel, it seems to be in our DNA.

Watford were on the ropes going into Saturday's game, having conceded nine goals in their previous two matches. So why didn't we attack them with gusto, score first and turn Vicarage Road toxic?

Answer: because we're Charlton Athletic.

Stoke City and Cardiff City have also used victories against us to kick-start their seasons. We seem to specialise in helping struggling opponents find their feet.

It was a dreadful, lacklustre performance. Both goals were poor from our perspective, while Watford will be delighted to record their first clean sheet of the season.

We simply don't create enough, and the midfield is becoming a growing concern.

It is hard to understand how Oliver Skipp (pictured), previously praised by Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, can look so ineffective. At Tottenham, he earned lengthy contracts, while his loan spell at Norwich City saw him help them win the Championship and earn a place in the 2021 PFA Team of the Year.

Where has that player gone?

Should we give Alan Mwamba and Harvey Knibbs extended runs to freshen things up?

One thing is certain: we desperately need Nathaniel Chalobah back to drive us forward in midfield, although his fitness remains a concern. Miles Leaburn needs a rest and, frankly, Karlan Grant must offer more.

Nathan Jones admitted we failed to take the game to Watford. Against opponents struggling for confidence, our lethargy and lack of energy were unacceptable.

Jones also criticised Conor Coventry after his role in the build-up to the first goal, having previously singled him out for conceding a penalty against Bristol City.

One win in eight has seen us tumble from top after three games to 17th.

We are four points worse off than at the same stage last season, and summer recruitment is coming under scrutiny. Difficult games now await us.

Jones has plenty of credit in the bank with me. Only relegation would change my mind. Given our budget, he may still be our greatest asset.

We had momentum after that 96th-minute equaliser at Burnley. We must learn to harness it.

As Coventry says, we need to stick together. This week on the training ground is crucial.

Charlton boss Nathan Jones spoke to BBC Radio London after the defeat against Watford. For a written selection of his quotes, click here