Charlton Athletic

Charlton Athletic midfielder Conor Coventry has expressed his pride in making his debut for Republic of Ireland.

The 25-year-old came off the bench in the 68th minute in the 2-0 win over Portugal and then was an unused substitute for the win against Hungary which secured their place in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.

"It's something that obviously I've always wanted and something that I've been close to a few times and I've been striving for it," he told BBC Radio London.

"It can be tough when you're so close and it's not come but to actually get on in such a big game and at home was nice as well, to get on and make my debut at home was probably the nicest thing that it could be.

"It meant the world to me and just made me want more."

You can listen to more from Conor Coventry on BBC Sounds.

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Charlton's squad is on its knees.

The trip to North Wales ended in frustration, with injuries, illness, and a costly mistake from Onel Hernandez all contributing to a 1-0 defeat at Wrexham.

Key figures such as James Bree, Lloyd Jones and Kayne Ramsay battled through pain and illness to feature, while others were unavailable including Miles Leaburn who was listed as a substitute and proclaimed injured but there is much speculation and mystery as to what has actually gone on in-house.

Despite the setbacks, Charlton showed promise in the first half with decent chances keeping the home crowd quiet.

Fatigue began to tell after the break, and it was clear the team's mounting physical issues were taking their toll. Still, full credit goes to Ramsay, who, despite feeling unwell, made a lung‑bursting run deep into stoppage time to make a block and avert danger, sparking one last chance.

Substitute Luke Berry's header forced a good save from Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, preventing what would have been a dramatic equaliser.

Wrexham were far from dominant, and their previous home win over league leaders Coventry City underlined just how unpredictable this Championship season has become.

The long four‑hour journey back south offered time for reflection and perspective. With 23 points from 15 matches, Charlton's return so far is commendable.

For the third time this season, the team enters the international break on the back of a defeat - a break that feels badly needed, as the squad is clearly on its knees.

Reinforcements in January could prove vital if Nathan Jones is to maintain the fine work achieved so far and guard against suspensions and further injuries derailing momentum.

There remains a strong belief that Charlton can consolidate their Championship status by season's end but any loftier ambitions may depend on fitness and fortune.

Once the break concludes Charlton return to action with Southampton at home, followed by difficult away trips to high-flying Stoke and Coventry.

It's a tall order, but if there's one thing supporters have learned, it's never to underestimate a Nathan Jones team.

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones has praised Lloyd Jones, James Bree and Kayne Ramsey for playing against Wrexham despite not being fully fit.

All three players featured in the 1-0 defeat, even though Bree has been nursing a groin problem and both Jones and Ramsey were ill in the days before the match.

It was the injury-hit Addicks' first loss in five games.

"Lloyd, Bree and Kayne Ramsey in a normal world wouldn't have played because of illness and injury," Jones told BBC Radio London.

"They've gone through the barrier for the club. Not everyone does that, but they have. I'm proud of the group for what they've given me."

Bree's set-piece delivery has been an asset for Charlton but he is so restricted by his injury that he currently cannot take them.

"Those three shouldn't have played," Jones explained.

"Bree can't take a set-play - he's one of the best in the league at set-plays and he can't take one because of his groin, but he's playing through the injury.

"Lloyd and Kayne both had illness for the past two or three days but have absolutely put in a shift, and that's the group we have."

Image source, Opta

Two promoted teams finding their feet in the Championship lock-horns at the Stok Cae Ras on Saturday as Charlton head to Wrexham (15:00 GMT).

The Addicks have made a flying start to lie 6th after a last-gasp 1-0 win over West Brom on Tuesday night made it 11 points from the past five games for Nathan Jones's men.

Phil Parkinson's Red Dragons have suffered just one defeat in nine and followed up their 3-2 win over previously unbeaten leaders Coventry in their last home game last Friday with a battling goalless draw at Portsmouth on Wednesday to go 14th, just five points behind their visitors in the play-off places.

• Wrexham have won their past three home league games against Charlton Athletic and have lost just one out of seven overall (W4 D2).

• Charlton have won just one of their last nine league matches against Wrexham (D4 L4), a 1-0 win in February 1982.

• Wrexham have won their past two home league matches – they last won three in a row in the second tier back in March 1982.

• Charlton Athletic have won 23 points after 14 Championship games this season (W6 D5 L3), their best at this stage of a second tier campaign since 1999-00, when they had 29. They went on to win the title that season.

• Charlton's Welsh manager Nathan Jones has won his last four away Championship matches in Wales, with this his first since a 2-1 win at Cardiff with Luton in August 2022.

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Unbelievable scenes unfolded on Tuesday at The Valley as Charlton snatched victory deep into stoppage time, courtesy of the irrepressible Sonny Carey. The place erupted. The Covered End was in rapture. And what a story this man is writing.

When Carey arrived as Charlton's first signing of the summer, few expected much. Many supporters – myself included – were underwhelmed. Even Blackpool fans seemed relieved to wave him off.

Fast forward four months and he's become one of the club's shining lights, a genuine early contender for Player of the Season. Every time he advances into that central attacking space, there's the promise of something magical. The late strike this time around – his fifth of the campaign – was just that, breaking Albion hearts and sending Charlton soaring to fifth in the table (now sixth, after Preston North End beat Swansea City on Wednesday evening), going five games unbeaten.

Yet Carey wasn't the only revelation.

Ibrahim Fullah's introduction transformed the contest. His youthful energy, swagger and quality changed everything in an instant. A game that had been limp and goalless suddenly burst to life under the new floodlights; though truthfully, it was Fullah who turned up the wattage tenfold.

Albion will rue their missed chances, particularly Samuel Illing-Junior's strike off the stanchion and by Isaac Price twice, when through on goal. A weak penalty miss by Charlton captain Greg Docherty gave Albion a leg-up.

But credit must go to Charlton's defence: it was resolute, defiant and now boasts a sixth clean sheet in 14 matches. It's a testament to the unity in this squad, forged through disruption and challenge.

These three points should put a spring in our step as we make the long journey up to North Wales on Saturday afternoon to take on Wrexham, who will be buoyant after their last home game beating table-toppers Coventry City.

Nathan Jones' men will want to avenge their last visit in April, when automatic promotion hopes from League One were dashed while Wrexham secured theirs, beating the Addicks 3-0.

We will look to continue to be the best of the promoted sides, by beating one of them. It's a tough ask but we've overcome tough asks all season so far.

Just under a year ago, we were losing at Exeter City. Now look at us!

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones says his side "thoroughly deserved" their "wonderful" late victory over West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday.

The Addicks grabbed the win in a the dying embers of the game after midfielder Sonny Carey saw his shot deflected into the net to beat Baggies keeper Josh Griffiths for a 95th minute winner.

"It is wonderful and you have to enjoy those moments. I said to Sonny [Carey] at the end go and enjoy it as you don't often get 17 or 20,000 people singing your name," Jones told BBC Radio London.

"It was a wonderful, wonderful night but thoroughly deserved as well. I thought we had real control, I thought we finished strong and [brought on] the subs at the right time.

"The subs came on and gave us a massive impetus late on and it would have been a travesty if we didn't win it and definitely if they had nicked something at the end."

Ryan Mason's West Bromwich Albion travel to Charlton Athletic on Tuesday (19:45 GMT) with both sides looking to end winless runs.

Just the two points separate them with Charlton knowing a win could see them jump into the play-off positions.

The Baggies boss admitted his side were "disjointed" in their 0-0 draw with struggling Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday and will be hoping to change that at The Valley.

• Charlton Athletic are winless in each of their past five league games against West Bromwich Albion (D4 L1), since a 2-1 away win in September 2005 in the Premier League.

• Each of the past three league meetings between West Bromwich Albion and Charlton Athletic have ended in a draw, with both fixtures in their most recent shared campaign ending 2-2 in 2019-20 – the Baggies had led both 1-0 and 2-1 in each of those fixtures.

• Charlton Athletic have won eight of their past nine midweek (Tue/Wed/Thu) league games, drawing the other, since a 2-1 home defeat by Crawley Town in December 2024.

• West Bromwich Albion have lost each of their past three away league games, last losing four straight on the road between January and March 2023 under Carlos Corberan.

• West Bromwich Albion manager Ryan Mason met Charlton Athletic just once as a player, assisting Jonathan Obika for Yeovil Town in a 1-1 draw back in the 2009-10 League One campaign.

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Shuttershock

There were blue skies and bright sunshine over The Valley on Saturday as Charlton's game with Swansea City kicked off. But by the time referee David Webb blew the final whistle, rain was pouring down over SE7 - a fitting reflection of the afternoon's shifting fortunes.

Just like the unpredictable weather, Charlton's fortunes can change in a heartbeat.

Two defensive injuries within minutes, with Amari'i Bell and Reece Burke both forced off just before half-time, completely altered the game's momentum. Their absence allowed Swansea to seize greater control, forcing Charlton to juggle their shape and structure.

Even so, the Addicks struck first shortly after the break. It was a joyous moment to see every outfield player in red rush to celebrate as Charlie Kelman finally opened his account for the club.

From that point, however, Swansea dominated possession, dictating the tempo and probing constantly until their equaliser arrived. It was a thunderous strike from summer signing Adam Idah - the former Celtic forward showing his class.

The Swans continued to press and could easily have snatched all three points late on, but Joshua Key, who had been excellent throughout, spurned a golden opportunity.

By the end, relief was the overriding emotion. A hard-earned point took Charlton's total to 20, which is a small but timely psychological boost at this relatively early stage of the season.

So, what next for Nathan Jones and his men?

The manager now faces a defensive dilemma. To retain his preferred back five, he could turn to summer addition Joe Rankin-Costello from Blackburn Rovers, whose versatility makes him a natural candidate. Youngster Ibrahim Fullah is another option, having featured as a left wing-back in the Carabao Cup tie against Stevenage back in August.

Jones has long favoured five at the back, but with West Bromwich Albion visiting on Tuesday night (19:45 GMT), there may not be enough time to establish the alternative 4‑2‑3‑1 set-up.

The takeaways from Saturday? Gratitude for a point on an off day. Encouragement from Kelman's long-awaited goal. But genuine concern too, with Bell and Burke joining Josh Edwards on the defensive injury list.

Testing times could lie ahead for the Addicks, but there's still plenty of spirit in this squad.

Charlton manager Nathan Jones admitted his side had not delivered the "best version of themselves" in the 1-1 draw with Swansea but insisted another point in the Championship was to be welcomed.

Speaking to BBC Radio London, Jones said: "I would have liked us to impose ourselves a bit more, but we didn't and Swansea passed the ball better than us and caused us problems.

"We looked a little bit jaded and I don't know why that was. We will have a look at that back. But they [the players] are giving me everything and it is another point in the Championship, which is no bad thing.

"It was a hard-fought and difficult game. What we have to do is be the best version of ourselves. Were we today? Probably not.

"But they are a good side with good players and they are well coached. We will dust ourselves down and take a point from it."

Charlton welcome Swansea to The Valley on Saturday (15:00 GMT) seeking to build on their fast start to the Championship season.

The newly-promoted Addicks have taken 19 points from their opening 12 games to sit sixth, have taken 10 points from their five home fixtures so far and have lost just once in their past eight matches overall.

The Swans are 13th but only three points back, having picked up seven points from their past four away games, but went down 3-1 at home to Man City in the EFL Cup fourth round on Tuesday.

• Charlton Athletic have won just one of their past nine league games against Swansea City (D2 L6), with this the first meeting between the sides since a 1-0 victory for the Swans in January 2020.

• Swansea City have won two of their past four away league games against Charlton Athletic (D1 L1), as many victories as across their first 18 away trips to the London side (D5 L11).

• Charlton have lost just one of their past 20 home league games (W15 D4), averaging 1.8 goals per game during that time.

• Swansea remain the only team yet to score from a set-piece (excluding penalties) in the 2025-26 Championship campaign, while only Coventry City (11) and Oxford United (10) have scored more such goals than Charlton Athletic (7).

• Only Birmingham City (6) have won more points from goals scored in the 90th minute or later than Charlton Athletic (5) in the Championship so far this season, with the Addicks earning a point against Hull last time out in the 91st minute.

Image source, Getty Images

Alan Sheehan will do battle with a man who has had a big influence on his career when Swansea City go to Charlton Athletic on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Swansea head coach Sheehan will go up against Nathan Jones having spent many years on the same side as the Welshman.

Former left-back Sheehan was enduring a difficult spell at Bradford City when he joined Jones' Luton Town on loan in January 2016.

Sheehan ended up as club captain at Luton, where he helped Jones' team win promotion from League Two in 2018 and then from League One 12 months later.

The Irishman left Kenilworth Road in 2020 to continue his playing career, but then returned to join Jones' Luton coaching staff in 2022 before following him to Southampton later that year.

After being dismissed by Saints in February 2023, Jones and Sheehan went their separate ways, with the latter joining Swansea's staff that summer.

Image source, Getty Images

But it is safe to assume there will be plenty of respect on the touchline at the Valley this weekend as Sheehan faces his former boss.

"It will be the first time that we come up against each other as managers," Sheehan said. "And I think it will be a very difficult game."

Jones is something of a controversial figure in the eyes of Swansea's fans, thanks chiefly to the fact that he supports their south Wales rivals Cardiff City.

But after his previous successes at Luton, the 52-year-old is once again thriving at Charlton, with his team sixth in the Championship table having won promotion from League One last season.

"It's a team that's built up a lot of momentum in the last year or so and a very difficult team to play against from what I have seen," Sheehan added.

"They beat Ipswich 3-0 away the other day and they are in the play-off places at the moment, so we understand it's going to be a very difficult game."

On Monday we asked Charlton fans to get in touch with their views about their team's fine start to the Championship season following promotion, and asking just how far they might go under Nathan Jones.

Here are a selection of your responses:

Alex W - Still very early doors, I'd be happy still if we stay up! At the end of the day I know it's great being top-10 but we've only just come up! It's great to finally see us compete. So still the goal should be to stay up and finish as strong as possible.

Tony M - Really good signings in the summer and Kelman and Olaofe will get the time to click in. Jones is doing a great job but let's not forget the owners and directors for their ambition, commitment and backing. Great to see!! As for January window, just keep the squad and don't let anyone go. Please…

Liam - I think I was in the minority of fans at the start of the season that wasn't even contemplating a relegation battle. The way we played last season under Nathan Jones and the players we brought in, I think we will continue to perform at this level. I think we will be close to the play-offs by the end of the season and be in the mix next year.

Paul T - Yes we can keep it going, our defence is superb. Just need our strikers to start scoring regularly and we will stay near the top of the league

Simon - This is the result of team work, energy, passion and everyone leaving everything on the pitch. NJ has led this and it has filtered through the team and into the stands. Survival is the first step. Be in this position at Christmas and the goal posts move….sensational start to the season. Great time to be a Charlton fan

Steve B - Genuinely, we believe as a club and a fan base we should be on more points than we've got and that's a scary thought regarding the potential of our team. We have a group of players who've bonded well and bought into a decent way of playing and are responding brilliantly to the direction of Nathan Jones and his staff. Everything's going well and we have been on a good run since December 2024.

Alex - Very pleased with the start, but not getting carried away yet. We started well in our last Championship campaign but suffered injuries and were ultimately relegated. Squad seems stronger this time around and in Nathan Jones we have the best manager we've had for a long while.

John S - Nathan Jones has turned the club around completely. We had sunk so low and had a number of managers and players who were simply not good enough. He is such an effervescent personality and the best thing to happen to Charlton for a long time. To say it's been a grim few years is an understatement. When Nathan Jones joined Charlton we were seriously facing potential relegation to League Two. The impact has been amazing. To be at The Valley now is a joy and it feels like something special is developing. The club, players and fans are aligned and we are progressing. The atmosphere is special. The relationship between the team and fans is strong and this is so important. Who knows where this journey is taking us? It's a great journey and I didn't foresee this happening 12 months ago.

Tim O - It's good start, but still early days. We've surprised many people including me. Nathan has built a team, no individuals. They work hard and give everything. Only one new injury so far, Josh Edwards. With Matty Godden to come back it could even improve. But realistically survival is number one priority, which looks to be on the cards. Let's see how far we can go. The fans are enjoying the season, I enjoy the atmosphere at The Valley. Who knows, we could grow into that team that defies the odds and goes up. The January window will be interesting if we're still in the play-off position.

Duncan - At the start of the season my hope (rather than expectation) was to stay up. Massive credit to Nathan Jones, the players and the owners for the start we've had. Still a long way to go. While staying up would still equal success I am hoping for mid-table or higher. Thanks to the aforementioned, we have a squad of players that give their all for the shirt, a team we are incredibly proud of and an exciting future ahead.

Gerry - Mid-table for sure... we will continue to improve and if/when our strikers start to score on a regular basis then not impossible for a run at the play-offs.

David K - This solid start to the season actually hides the fact that we have a forward line that is largely untested at this level. If we continue to gel as a team and start to bring out the best of the latent talent in our younger forwards, it's possible that we could sustain this form.

Gerard - 50 points remains the priority objective. This league can turn you inside out in a heartbeat.

Adrian - I predicted that we'd finish 19th. To be honest I would still be happy with that. So, anything better is a great bonus.

Johnny - I am delighted with our start. In the top six after 12 matches is beyond what I could have dreamt of. Being joint second in number of clean sheets shows how good we are at the back. Our strikers have yet to click, and once they do, I'm sure we can keep this momentum going and push for a top-six finish, especially when Matty Godden is back. There is a belief around Charlton under Nathan Jones, and who knows where he can take us.

Ian - A skilfully-assembled blend of homegrown talents (Tyreece Campbell, Miles Leaburn), ex-Luton town imports (too many to list!), and an excellent midfield, spearheaded by free transfer Sonny Carey, energetically coached by Nathan Jones and backed by the best club structure we've had for years, has seen us rise and rise. After decades of terrible ownership the crowd, the club and the team finally feel united again, and it is wonderful.

James - Even after our incredible start, I think the primary goal absolutely still has to be beating the drop. We're currently punching well above our weight - and deservedly so, as our results have been earned as much by Nathan's tactical nous and the players' genuine skill as they have our more celebrated attitude and grit. But I think it's realistic, not pessimistic, to say that there will be a time when things aren't going quite so well and points are harder to come by. The Championship can be so cruel, and establishing ourselves as part of it for the long term is undoubtedly the most important thing this season.

Rob A - Having supported CAFC since 1963 I've seen many ups and downs - from dreaming of European qualification to fearing relegation from League One, the dread of winding-up to the euphoria of Wembley play-off successes, trees growing on the pitch to a high-quality stadium in our spiritual Valley home. Despite all the above emotions, the greatest pleasures derive from seeing never-ending commitment on the pitch. We have that right now and the journey is on the up again.

Happy with your start to the season, Addicks fans? Thought so. Understandable.

From fourth in League One to sixth in the Championship in the space of six months and 12 league games, Nathan Jones is doing quite a job at The Valley..

But how far can Charlton go this season? Are you just hoping to finish 21st or better, is mid-table realistic, or is this the start of a very special season and a push for a return to the Premier League after 19 years away?

What do you think your fast start has been built on, and what do you think needs to happen for it to continue? Do you have any specific requests for the transfer window when it opens on 1 January?

Click here to have your say.

We'll publish some of the best responses right here on Tuesday.

Betty Glover
BBC Final Score reporter

Image source, Rex Features

Are Charlton on track for something special? They've certainly enjoyed a fantastic start to the Championship season under the guidance of Nathan Jones.

They came into Saturday's clash against Hull, having consigned promotion favourites Ipswich Town to their first home defeat of the season, doing it in style as well, beating them 3-0.

They backed that up with a draw against the Tigers thanks to a late Luke Berry equaliser, an example of their mentality and belief. They never gave up.

After a dozen games the Addicks sit sixth in the table, something that wasn't predicted by many people heading into this season.

Yes, they've got some good players up front that catch the eye - but also down the other end, they have crucial Premier League experience in Thomas Kaminski. The keeper was signed this summer from Luton - and has kept five clean sheets in his first 12 Championship matches.

The question is, can they ride this momentum? With the clubs that have come down from the Premier League struggling, maybe Charlton can sneak into the play-off race?

Paul Sullivan
Fan Writer

Image source, Getty Images

A hugely satisfying week for Charlton Athletic.

On a personal note, any meeting between Hull City and Charlton Athletic means a little bit extra for me as my dad was born there and it just so happened this match was played on the anniversary of his passing.

The 1-1 draw brought an end to a week which was hugely satisfying, culminating in seven points out of nine.

This was our third big test against a side coming off the back of a wonderful win against Leicester City, who had built up a head of steam following three straight wins and were unbeaten in four matches.

Despite the euphoria of our win at Ipswich Town in midweek, fresh legs were required as Nathan Jones made four changes to counter the hard miles endured both on the pitch and on the road.

Generally speaking, we mainly nullified any perceived threat from these dangerous Tigers.

We temporarily dropped our standards with a mistake to give them a goal but such is the belief NJ has instilled into this team, I remained positively hopeful even as we crept into added time.

An important goal from Luke Berry epitomises one of so many different facets this team offers. In this case, a somewhat forgotten man who had been pivotal in last season's success and yet adds another dimension to our vast armoury at our disposal as we take on the might of the Championship.

More than a quarter of the season has already elapsed and we are in a play-off spot.

Dare to dream? Of course, but the first target is 50 points.

It's nice to take a breather before the rigours of a week's training as we look forward to the visit of Swansea City. A match Nathan Jones will be salivating over with his allegiance towards Cardiff City.

This year's fireworks could start early.