Charlton Athletic unveil Nathan Jones as their new manager

CHARLTON ATHLETIC have appointed Nathan Jones as their new manager.

Jones has signed a long-term contract with the League One club and will meet the squad for the first time on Monday.

The 50-year-old, who played a vital role in Luton Town’s rise from League Two to the Premier League during two successful spells, returns to the club where he led a team for the first time in 2012.

The Welshman enjoyed a successful campaign as Charlton Athletic’s Under 21s Lead Coach in the 2012-13 season before becoming Brighton & Hove Albion’s Head Coach.

James Rodwell, Chairman of the Charlton Athletic Board said in a statement: “We’re really pleased to appoint Nathan Jones. He is a manager of real pedigree who has a track record of building successful teams over a period of time.

“We were really impressed with the quality of candidates interested in coming to Charlton. 

“Through our initial research, the in-depth interview process and the references we took, Nathan was the clear stand-out.

“He is a great fit for Charlton given his ability to get his teams playing football on the front foot, with a passion and an intensity.

“He is an excellent coach, who is tactically savvy and an outstanding developer of talent.

“The ownership group has a long-term focus of bringing success to Charlton Athletic and Nathan will play a key role as we look to take this club to the next level.

“Initially, that will mean improving on our recent form and looking to finish as high up the League One table as possible.”

The Addicks are languishing in nineteenth-place (bottom six) in the table, having picked up seven wins, 10 draws and 13 defeats from their 30 games so far this season.

The Valley outfit are only three points clear of the relegation zone, which contains Reading, Cheltenham Town, Fleetwood Town and Carlisle United.

“I am extremely excited by the challenge in front of me at Charlton,” said Jones.

“It is a club that I have fond memories of from my time here and I want to play my part in moving the club forward.

“I have been approached by a number of clubs to get back into management but I have been waiting for the right opportunity.

“From my conversations with the Board and given the long-term nature of the contract, I can see there is a real appetite to build something here, which I am really looking forward to being a part of.”

Charlton Athletic travel to Reading (28 points, with a game in hand) in a relegation six-pointer next Saturday, 10 February (15:00).

Visit Charlton Athletic’s website: www.charltonafc.com