Football Season Guide

The team that comes up to the Championship via the League One play-offs is usually odd-on favourites to go straight back down but Charlton have a real sense of momentum and belief about them. Nathan Jones was able to instill those qualities in a struggling side that was just 3 points above the relegation zone when he took over from Michael Appleton in February 2024. Just a year later, the Welshman guided them on a run of 11 wins from their final 15 matches of the season to finish 4th in League One. The Addicks came up clutch in the play-offs by not conceding a goal in either leg of the semi-final or the final itself. That defensive solidity and Jones’ overall tactical nous is why many believe they can survive in the Championship this season. Jones has shown he can operate at this level in the past with Luton. Charlton haven’t been decimated by departures in the summer so far. The nucleus of the squad remains from last season and they’ll still be riding the crest of a wave after their play-off triumph. Thierry Small is the only significant loss, whilst the club have bought well. The likes of Amari'i Bell, Reece Burke and Joe Rankin-Costello arrive with plenty of experience in this league. Charlie Kellman scored a lot of goals in League One and will be keen to prove he can make the step up.