Nathan Jones has praised his players for the transformation in Charlton’s fortunes after their 2-1 win over Northampton guaranteed a League One play-off place.
The last time the Addicks finished in the top six was in 2019, Lee Bowyer’s side going on to beat Sunderland at Wembley to secure Championship football.
Welshman Jones was appointed at the end of January 2024 and guided Charlton away from relegation to finish 16th last season.
Summer signings Luke Berry and Matty Godden scored against the Cobblers to move the Valley outfit up to fourth – the latter bagging his 18th of the campaign since arriving from Coventry.
Only leaders Birmingham can match Charlton’s points haul – 23 – over the past 10 matches.
“It gives you immense pride to get to the point we have now because you have to have strength and belief,” said boss Jones. “Our players have been magnificent all throughout this season.
“We are a work-in-progress. We’ve had to go through some tough times – we came from 18th in League One and not having won in 18 games – to where we are now. The work that has gone in during that year has been considerable.
“I knew what Matty could do. You will not find a better striker in League One. He is Championship quality – he has scored everywhere he has been.
“I’m proud of every single player and what we’ve had to come through. I’ve had to back myself and back my staff – make bold decisions.
“We have deserved the win today in terms of the chances we have created.
“The onus is all on us to win games at The Valley and we have kept going. We have made changes, changed shape and personnel – somehow found a way to win.”
Northampton had levelled through Dara Costelloe’s penalty in the 15th minute – Tom McIntyre handling Tariqe Fosu’s cross.
Cobblers boss Kevin Nolan, booked for approaching the officials at the end of the first half, wanted the on-loan Portsmouth defender dismissed.
“I don’t want to get lads yellow cards or red cards but there has got to be some sort of punishment for that,” said Nolan.
“Our lad is at the back post ready to head it in. He has actually denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.
“I don’t know the rules, because there are so many. Is it a yellow card or is it a red card? He says he doesn’t think it was a goalscoring opportunity – how anybody thinks that I don’t know. It was only those four (the officials) in the whole ground who thought that.
“There was nothing between the sides. It could have gone either way. I didn’t think they probably deserved to win and we probably didn’t deserve to win.
“We have matched a team that is going to be in the play-offs and is fighting to get into the Championship. These lads have done amazing today and should’ve come away with something.”
