“Delighted”: Nathan Jones’ immediate reaction as Charlton Athletic secure future of emerging prospect.

Charlton Athletic U21s captain Keenan Gough has signed a long-term deal, much to the pleasure of manager Nathan Jones.

Charlton Athletic’s Nathan Jones says the club is “delighted” to have signed U21s captain Keenan Gough to a long-term contract.

Charlton Athletic is well-known for their youth development programme. Over the years, the CAFC youth ranks have produced a plethora of excellent players, including numerous first-team players.

Keenan Gough, the U21s captain, is one player who is hoping to break through. The 19-year-old has been on professional terms with The Valley since 2023, and he made his senior debut in the EFL Cup against Cambridge United in August.

Gough has already signed a new contract with the Addicks as he continues to impress the club’s young players.

Though the term of his contract has not been disclosed, the South London club has secured his future, demonstrating faith in his abilities and scaring off possible admirers.

Nathan Jones, the manager of Charlton Athletic, is “delighted” that Gough has signed a contract.

Nathan Jones’ verdict on Keenan Gough’s new Charlton Athletic contract

Jones has not been reluctant to give academy players a chance to shine in the Charlton Athletic first team.

Gough is among them, often coming into the senior group for training and making his debut earlier this season.

As such, it is no surprise that the Welshman is overjoyed to see the talented defender sign a new contract.

Jones spoke to the club’s reporters after Gough’s signing was confirmed: “We’re thrilled to see another young talent dedicate his future to the football club.

“We believe in Keenan, who has performed admirably for the U21s, and when he joins us, he has an impact on the entire training program.

“He’s someone that has been in and around the first-team squad for a little while now, and once again it shows that the academy is producing quality players and one that we’re excited about.” Gough has been on the CAFC bench for the past two championship games.

It may not be long before he makes his league debut and begins banging on Jones’ door for further opportunities.

Charlton Athleticacademy conveyor belt keeps pumping out top prospects

In the past, famous stars like Ademola Lookman and Joe Gomez rose to prominence at Charlton Athletic before moving on to bigger things.

Nick Pope, an English international, is another. Charlton Athletic’s first-team players started in the academy.

Player	Age
Ashley Maynard-Brewer	26
Karoy Anderson	21
Miles Leaburn	21
Tyreece Campbell	22
Nathan Asiimwe*	20
Zach Mitchell*	20
Daniel Kanu*	20
Micah Mbick*	18

*Out on loan

Despite all of the changes that the Addicks have gone through over the years, youth players have remained a fixture in the first-team squad.

Several have responsibilities in the squad for the Championship campaign as well. Gough and fellow adolescent Ibrahim Fullah appear to be the next academy stars to make the step up to the first squad.

Jones and co. will need to carefully regulate their development in order to reach their full potential.

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