What’s the mood like at Charlton after promotion at Wembley in May?

There is a lot of excitement about the upcoming season. Charlton have spent more money than they have for a long time.

Nathan Jones says some of the reported figures are inaccurate, but I believe it’s safe to assume they paid seven-figure fees for Charlie Kelman from QPR, Rob Apter from Blackpool, and Harvey Knibbs from Reading.

Joe Rankin-Castello from Blackburn and Reece Burke from Luton both cost money, so fans are understandably excited.

What are your expectations ahead of the season?

Amari’i Bell played in the Premier League less than two years ago (Image: Action Images). It’ll be very interesting to see how things go.

Amari’i Bell is a signing who has previously played at a higher level, but others, such as Kelman and Sonny Carey, have yet to play in the Championship. Tyreece Campbell is a very exciting player at 21, but this is a completely new challenge for him.

It will be difficult to know exactly how they are fixed until we get into it, and it will not be made any easier by the fact that Birmingham and Wrexham, both extremely well resourced, have come up with them.

I believe the primary goal is to consolidate and maintain momentum. If they finish fourth-bottom at the end of the first season, I would have thought that would satisfy almost everyone.

How do Charlton play?

Charlton, under Nathan Jones, are not a team that prioritises possession football. More: Championship 2025/26 Preview: One Line on Each Club They’ll press high, full of energy, and try to win the ball in dangerous situations. They plan to punish teams on the counterattack and by regaining possession high up the pitch.

It looks like Jones is a very popular figure at Charlton?

It seems if Nathan can get everyone working the way he wants them to, he’s very, very good at what he does.

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones (Image: Action Images). One of the aspects of him that appeals this season is his reputation as a budget buster. Teams that are not among the most heavily resourced consistently outperform those that are.

He has extensive experience, having led Luton to promotion and leaving them in a strong position on their way to the Premier League.

He is going to be a huge influence.

Do Charlton look ready to hit the ground running against Watford?

The only thing that doesn’t necessarily help them is injuries in pre-season. Matty Godden, last season’s top scorer, hasn’t played a minute of pre-season so far.

The same is true for Luke Berry, who has played for Luton in both the Championship and Premier League. Knibbs did not participate in the final friendly over the weekend.

I don’t think this will be Charlton’s strongest game. We have players in various stages of fitness, new signings, and injuries. It will take three or four weeks before players are up to speed and we can get a good sense of their best sides.

I think a lot of it will look the same as the team that won promotion, particularly for now.

In defence, Thierry Small has left so Rob Apter will play at right wing-back. There will be a change in goal – Thomas Kaminski has come in to be number one.

Players like Kelman and Isaac Olaofe are obviously going to get minutes but the same core – like Lloyd Jones, Josh Edwards, Conor Coventry – will be heavily involved.

Who would you say is the danger man?

Charlie Kelman was Leyton Orient’s top League One goalscorer last season (Image: Action Images). Kelman is the big summer signing, having been League One’s top scorer last season, and I’m hoping he can deliver.

Finally, can Watford expect an intimidating atmosphere this weekend?

Definitely. Obviously, an early setback could dampen the fans’ spirits, but even then, the desire to return to this level will be strong.
You only have to look at the atmosphere created for the play-off semi-final second leg against Wycombe.

You can expect a crowd of more than 20,000 people. It’s about harnessing that in the right way, and I believe everyone understands that this season will be challenging. They must band together, and I believe they will be a real handful for opposing teams at home.

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