After several years of struggling in England's third-tier division, fans are hoping for a breakthrough under head coach Nathan Jones. Today, we will analyse Charlton's prospects for the upcoming season, taking into account the squad, tactics, competition and expectations.
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Current team results
Founded in 1905, Charlton Athletic has a rich history, including winning the FA Cup in 1947 and several seasons in the Premier League in the 2000s. However, recent years have been difficult: relegation from the Championship in 2020 and subsequent seasons in League One have not brought the desired promotion. In the 2024/2025 season, the Addicks finished in 7th place with 68 points, narrowly missing out on the play-offs, which was their best result in recent years.
Nathan Jones, who took over as manager in 2024, brought stability and an attacking style that restored optimism among the fans. The Valley Stadium remains an important asset for the club, attracting an average of 12,000 spectators per match.
Players and possible changes to the squad
Charlton's squad for the new season retains captain George Dobson and striker Alfie May, who scored 23 goals last season. The club signed midfielder Luke Berry from Luton for £1.5 million and took young winger Tay Rees on loan from Wolverhampton. The departure of defender Michael Hector to Bolton weakened the defence, but he was replaced by young academy player Tiernan Williams.
Charlton's transfer policy is focused on budget acquisitions and youth development. The club's academy, one of the best in League One, continues to produce talent such as 18-year-old striker Daniel Kanu, who made his debut last season. Jones is betting on a balance between experienced players and young players, but a limited budget may make it difficult to compete with clubs like Birmingham or Reading.
Changes in tactics
Nathan Jones prefers a 4-3-3 formation with an emphasis on quick wing attacks and high pressing. Last season, Charlton created an average of 11.5 chances per game, but their conversion rate left something to be desired (1.4 goals per game). Alfie May remains a key player in attack, while Dobson provides stability in midfield.
The defence will need more discipline, especially after Hector's departure. Jones is likely to use mobile defenders to maintain a high tempo. Kanu and Reece will add speed on the flanks, which could be an advantage against slower League One teams.
Competition in League 1
League One 2025/2026 promises to be competitive. Among the favourites for promotion are Birmingham City, Reading and Bolton, who have strong squads and large budgets. Charlton will be fighting for a place in the top six to reach the play-offs, but competition from teams such as Portsmouth and Wigan will make that a difficult task. Last season, the Addicts lost a crucial match against Birmingham (0-2), which showed their vulnerability in games against the leaders.