Charlton name ex-Southampton boss Jones as manager

Nathan Jones won one out of eight league games in a three-month stint at SouthamptonLeague One strugglers Charlton Athletic have appointed former Southampton and Luton Town boss Nathan Jones as their manager on a “long-term contract”.

Jones, 50, has been out of work since being sacked by Saints in February 2023 after just 95 days in charge.

The Addicks dismissed Michael Appleton last month after a 12-match winless run.

That run has now extended to 14 games, leaving them just three points above the relegation zone.

Welshman Jones took Luton to the Championship play-off semi-finals in the 2021-22 season, where they lost to Huddersfield.

He was then appointed to replace Ralph Hasenhuttl as manager of the then Premier League Saints in November 2022 but was sacked after three months, with one win in eight league games leaving the club bottom of the league.

“He is a manager of real pedigree who has a track record of building successful teams over a period of time,” James Rodwell, chairman of the Charlton board, said.

“He is a great fit for Charlton given his ability to get his teams playing football on the front foot, with a passion and an intensity.

“He is an excellent coach, who is tactically savvy and an outstanding developer of talent.”

Jones’ first game in charge will be at relegation-threatened Reading, who are two places and three points below Charlton.