Lloyd Jones was delighted with the Addicks’ tenacity and organisation as his goal propelled the side to a 1-0 win at Wigan Athletic on opening day.
“To come away, win 1-0 - it’s the best result in football,” he said. “Also to keep a clean sheet was massive. We kept a clean sheet last weekend, but we didn’t keep enough last season. So [it’s great] to start off with a clean sheet, as well as a goal, but the clean sheet is the most important.”
Jones’ strike in the 81st minute was an unerring finish. “I had a similar opportunity against Portsmouth, and I ended up crossing it. It came exactly the same today, and I thought, ‘you know what, I’m just going to hit it’,” he said. “Thankfully it went in the net.
“I think I can be a threat in the opposition box. I got a couple last year, but I’ve set myself a private target for what I want to do this season. So that’s helped.”
The defender was even more pleased with the clean sheet. “That’s what’s been drilled into us,” he said. “Our defensive record last season wasn’t good enough. We brought in Josh who I thought was outstanding today. Actually, I thought the whole back five did really well. To come to places like this and keep a clean sheet [is great]. They’re not a bad side.
“We weren’t good enough on the ball today, and I think we know that. But we’re playing away, first game of the season - that will get better. If you don’t concede goals, you’ve got a good chance of having a successful season.”
Jones took the time to outline just how influential Manager Nathan Jones has been for him personally since his arrival.
“He’s massive. I’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t good enough in January this year. I had three or four games where I wasn’t at it, and he came in and just boosted my confidence automatically. The injury was frustrating but I had a talk with him at the end of the season and I just tried getting myself as fit as possible to come back in good shape. Hopefully it can be a really good one for me.”
The gaffer has rewarded Jones’ determination with the vice-captaincy, a role the defender is relishing.
“I like to think of myself as a leader,” he said. “I found it tough coming in last year with no pre-season, and the injury last year was very frustrating, but the gaffer has put faith in me and I just want to give that back to him at the end of the day.”
It was a performance full of fight and sacrifice, and Jones explained that the dynamic in the dressing room is helping to drive performances on the field.
“We’re really together,” he explained. “You’ve got different characters now in the group and they all give something different on the pitch. It’s still early days for us, but it’s a really together group and that’s the main thing.”
Finally, he took the time to thank the more than 800 fans who made the long journey up to Greater Manchester.
“Amazing support, and I hope they’ve really enjoyed their day out because they probably travelled loads. Hopefully we can give it back with good performances and results.”
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