Nathan Jones is expecting another challenging Sky Bet League One fixture on Saturday when Charlton travel to Shrewsbury Town.
The Addicks take on a Shrewsbury side that have won just one of their opening five league fixtures.
“It’s a tough League One game again," explained the boss. "Away from home so it will be tough - Paul Hurst’s sides are always well drilled and well prepared. You can’t tell anything after five games but 10 where you will.
"If you've only won one in 10 games, then that's a better reflection, but one in five you can play different sides, sides who are in form, or you can have a couple of injuries. Five games is not a big enough segment to evaluate anything, so we know we're in for a tough game regardless of what's gone on in recent weeks."
The gaffer lauded Lloyd Jones, who was nominated for the division's August Player of the Month award following an outstanding start to the 2024/25 campaign.
“Lloyd's in really good form at the minute and he thoroughly deserves it, he's been excellent. Obviously with the goal but also three clean sheets in the month. I’m really proud of him - I pulled him in this week and told him that - but this is just the start, a five-game block.
"What he has to do is make sure he continues that. I signed him at Luton to be the player that he is now, I’m glad he has got some sort of recognition, but it's only the start.”
The gaffer confirmed that Miles Leaburn will feature for Charlton's U21s at The Valley on Friday night, while Josh Edwards has returned to training.
“Miles will get minutes tomorrow with the U21s," Jones revealed. He's in a much better place. Josh Edwards trained with us today and he's in a much better place, really quickly as well considering the level of the tackle and injury that we thought it was.
"All three internationals have come back. They got minutes and have all landed safely and are ready to go for the weekend."
Jones was quick to praise the remarkable influence of Academy Director Steve Avory, who has taken the decision to step down from his role following almost 25 years at the club. Avory will remain at Charlton in an advisory role, which the Welshman says will be vital.
“I’d be amiss to not say anything other than positive things. I had the pleasure of working with Steve closely in terms of 2012 - him and Paul Hart obviously ran the academy then - but Steve has been here for years, overseeing some outstanding development of young players and the safe guidance of a wonderful academy through some turbulent times for Charlton.
"He's stepping down, not stepping away which is another good thing; there will be a bridge if you like from the Steve Avory era to the next one. We're really pleased that he wants to do that, and we felt it was key for the continuity and handover of the academy to someone else - big shoes to fill.
"Steve's a wonderful human being and a wonderful educator, and someone that has Charlton running through his veins. We're delighted that, one, we’ve had him, two, that he wants to leave a legacy and hand that over to someone, and then it's up to us now as a club to continue that."
The Addicks are next in action at The Valley against Blackpool on Saturday, September 21st, when all U11s can attend for just £1. Click here to purchase your tickets.
