Nathan Jones was disappointed that a slow first half gave his side too much to do to get the win, as the Addicks drew 1-1 with Shrewsbury Town in the final home game of the season.
“I’m disappointed really, because first half we just weren’t us,” he told local media. “Second half we asked for a reaction at half time. We got it and we were much better. Created many more chances, were more front-footed, the crowd were up.”
“But first half we were too passive all over. We moved the ball slowly, we became that possession-based, boring football team.”
Charlton’s second-half fightback was epitomised by George Dobson, who has the honour of scoring the first and last goals at the Valley this season. Jones was full of praise for his skipper.
“He’s been excellent,” said Jones. “And not for the reasons that everyone thinks he’s a good player. I think he’s a better footballer than people give him credit for. I think he’s better in possession than he is out. Everyone thinks he’s a number six and a ball-winner. I’m not sure he is.
“He’s been a big part in why we’ve managed to secure our status, and now we’re able to move forward and build.”
The boss went with a back four to start today’s game, a move he made with next season in mind.
“We want to be proficient, we want to be front-footed, we want to control games and dominate games,” he said. “But we were just too passive today.”
But with one game remaining, Jones has well and truly steadied the ship. “From the day I came in, I’ve had a response,” he said.
“Bolton was probably the only game that could have gone either way. All the other games we’ve controlled the game and been better in terms of our metrics,” Jones continued.
“Now we’re a different team, but we still need to be better.”
