The Revival of Charlton Athletic

Charlie Kelman, the 23-year-old striker, witnessed Charlton Athletic's resurgence firsthand. After a stellar season on loan with Leyton Orient, where he topped the league's scoring charts with 21 goals, Kelman joined Charlton on a permanent deal from Queens Park Rangers. He is set to make his debut at The Valley against Watford on Saturday.

A New Era Under Nathan Jones

Nathan Jones, appointed in February 2024, has been instrumental in Charlton's steady progress. From a 16th-placed finish in his first season to securing promotion in his second, Jones has brought stability and ambition to the club. The Addicks kept 23 clean sheets in League One last season, a testament to their defensive solidity.

Ambitious Goals for the Future

Jones' immediate priority is securing survival in the Championship, but his ultimate goal is to return Charlton to the Premier League. "That has to be the ambition, playing at the highest level - to take this club back to where it's been," Jones said. The club has signed several key players, including Thomas Kaminski, Reece Burke, and Amari'i Bell, to strengthen their squad.

Fan Support and Expectations

The fanbase is optimistic about the new season, with a high attendance expected for the opening match against Watford. "The fanbase are really buying into it - there's going to be a really high attendance against Watford on Saturday," said BBC Radio London's Charlton reporter Louis Mendez. While immediate promotion is not expected, there is a sense of belief in the club's direction.

Upcoming Fixtures

Following the match against Watford, Charlton will host Stevenage in the Carabao Cup first round before traveling to Bristol City. Key fixtures include Leicester City at home and a London derby double-header against QPR and Millwall.

Charlton Athletic's journey under Nathan Jones is one of rebuilding and ambition, with the club and its fans united in their quest for success.