Nathan Jones, the Charlton Athletic manager, recently addressed the absence of Greg Docherty and Thierry Small from the starting lineup in the team’s recent matches. Docherty, the club captain, has not been in the starting lineup for the last two League One games, while Small, the left wing-back, has not even made the squad since being substituted in the 37th minute of a match against Blackpool on September 21.
Jones explained that the decision to leave out Docherty and Small was based on the specific requirements of their positions and the need for a different approach in those particular games. He emphasized that he evaluates players based on their performance in training, as well as in matches, and makes decisions accordingly.
Regarding Thierry Small, Jones mentioned that when the player is at his best, he is a valuable asset to the team and difficult to leave out of the starting lineup. However, with strong competition for positions, including players like Josh Edwards and Allan Campbell, who have also been left out of the starting XI despite their previous experience in higher divisions, tough decisions have to be made.
Jones highlighted the depth of the squad and the need to balance team selection to achieve the desired results. He acknowledged that making changes to the lineup can be risky, as critics may point fingers if the team does not perform well after alterations.
Overall, Jones’s comments shed light on the thought process behind team selection and the challenges of managing a squad with talented players vying for limited spots in the starting lineup. It is a delicate balance between rewarding good form and making strategic decisions to address the specific requirements of each match. In the competitive world of professional football, every decision can have a significant impact on the team’s performance and results.
