Nathan Jones has revealed that Charlton Athletic are working off one plan for summer transfer targets—and that will not change whatever division they are in next season.
The Addicks are in League One semi-final play-off action against Wycombe Wanderers tonight as they bid to reach the final at Wembley.
Charlton have been in England’s third tier since their relegation from the Championship in 2020.
Jones is the first boss to lead the South London club to the top six in England’s third tier since Lee Bowyer in the 2018-19 campaign, defeating Sunderland at Wembley.
The Welshman told the South London Press that success or failure in the play-offs does not mean having two different shopping lists.
“No, not really,” said Jones. “Because we know what we need. It is only recruitment-wise, really.
“There are not two plans. It is the same list—it’s just that if we’re a championship side, we’ll have a more realistic chance of getting our targets.
“We are very bold in our targets that we go for.
“This year we went after players who were in the Championship last season—and some in the Premier League. So that is the bold nature of our recruitment.
“What it does mean is that the higher league we are in, probably the easier it will be to get our number one targets.”
Jones has previously stated his preference for permanent additions, with only three of their signings this season being loan ones.
Allan Campbell’s stay from Luton Town was cut short in January, and Tom McIntyre (Portsmouth) and Alex Gilbert (Middlesbrough) arrived in the winter window and have played the role of covering the defense and attacking midfield spots, respectively.
Charlton has four senior players coming out of contract at the end of June.
They have already tried to sign Thierry Small on new terms, but the fact the 20-year-old has not extended suggests he is weighing up options and wants to be plying his trade at the Championship level.
Small has been linked with a number of second-tier clubs, but Millwall—one of those mooted—is not believed to be pursuing him.
Right-back Tennai Watson and Chuks Aneke are also in the final weeks of their terms in SE7.
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