NATHAN Jones has hailed an almost “perfect” transfer window ahead of Charlton Athletic’s Championship opener against Watford at The Valley on Saturday.
The Addicks are back in the second tier for the first time in five seasons and have shown real ambition over the summer.
Charlton have signed nine players on permanent deals, spending over £10million.
The most eye-catching has been Charlie Kelman from Queens Park Rangers for a fee that could rise to £5million.
“I think we’ve done excellent business, I’m delighted – it’s not far off the prefect window,” Jones told Charlton’s media.
“We went after some really bold signings. We missed out on one, maybe two but we were able to get the next one or ones we were contemplating anyway. So not far off a perfect window.
“As I’ve said on numerous occasions now, thanks to the owners, the board, Jim [Rodwell], who has worked tirelessly with me over the window. The recruitment department, we’ve revamped that and they were super-organised, as I knew they would be because I’ve worked with them before.
“We feel we’ve had a very good window and a real productive window. And if you look at the squad – without being disrespectful to anyone – that finished the season at Wycombe last year, we’re in a categorically different position.”
Addicks supporters are clearly in a positive mood, with The Valley set for the highest home attendance on opening day in at least seventeen years.
Jones said: “The fans have come along on the journey and that’s what we’re so pleased and so proud about,” explained Jones. “We feel that the club’s united now and that goes from the ownership to the Board to the staff, the players, the fans, the community…everything. Now, together, we can all move forward. This is a project that we want to improve on every level and everyone’s stepped up.
“The fans have responded magnificently and this is the next step on our journey, because the Championship isn’t our destination.
“We’re going to come up against some real tough teams that are well-coached with excellent talent, but that’s what we wanted. We want to test ourselves and that’s what life and sport is about. It’s exciting. We’re going to be tested, but that’s why we do it.”
Meanwhile, Jones gave an squad update ahead of the Hornets test.
He said: “Apart from Reece Burke and Matty Godden, we are pretty much full strength so we’re in a good place.”
