CHARLTON Athletic boss Nathan Jones said the Addicks gave themselves “a mountain to climb” as they lost 2-1 to second-place Middlesbrough on an emotional night at The Valley.
Before kick-off, there was a tribute to Norman Baker, who passed away last weekend. The 68-year-old, known as ‘Headphones Norm’, was taken ill during the first half of Charlton’s game against Portsmouth at The Valley last Saturday. The game was abandoned and Baker, who had been going to Addicks games since 1968, later died in hospital.
Baker had been presented with the supporter of the year award by Jones last July.
Boro were 2-0 up at half-time after goals from Riley McGree and Morgan Whittaker.
Jones sent on Greg Docherty, Karoy Anderson and Ibrahim Fullah at the break.
George Edmundson’s own goal nine minutes from time gave Charlton some hope but Kim Hellberg’s side held on for the third consecutive win since he replaced Rob Edwards in the Boro dugout.
“They score first, and we should have had a penalty which is frustrating,” Jones said. “The goal just before half-time really kills us. At 2-0 we are always chasing the game, against a side that have some very talented individuals.
“We asked [the substitutes] to be front-footed and really have an impetus on the game which they did. In the first half, we kept giving the ball away, and you can’t give the ball away to good players because they will hurt you, and they did.
“I am really disappointed with the second goal as that gave us a mountain to climb.
“We were really mobile in the second half with making opportunities, we were really close to getting that second goal.”
Charlton have lost their last five completed games.
“Over the last few games we have had a brutal run, playing four of the best teams in the league with arguably five of our starters out,” Jones said.
“We can compete at this level. The tough run has coincided with us being nowhere near full strength and that is showing at the moment.”
Charlton are away at Birmingham City this Saturday.
Jones said: “We have to be positive, upbeat to go there and get a result. We had two real tight games against them last year.”
On the impeccably observed tribute to Baker, Jones said: “The club should be commended for how we look after one of our own. That memorial and show of emotion cannot be underestimated. It was a privilege for me [to meet Baker] and he will be sorely missed.”
Earlier in the week, the club paid tribute to Baker. In a statement, they said: “Norman will be truly missed by all at Charlton Athletic and everyone at the club sends their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“A true beacon of the Addicks faithful, home and away, Norman was affectionately known by fans as ‘Headphones Norm’ due to his distinctive look, which included a set of headphones either around his neck or in position listening to the latest results coming in, a vest with numerous Charlton and other football-related badges and patches on display and brilliant headwear such as his favourite Davy Crockett hat, proudly emblazoned, of course, with his beloved club’s logo.”
