LUKE Berry admitted he thought Nathan Jones was “crazy” when he joined Luton Town in League Two in 2017.
Berry, 31, has linked up with Jones again after signing a two-year deal following his release by the Hatters this summer.
Midfielder Berry helped Jones’s side win promotion to League One in 2018. Jones returned to Luton in 2020 after a spell in charge of Stoke City and led the side to the Championship play-offs in 2022.
Luton were promoted to the Premier League under Rob Edwards in 2023 and Berry became the first Hatters player to score in all four of the top divisions when he netted in a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest in March.
Berry was unveiled by the Addicks this week as they aim for a promotion challenge next season.
“He’s got an intensity about him that gets the best out of me,” Berry said on Charlton’s website. “And I feel like he gets the best out of players and teams. He’s just a great person as well as a great manager.
“I signed for him in League Two and he was saying things [about getting to the Premier League]. You’re thinking, ‘this guy, he’s crazy’. But eventually he was right. You’ve just got to believe in yourself.
“This Charlton team is a really good team, we just need to believe in ourselves and put in the hard work, and I can see us doing something special.”
Berry explained how the move came about.
“He’s been trying to get hold of me for a while, just saying how great the club is. When I finished up at Luton, I rang him straight away and wanted to get it going,” Berry said.
“To get promoted is the first thing I want to achieve with the team. And I want to contribute as many goals as I possibly can. If I can contribute ten to fifteen goals and assists as well then I’ll be delighted.”
Berry has won four promotions in his career and knows what it takes.
He said: “Consistency, really. Just being consistent with what we do. Working hard and just a bit of quality here and there. And I think we can do that as well.
“It’s not easy getting out of leagues, especially League One. It’s a tricky league, so hopefully I can bring a bit of experience, help some of the younger lads to try and do that.”
Berry is pleased he will be on the right side of The Valley backing next season.
“There’s no real good memories, to be honest, because we’ve always had a tricky time here!” he said. “The last one was 3-1. Luton went 1-0 up early doors and then the atmosphere got going and then next thing we’re 3-1 down. Not great memories but you can tell if you’re a home player here that the fans get behind you and it’s great.
“It makes a massive difference. It energises the boys when you’re feeling tired. When we make The Valley a real fortress to come to it will be intimidating for other teams as well. So I’m looking forward to playing here.”
Berry added: “I’ve seen a couple of the lads [after his signing was officially confirmed]. When you’re around it and even in the gym you just want to get out and start training again.”
Jones added: “Luke’s someone that I signed for Luton in 2017. He’s one of the best goal-scoring midfielders outside of the Premier League in recent years in terms of his outputs and we’re really delighted to have him.
“He’s a player I know very well as a character, athlete and footballer. It’s a significant signing for us with the track record that he’s got of promotions. He’s obviously had three promotions with Luton and that’s exactly what we’ve brought him in for. We’ve fought off a lot of competition to get him and I’m just pleased that our club and my relationship with him has enabled us to get the signing over the line. I’m sure he’s going to be a significant signing for the club.
“His last appearance was in the Premier League and his next appearance is going to be for Charlton Athletic, so that’s the type of calibre that we want to attract. We’ve fought off a lot of Championship interest for Luke.
“He’s similar to me in terms of wanting to be part of another project and wanting somewhere where he can be for a while and get his teeth stuck into. He’s someone that I absolutely love working with on a day-to-day basis and that’s going to continue.”
Technical director Andy Scott said: “As part of this summer’s recruitment strategy we want to add quality, experience and a winning mentality to the young talent we have in our squad. We’re delighted to sign Luke, a player who ticks all those boxes and who has an excellent track record working under Nathan.
“Having played most recently in the Premier League and achieved three promotions in seven seasons, we’re really pleased to bring Luke to Charlton to be reunited with Nathan, a manager who knows how to get the best out of him.”
