NATHAN Jones said Luke Berry’s contribution at the club was “a little bit understated” after Charlton Athletic confirmed the release of the midfielder.
The Addicks announced their retained list last week, with Berry and Terry Taylor leaving The Valley.
Loanees Luke Chambers, Harry Clarke, Conor Coady and Jayden Fevrier have returned to their parent clubs.
Berry, who will turn 34 in July, joined Charlton from Luton Town in June 2024 and helped the side win promotion from League One, though he was an unused substitute in the 1-0 play-off final win against Leyton Orient at Wembley.
Berry played 64 times for the Addicks and scored ten goals.
Midfielder Taylor, 25 next month, signed for Charlton from Burton Albion in the summer of 2023 but only made 21 appearances for the club. He spent the last season-and-a-half on loan at Northampton Town.
“We’d like to thank Bez, who has been wonderful for us,” said Jones, who signed Berry from Cambridge United for Luton in League Two in the summer of 2017.
“We brought him here for his experience, his goalscoring and for him to be a big contributing factor in getting us out of League One and being able to play at Championship level.
“He’s done exactly what we asked him and his goals were vital, as well as the way he trains and his experience.
“The contribution that he’s had has been immense and it’s probably a little bit understated. He’s had one or two injuries which curtailed his impact slightly, but in terms of adding that experience on a daily basis, knowing what it takes to get promoted and knowing what it takes to play at Championship level, he’s been exemplary.
“I thank him for trusting us and for coming to us when he had other options. He’s been a magnificent signing.”
Jones added: “We also wish Terry all the best. Ever since I’ve come in he’s had an exemplary attitude and he’s worked hard. Whenever he’s been called upon he’s done well for Charlton.
“His game-time was limited here and he’s had a few loans and we wish him all the best. He’s someone that I really enjoyed working with, he worked hard every day and he has a fantastic attitude. He’s one of us and I’m so glad I’ve worked with Tel. We wish him all the best for the future.”
Meanwhile, the club have triggered the option to extend Tyreece Campbell’s contract until the summer of 2027. The Addicks remain in talks with forwards Lyndon Dykes and Matty Godden,whose deals are set to expire at the end of June.
Retained: Gassan Ahadme, Karoy Anderson, Rob Apter, Nathan Asiimwe, Amari’i Bell, Tiernan Brooks, Reece Burke, Sonny Carey, Conor Coventry, Kaheim Dixon, Greg Docherty, Josh Edwards, Ibrahim Fullah, Macaulay Gillesphey, Keenan Gough, Lloyd Jones, Thomas Kaminski, Daniel Kanu, Charlie Kelman, Harvey Knibbs, Miles Leaburn, Will Mannion, Micah Mbick, Alex Mitchell, Zach Mitchell, Tanto Olaofe, Kayne Ramsay, Joe Rankin-Costello, Collins Sichenje.
