Charlton Athletic’s wait for a first Women’s Super League point continued as Manchester United’s speed, movement and control condemned them to a sixth successive league defeat at The Valley.

Ella Toone’s spectacular opener provided the standout moment in a deserved 3–1 victory, but United’s superiority extended well beyond one exceptional finish.

The visitors’ passing repeatedly stretched the Addicks, whose brief response through Leah Davidson could not disguise the difficulty they faced containing the visitors.

Ella Toone celebrates scoring United’s first goal at Charlton/Picture: Keith Gillard

Andrea Medina and Julia Zigiotti Olme also scored as Eva Olid’s side secured a third consecutive league win, moving them to fifth in the standings on 10 points.

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That was the pre-match talk. It sounded good. It sounded really good.

But a whole lot of things didn’t happen.

If there were protest plans - I’m thinking in particular the plea for Watford fans not to be in their seats before kick off as a show of anger towards owner Gino Pozzo - it didn’t appear to happen.

More pertinently, Watford were not soft touches. And equally pertinently, a Charlton side that came into the match without a victory in seven matches failed to do their job.

They did not ask enough early attacking questions - aside from an unmarked Miles Leaburn heading over in the ninth minute - to really put their opponents on the back foot when tension was high and confidence potentially brittle.

Charlton’s third loss of the season saw them drop to 17th in the table. They are three points off Wolves, in seventh, and six points off the relegation zone. But after an eight-game run without a victory (five points from 24), there will be concerns of inexorably being sucked into a survival fight.

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The Addicks failed to score on the road for the second time this season.

On this pod we look back at the match at Vicarage Road. We hear from manager Nathan Jones and Conor Coventry.

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The 32-year-old winger has been a free agent since leaving Brighton at the end of last season.

Addicks boss Nathan Jones had told this website yesterday that “all options were open” when quizzed about whether he could look at unattached players to replace Rob Apter, who has undergone knee surgery.

The Welshman confirmed that Apter was set to be removed from their 25-man squad.

Solly March playing against Crystal Palace in February 2023/Picture: Keith Gillard

March played his 300th match for the Seagulls in a 3-0 home loss to Manchester United on the final day of the Premier League season, which turned out to be his farewell.

Jones will know all about the qualities of the right-winger after working with him while he was on the coaching staff at the South Coast club.

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The defender scored in Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw at Burnley. It is only the former Southampton and Harrogate Town player’s second goal for Charlton Athletic since signing in February 2024.

Ramsay reacted quickly to hook home from close range in the 50th minute after Lloyd Jones had managed to make first contact with Danny McNamara’s corner.

The 26-year-old ran to the corner flag before being hugged by Jones and Billy Koumetio.

“I’ve got something coming if I score again,” Ramsay told South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition. “Part of me was thinking that it was only 1-1 and we needed to get the ball.

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The Addicks are bottom of the table and the only side in the top tier yet to put a point on the board. They were thumped 5-1 at Brighton before the international break.

Charlton manager Karen Hills spoke to the media this afternoon ahead of the visit of United, who finished fourth last season.

Below are all of the key subjects covered.

Karen Hills/Picture: Keith Gillard

Injuries to Hawa Cissoko and Grace Johnston

“Grace had a shoulder injury, against Palace in the cup. She fell and landed awkwardly on her shoulder. A little bit of work has been done to look at that.

“The two players you just spoke about, it’s disappointing. It seems at the moment that we can’t seem to catch a break - every single game we are picking up a little injury which is putting us back a little bit.

“These players are doing everything they can to be back.

“Hawa’s injury was to her ankle.”

How much time players had off during international break before prepping for United

“The main bulk of the squad were in for the front end of the week after the Brighton game. Then we gave them four days where they recovered and rested. The injured and rehab players were back in, so they got what they needed too.

“It is so important for these players to have that time away, because there is pressure on them, in terms of taking on all this information and playing the games at this level.

“They are coping with it really well but I felt the biggest thing for me to do, as manager, was give them a little bit of time away with their friends and family - try to take their minds off football, go and have a life outside of it, just for those four days.

“I set them a task for when they came back in and they delivered that. It was a little bit of homework. It wasn’t like coming back on the first day of term fresh, they were already thinking about it the day before.

“They knew exactly what we needed to do. The task set out some really good points that they had done their homework on Man United.

Lucia Lobato’s header is blocked against Manchester City/Picture: Keith Gillard

“Sometimes it is refreshing that it is not all directed from the coaches, as to how we want to play and what we want to do. Nine times out of 10, these players know what we are going to say and present in our analysis.

“We set tasks where they got together, whether that was Zoom or a phone call. Everyone got a little task to present back to the group. It goes to show they are doing everything they can to put themselves in the best place - knowledge is powerful.

“They were delivering it to each other and showing some potential areas where we can exploit and hurt Man United, maybe some of their key players and other stuff. The task was bang on. I probably didn’t need to do the analysis because they did it all themselves.”

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Going from being competitive in the 1-0 loss against Manchester City to Brighton dominating the second half and handing out a heavy loss

“We have all looked at that and we’re really disappointed with that second-half performance. We conceded two really, really late goals in injury time. We need to be a team that is more resilient right until the very end.

“It was 3-1 and we gifted them two carbon copy goals. We had done so well to start the game as we did, then it sort of ran away from us.

“It is something we’ve definitely reflected on - we need to stay in games better, do the basics better and be more disciplined. We need to win our one-v-one battles in wide areas and we need to defend our box better. All the players held their hands up and agreed.

“It was the last game of a huge block. It did disappoint us to finish on the back of a 5-1 result. I don’t think it was a 5-1 but, at the same time, we can’t switch off in those key moments.”

How much the wait for a win weighs on her and the playing squad

“You are striving to get some points on the board. The thing is though that it is a very, very tough league. We knew this and that we had to be realistic.

“We have to keep believing that if our performances are where they need to be then the results should, and hopefully will, take care of themselves.

“But it is a patience game. I’m okay with that. I’m seeing so much development in these players. I’m seeing them learn so much about themselves and each other - the togetherness they are showing, even when we are coming up against hard times, shows a lot of spirit and character.

“I really do believe if we stick together and keep putting the work in that eventually something will land. That is all I can do, as a manager. I’ve got the full backing of the staff and the ownership to say we’re all in this together. We knew it was going to be a hard task but we’re all pushing in the same direction.

“I believe we will come out with some positive results.

Picture: Keith Gillard

The target for Charlton before the next international break

“I want us to be in a place where we know block two has been better than block one.

“We do a lot of deep diving on data and we know at this moment in time the data and statistics show we are not where we want to be. We know we are sitting pretty much bottom of every single metric. The only way is going to be up, right?

“We need to improve this data. We need more shots on target and need to be a little more resilient in our defensive half. We need to create a few more opportunities. We need to create more set-piece moments. If those metrics start going up then I’m positive we will be in a better place come the next international block.”

The video celebrating Jodie Hutton’s Goal of the Month award

“You have got to celebrate these little wins, right? Because then these little wins turn into something incredible. I always say we have to enjoy these moments, no matter how tough and hard it is. We are playing in the best league in the world. We wanted to be here.

“Those little wins of Keira Flannery getting her call-up (to England U23s), Leah Davidson getting her call-up and Jodie getting Goal of the Month, those are moments we should really be celebrating. That includes players coming from the academy and making their debuts in the cup games.

“Because you are playing in this league, the eyes are on you. So I always say to the players: ‘Are you doing everything you can to be the best version of yourself and keep on improving?’

“At the end of the day, your career might not always be Charlton. You need to use this as an opportunity as well, to keep moving forward. Don’t waste it. The results might not be going our way now but individual accolades are going to be important.”

Refer a friend

The 26-year-old Leicester City midfielder signed on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day.

Skipp has made six successive starts for the Addicks, coming straight into the midfield due to injury to Nathaniel Chalobah, but there were some ironic cheers from travelling supporters when he was replaced in the 75th minute of Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Burnley.

Oliver Skipp gets to grips with a Bristol City player last weekend/Picture: Keith Gillard

Skipp has averaged the most tackles per 90 minutes (3.5) in the Charlton squad.

But there appear to be sections of the Addicks fanbase left unimpressed by the former Tottenham youngster.

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The Addicks confirmed earlier this week that the 23-year-old is facing an “extended period” out after having knee surgery.

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But Ivan Mesik’s finish in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time at Turf Moor last night only gave Burnley time to kick off before the full-time whistle was blown.

It often seems that Harvey Knibbs is involved when there is a headline-changing finale.

He still has the latest goal (95:57) since the Addicks won promotion back to England’s second tier. But on that occasion there was still time for Portsmouth to instantly respond and win 2-1. Outlandish.

But when Knibbs played the pass for Mesik (95:46) to beat Burnley’s unconvincing goalkeeper Gregoire Coudert, this time there was a satisfying return for Charlton in a match in which they posted the superior xG, possession and had more big opportunities.

The Clarets had a defensive vulnerability which was increased by their desire to play out from the back - typified by Miles Leaburn closing down Coudert only for his panicked attempt to clear deflecting out for a goal-kick. It was one of a number of let-offs for Nicky Hayen’s team.

Burnley captain Kyle Walker cleared off his line after Billy Koumetio met a Danny McNamara corner.

Jacob Bruun Larsen put Burnley ahead in the 36th minute. He cut on to his right foot and his shot threaded between a succession of legs, the most telling of those being Arthur Okonkwo’s.

Leaburn headed over from a Tyreece Campbell cross in the opening minutes of the second half and Charlton were level soon after.

With Coudert so skittish, it was no surprise that Charlton’s corners were causing palpitations for the hosts. McNamara’s cross came off Josh Laurent, more intent on blocking Lloyd Jones than watching the flight of the ball, and Kayne Ramsay hooked home.

Burnley made it 2-1 through Largie Ramazani seven minutes later. Poor signal on the train journey home has made watching any match action back impossible, but the suggestion was that Oliver Skipp lost the ball cheaply. Koumetio chose to back off and Ramazani finished low into the bottom left corner of the net.

Charlton were heading for a third straight away loss until Mesik struck. Knibbs produced a decisive pass after Conor Coventry’s long ball bounced off the back of Hjalmar Ekdal’s head. Mesik took one touch before opting to go across Coudert, who definitely should have done better.

Below are all the main quotes from Nathan Jones.

How do you sum that game up?

Jones: “We were excellent. First half we had less control but we had really clear cut chances to take the lead and make the scoreline a lot more comfortable for us at half-time.

“At half-time we just reiterated the game plan and we were excellent. The disappointing thing is that after controlling the early stages and scoring, from a counter-attack we allow them to go through us.

“We’ve had so many chances. We’ve had four clear cut ones. We outpassed them and worked hard. We are the away team, coming to an ex-Premier League team. I’m proud of the performance. We should have scored more and we definitely shouldn’t have conceded the goals we did.”

How would you sum up your emotions after the ball went into the net for Ivan’s goal? I saw you hanging off the dugout at one point.

Jones: “Well I was getting dog’s abuse from one individual behind it, so I just wanted to let them know that it is never over.”

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It finished Burnley 2 Charlton 2.

Ivan Mesik scored the second equaliser of the night in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time.

As always, we run the rule over the match action plus we hear from manager Nathan Jones and Mesik.

Please leave your comments. It’s always appreciated.

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The Addicks have not put a timescale on how long the 23-year-old will be out but described it as “an extended spell”.

Apter has played just 11 minutes of Championship football this season, coming on for the closing stages of the 4-0 loss at Stoke City in early September.

The former Scotland U21 international did complete the full match against Tottenham in the EFL Cup.

Apter has scored once since he signed from Blackpool before the start of last season, netting in the 3-1 loss at QPR. His solitary assist came in a 2-1 home defeat to Middlesbrough.

“Rob has worked incredibly hard since returning to the club this summer, so this is a tough setback for him,” Charlton boss Nathan Jones told the club’s website.

“He underwent surgery last week and will now begin a period of rehabilitation.

“He’ll have the full support of our staff throughout his recovery and everyone at the club is with him. We know he’ll approach this challenge with real determination and come back stronger."

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Apter’s last league start for Charlton was the 1-0 home win over Oxford United on December 20, 2025.

He was benched in four of the five matches in January, not making the squad once, before being loaned to Bolton Wanderers at the end of the transfer window. Jones denied having any disagreement with Apter prior to his temporary switch.

Apter made nine starts for the League One club but was an unused substitute for their final three matches of the regulation season. He then missed out on Steven Schumacher’s squad for three play-off matches.

He scored in Charlton’s 1-0 win over Dartford in their opening friendly.

Jones confirmed that Apter missed the friendly at Gillingham in July due to “bone bruising in his knee”. He was a substitute for their opening four Championship fixtures before getting his first action at the bet365 Stadium as a 79th-minute change.

Charlton announced in September that centre-back Collins Sichenje was set to miss the remainder of the season due to a serious knee injury sustained at Spurs.

Now Apter is another player that is expected to sit out a big chunk of football.

Picture: Kyle Andrews

Bristol City goalkeeper Sam Tickle saves with his legs to deny Tyreece Campbell/Picture: Keith Gillard

Jones on lack of goals for Miles Leaburn

Miles Leaburn’s barren spell in front of goal is now 11 matches after the Addicks frontman did not net against Bristol City on Saturday.

The 22-year-old has scored three times in 2026, the most recent a consolation in the 3-1 loss to Swansea City on the final day of last season.

Leaburn has won the most aerial duels in the Championship but had an xG of zero on Saturday - also blanking in the 4-0 loss at Stoke City. Other recent matches have seen low XGs of 0.09 (Cardiff), 0.07 (Portsmouth) and 0.20 (QPR).

So is the lack of goals down to Leaburn, who also has no assists in the current campaign, or his touches often being too far away from the goal?

This is what Nathan Jones had to say on the matter when quizzed about it by South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition in the press conference before the City fixture.

Miles Leaburn won five of his 13 aerial duels against Bristol City/Picture: Paul Edwards

“Whatever the stat - being the best presser, most aerial duels or whatever it is…strikers are judged on goals,” said the Welshman.

“When you are a number nine or a targetman then you are not a poacher, someone who is always in the box. So there are differences.

“Miles will never score enough goals and neither will Charlie Kelman or Micah Mbick, because what is enough? If someone scores 20, is that enough? Well, let’s have 25.

“We would like Miles to contribute more in terms of taking chances, scoring goals and being potent that way. But also he has improved his all-round game. His work-rate, how he dominates and goes up against people is superb.

“It is his second year at Championship level. All these things sometimes have to come together.

“I’d like him to score more goals but some of that is on chance creation, some of that is on the team and some of that is on Miles himself. We are a work in progress as a team and as individuals. I’m sure whenever everything comes together we will see the full package.”

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Danny McNamara sticks a foot in to try and halt Scott Twine/Picture: Keith Gillard

Skubala: Okonkwo escaped a red card

Bristol City boss Michael Skubala was adamant that Charlton keeper Arthur Okonkwo should have been dismissed in Saturday’s 1-1 draw.

Japanese winger Yu Hirakawa went down under a challenge from the Wrexham loanee, forced to come out of his box after Josh Edwards’ header back dropped short, in the 15th minute.

Referee Tom Reeves did not give a foul.

Skubala said: “From my view it looked like the keeper came out and fouled him (Hirakawa) outside the box, when Yu has tried to hook it over the top to get on the end of it.

“If the contact is there then it should be a red card, because it is outside the box. If it is inside then it is yellow because it is double jeopardy.

“I don’t know why it wasn’t given. The only thing I can think of is that there was not enough contact - but that’s all I can think of.

“It was a proper battling performance from both teams - not a lot in it. That is normal when you come to The Valley, you get tight and hard-fought games. They didn’t do enough to win it and I’m not sure we did enough to win it.

“It was a proper Championship boxing match. We started slower than them and then we got into the game and had some good moments in the first half. We started the second half very well, got on top of it, and they had to change to a five. Then the game became a little more direct and we had to weather that.

“It was a slugging performance but if you can’t win it then you don’t lose it.”

• Post-match pod

• Every word from Nathan Jones’ press conference

Burnley end wait for a win

Charlton Athletic head to Burnley tomorrow night and South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition will be there to cover it.

The Clarets climbed off the bottom of the Championship table with a 4-0 victory at Watford on Saturday.

It was Burnley’s first league win for seven months and 29 days.

Manager Nicky Hayen described the result and performance at Vicarage Road as a “ huge step in the right direction”.

“I cannot ignore how disappointing the first two months of the season have been,” he said.

Charlton’s most recent meeting with Burnley was a 3-0 loss at The Valley in May 2016 - Sam Vokes scored one of their goals/Picture: Keith Gillard

“It’s also important not just to forget the first eight games, but learn and improve from them, starting from today.

“I will remain humble. We can enjoy today, but there is still a lot of work to be done and we have to keep going.

“We have to be ready to go against Charlton, who will give us another test.

“We are back at home with our fans and we have to build on this today with them and show what the team can do.”

Charlton’s last trip to Turf Moor was a 4-0 loss in December 2015 when Karel Fraeye was in charge.

Billy Koumetio played his third Championship match for Charlton/Picture: Paul Edwards

Koumetio a critic despite posting impressive numbers

Billy Koumetio was a defensive boss on his return to Charlton Athletic’s side on Saturday.

But the Frenchman, signed in the summer from Dundee, reckons he can perform even better.

Koumetio had missed six matches after coming off with an injury at Tottenham towards the end of August.

But the 23-year-old slotted straight back into the team for the 1-1 draw against Bristol City and produced a man-of-the-match performance.

Koumetio made the most defensive contributions (20) and was first for clearances (19) and headed clearances (10). He also had the joint most passes into the final third (10) of any outfield player.

“I think there are a few things I can still do better,” said Koumetio. “I like to be critical of myself.

“There are a lot of things I’m happy with - how I defended, heading and communication with the backline. But I will still look at the clips as soon as I go home. I know I can push it a bit more.”

Koumetio praised the club’s staff for helping him be able to complete the full 90 minutes on his return.

“I knew yesterday (Friday) I was starting and when you are a centre-back you are supposed to play the 90 - it’s not like a striker, winger or number 10.

“I had a bit of cramp at the end but now I will recover. Hopefully I’ll be ready for the next game.”

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Milestone for TC

Tyreece Campbell scored his first international goal for Jamaica in their 1-1 draw against Honduras on Tuesday.

The Charlton winger curled in a low finish from distance to put the Reggae Boyz ahead in the 27th minute.

Jamaica are second in League A Group B in the Concacaf Nations League.

Bielik banned after disciplinary rap

Krystian Bielik has been banned for two games and fined £10,000 after admitting to misconduct.

The former Charlton loanee, 28, was punished for an altercation with a Portsmouth supporter after Cardiff’s 2-0 loss at Fratton Park at the start of September.

Mac lands a club

Tom McIntyre has signed a short-term deal with Forest Green Rovers.

The 27-year-old defender had a loan with the Addicks when they won promotion from League One under Nathan Jones in 2025. Truth be told, he did not feature a whole lot.

Forest Green director of football Mark Bowen said: “Having worked with Tom during my time at Reading, I know the qualities he can bring to the team with his extensive EFL experience, leadership qualities and undoubted ability.”

Terell Thomas played 61 first-team matches for the Addicks/Picture: Keith Gillard

Rebels without a cause….or a result

Terell Thomas’ Slough Town debut did not go to plan as they were hammered 5-1 at Torquay United on Saturday.

The Rebels announced they had signed the defender, 30, last week.

Slough were not helped by Dennis Adeniran’s dismissal just before half-time, when the National League South fixture was still 0-0.

Thomas had two spells with Charlton, starting in the academy. Last season he was on the books of Carlisle United.

Refer a friend

The Addicks’ unbeaten Championship home record is still intact but it is the third match in a row that they have been forced to share the spoils in SE7.

A little further down in this piece is pretty much every word that Jones had to say post-match to the assembled media.

That included being asked about the absence of Timothy Ouma, with rumours rife the on-loan midfielder had not reported back on time from international duty with Kenya.

Charlton had the ideal start to the match with Karlan Grant’s second goal of the campaign putting them into an eighth-minute lead. Tyreece Campbell’s curled cross looked to be behind Grant’s run but he managed to flick it into his stride before finishing smoothly across City goalkeeper Sam Tickle.

Bristol City manager Michael Skubala felt that Arthur Okonkwo should have been dismissed for his challenge on Yu Hirakawa (below) just outside of the Addicks box in the 15th minute.

Picture: Keith Gillard

Charlton had kept three successive clean sheets on home turf but hopes of extending that were ended on 27 minutes. Scott Twine produced a nerveless finish from the spot after Conor Coventry brought down Dom Ballard.

The biggest chances to score after the break fell to the home team. Tickle used his legs to deny Tyreece Campbell, who made up for not holding Miles Leaburn’s low cross, with the Jamaican international sending a follow-up attempt over the crossbar.

Tickle also tipped over Harvey Knibbs’ free-kick in the first minute of stoppage time.

Charlton had a better xG (expected goals), shaded the possession and completed more accurate passes - the key stats are below (from FotMob) - but could not edge the one that mattered most.

Next up is Tuesday’s trip to Burnley, who climbed off the bottom of the table with a 4-0 victory over Watford this afternoon. Is the fact the Clarets have ended their wait for a first league win of the season good or bad from a Charlton perspective? We discussed that on the post-match pod.

Below are all the questions - and answers - from the press conference.

Gabriel Brener (back row far right), one of the major shareholders in Global Football Partners, was at the game this afternoon/Picture: Keith Gillard

A 1-1 draw today with Bristol City, how did you see it?

Jones: “A bit disappointed, really, because we had worked on a load in the last two weeks and freshened them up. We started really well and looked fluid. We scored and then didn’t really go on, we stopped passing the ball well, we gave the ball away, we were deep and passive. That was the frustration.

“I’m really disappointed with their goal because it is someone rushing out and dangling their leg. It is the second time he has done that. He has to be better with that, because he is a defensive midfield player.

“We were better when we changed shape in the second half, a lot better. We had the best chance of the game to have won it.”

The change of shape seemed to have the desired effect?

Jones: “We are trying to evolve and trying to do certain stuff, but when things aren’t going right then my job is to do something that gives us a little more impetus.

“We handled them better and then we were bolder and braver in terms of our shape, possession and what we did. We then had more territory and created the chance from that.

“It is something I have to think about because I want us to evolve but, more importantly than anything, I want us to win games.”

Karlan Grant celebrates his early finish/Picture: Kyle Andrews

The quality of the goal you scored, is that the kind of evolution that you are looking for?

Jones: “Well we are, it was one winger to another. It will take time, I have no doubt. But I’m disappointed today because I felt that was probably there to be won.”

You mentioned the penalty given away by Conor Coventry, I guess you had no complaints with that decision?

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On this pod we look back on the match and discuss some of the talking points to come out of it. But that also includes the absence of Timothy Ouma, with rumblings that the on-loan midfielder failed to report back on time from international duty with Kenya.

We hear from Nathan Jones…

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The 24-year-old, signed from Leyton Orient last summer, was forced off with the injury in a pre-season friendly at Gillingham on July 18.

Kelman ended up needing surgery to rectify the problem and made his playing return as a 76th-minute substitute in the 0-0 draw against Portsmouth just under two months later.

Charlie Kelman warming up before the Portsmouth match/Picture: Kyle Andrews

“They had an U21 goalkeeper playing and he had a kit too big for him - as I pressed him, my arm got caught in his shirt. He sort of went the other way and popped my shoulder out,” Kelman told South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition. “It was so innocuous.

“I put it back in and didn’t think anything of it. Then Con (Conor Coventry) went to pass me the ball, I looked at my shoulder and it was hanging down.

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The German coach was given a suspended ban by an FA independent regulatory commission earlier this week.

Cambridge United manager Neil Harris, speaking before the verdict, said that Eckert should receive “a huge ban”.

Southampton were booted out of last season’s play-offs and started the current campaign with a four-point deduction after admitting to spying on Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough, the last one before the Championship play-off semi-final.

Nathan Jones on the touchline at Southampton last season - Tonda Eckert is in the background/Picture: Kyle Andrews

The FA had been seeking a three-month suspension for Eckert but the commission, who fined him £28,000, said they had factored in the “considerable mitigation in this matter, most particularly around the genuine contrition”.

Charlton face Southampton at The Valley on Boxing Day. The last meeting between the two sides in SE7 was a heavy 5-1 loss for the hosts.

So what did Jones, a former Saints boss for a short spell when they were in the Premier League in the 2022-23 campaign, make of Eckert’s outcome?

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Nathan Jones has confirmed that he has greatly improved selection options for Charlton Athletic’s home game against Bristol City on Saturday.

The Addicks resume Championship action after a three-week break with the visit of Michael Skubala’s side to The Valley for a 12.30pm kick off.

Charlton are unbeaten in SE7 this season but have not picked up maximum points in the league since the end of August.

City were unbeaten on the road - winning twice and drawing once - before a 4-1 loss at Southampton on September 12.

Charlton have had a number of their players away on international duty and only Arthur Okonkwo, who had hooked up with Nigeria, has completed a full week of training because he returned earlier than the likes of Tyreece Campbell, Tyler Bindon, Ivan Mesik and Conor Coventry.

Jones had told this website after the loss against Cardiff that Billy Koumetio, Kayne Ramsay, Micah Mbick and Will Mannion were set to be back after the international break.

It’s been mentioned countless times before that Jones is reluctant to confirm player availability that can be picked up by the opposition. But the Welshman did impart some info.

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The 19-year-old striker was the subject of a £5million bid from Southampton at the end of the summer transfer window which was rejected by the Addicks.

South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition understands that Mbick scored twice in a behind-closed doors friendly against Barnet last week.

The teenager was also a target for Brighton in January but the Addicks showed no desire to negotiate with the Premier League club.

Micah Mbick/Picture: Kyle Andrews

Mbick suffered a knee injury while on loan at Colchester United last season which meant he was ruled out from the start of March.

But the academy product returned to the first-team fold at West Ham United, playing the final 20 minutes of the 2-1 win in east London.

He came off the bench in the next four Championship games, playing the full match against Tottenham in the EFL Cup, before another niggle kept him out of the fixtures against Portsmouth and Cardiff.

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Rested and ready for the return of Championship football?

On this update we look ahead to Saturday’s home game against Bristol City at The Valley as Charlton hope to record a first league win since August 29.

We get the lowdown on the opposition from Dan Carter, who is …

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“You know what you need, Luke? You need to play 38 games a season at right-back - I can give you that.”

Luke Young walked away from that meeting with the Charlton Athletic manager in 2001 with his mind made up. A week after his 22nd birthday, he had completed a £3million transfer from Tottenham Hotspur.

Harlow-born Young had played 77 times for Spurs and made his debut under George Graham in a 2-1 loss to West Ham United in November 1998. He averaged 25 matches per season for the north London club.

But Young admits he was receptive to Curbishley’s approach, partly down to feeling under-appreciated by Tottenham.

“When I got into the side at 19, it was kind of new and a bit of a bonus,” he told South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition. “I played about the same amount the following season but it was always out of position - left-back, centre-back and sometimes even midfield.

Luke Young playing for Charlton in 2005/Picture: Keith Gillard

“Stephen Carr was playing right-back and he was one of the best in the league. It was going to be difficult for me to get a game in my favoured position.

“Around that time I was getting offered new deals by Tottenham, but they were way, way lower than what was normal for a squad player. If they had rewarded me with something even half-decent perhaps I wouldn’t have left - but it was just quite derogatory. I was doing a similar job to other people, also playing half the games, but not getting paid even a fifth of what they were on.

“I came through really late at Tottenham due to my determination, training really hard and catching up the rest of the boys. I ended up overtaking a lot of them. I was never a child star at 10, 11, 12 or 13, for sure.

“Everyone probably knows when you come through the ranks at a club, you don’t really get rewarded unless you are a superstar. So I was a little bit disillusioned.

“I had a really good relationship with George Graham, who gave me my debut, but he had left.

“I went and met Curbs at his brother’s house in Little Venice. It was probably a bit of a tap-up, back then it was going on everywhere.

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