Charlton Athletic defender Lloyd Jones: 'I never doubted I could be a Championship player'

Addicks vice-captain had to drop down divisions to rebuild his career

Lloyd Jones always knew he could hold his own in the Championship and his statistics are certainly backing that up.

The 30-year-old centre-back had only made four appearances at that level prior to Charlton Athletic’s promotion at the end of May.

But Jones has started all 18 matches in the league this season and scored his first Championship goal in the 5-1 loss to Southampton last month.

Picture: Kyle Andrews

The defender was voted the club’s Player of the Year in 2024-25 and made the PFA League One Team of the Year, a reflection of his importance to the south Londoners as they kept 26 clean sheets.

Plymouth-born Jones has carried on leading by example in England’s second tier. He is top in the division for clearances, second for aerial duels won and third for blocks.