Clinical Carey has no fear, Bree explains why Nathan Jones is "so intense", Addicks defeat Newcastle to climb WSL 2, Small "felt wanted" by Preston

The latest review of the week - a round-up of Charlton Athletic news

Sep 29, 2025

It’s the latest review of the week - containing reaction to Charlton’s 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers, the women’s team continue their impressive start to the WSL 2 season plus Thierry Small explains why he joined Saturday’s opponents Preston North End.

SONNY CAREY: WE DON’T FEAR ANYONE

Sonny Carey praised Charlton Athletic’s ruthlessness after they recorded their second home Championship win of the season.

The summer signing from Blackpool bagged the goal of the afternoon in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers - slamming a 25-yard strike home to move top of the club’s scoring charts with two.

Charlton’s excellent record is now one defeat in their last 20 games at The Valley in all competitions - 16 wins, three draws and one defeat. Nathan Jones’ side have collected 10 clean sheets over that period, stretching back to Boxing Day 2024.

Carey said: “It’s a great win. I think that’s been coming. In the games before we’ve had a lot of chances and not been able to convert them.

Sonny Carey scores Charlton’s second goal against Blackburn

Picture: Paul Edwards

“We’ve been doing a lot of work on the final third in training and that’s paid off today. We were just more clinical. There have been spells in games we’ve got on top and not scored - today we made it count.”

Carey, 24, doubled Charlton’s advantage in the 78th minute. It means he has scored in back-to-back fixtures in SE7, also scoring in the 1-1 draw against Millwall.

“I’m going to be honest, I had nothing else in my mind other than get it and shoot,” he said. “I’ve seen it back and I could have maybe passed it. But I caught it sweet and it went in.

“As an individual I set myself personal targets. Goals and assists, that’s why I’m in the team. I’m in the team as an attacking player.”

Charlton are seventh in the table.

“We can achieve whatever we want to achieve,” said Carey. “We have played seven games now and we go into every one wanting to win. We don’t fear anyone. If we play away or home, we’re trying to get three points.”

Carey was asked about the fact that Charlie Kelman, another addition made in the last transfer window, is yet to open his goal account.

“Obviously he hasn’t had too many chances but we know the quality he has got,” he responded. “We see it in training, day in and day out. His time will come. We’ve no doubt he will score goals for us this season.”

The post-match pod is here with talking points here.

James Bree crosses the ball during Charlton’s home match against Millwall earlier this month

Picture: Paul Edwards

BREE: JONES’ PASSION IS ABOUT MAKING PLAYERS THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES

James Bree reckons that Nathan Jones’ touchline demeanour is only because he “cares so much” about the players he works with.

The 27-year-old defender is well-placed to give his verdict having worked with the Welshman at Luton Town and Southampton before joining Charlton Athletic on transfer deadline day.

“Everyone can see the gaffer is super passionate - he loves what he does,” Bree told South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition on Thursday.

“When he can build his own squad that works for him, he is one of the best gaffers in the league for getting the best out of players. His desire to win is his biggest strength.

“He is definitely intense but that is because he cares so much about the players. He sees the best version of the footballer and he wants you to show that every single day. If you are not showing that on the pitch or in a game that is why he might scream or shout at you.”

Bree, who is on loan from the Saints until January, is ready to be Mr Versatile for the Addicks.

“I’ve played anywhere along the back five or back four,” he said. “I feel quite comfortable at right centre-half, right-back or right wing-back.

“I played right wing-back a lot under the gaffer at Luton and for a short spell at Southampton. Wherever he wants to play me, or the team needs me to play, I’ll be available.”

Bree collected his first assist but 30th of his senior career in setting up Isaac Olaofe’s close-range goal at Sheffield United.

“I was buzzing,” said the former Barnsley youngster. “The goal was classic. I long back from Thom (Kaminski), Miles (Leaburn) flicks it on, Knibbsy (Harvey Knibbs) gets it on and it was just a reactive thing. I didn’t think much at the time. I tried to take a touch inside, luckily it worked and it opened for me.

“It was a great team goal. It was a nice way to ease yourself in with the boys and the fans, with it being a last-minute winner.”

CHARLTON ATHLETIC WOMEN BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Karen Hills’ team are up to second in WSL 2 after a 1-0 victory at Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

Katie Bradley’s 58th-minute penalty clinched the win at Gateshead International Stadium. She tucked her spot-kick to the right of goalkeeper Femke Liefting.

It needed a vital save from Sophie Whitehouse in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time to deny Emily Murphy.

The Addicks have conceded just once in their four league fixtures and face another long trip on Sunday up to Wearside to face Sunderland in a clash of two unbeaten teams.

Birmingham lead the table on goal difference.

Charlton had a rough start to their League Cup campaign as they were thumped 5-1 at home by West Ham United on Wednesday.

Bradley’s second-half penalty cut the deficit to 2-1 - the east Londoners punished for a foul on Gillian Kenney.

West Ham United’s goalscorers were Ffion Morgan, Manuela Pava, Leila Wandelar, Sarah Brasero-Carreira and Shekeira Martinez.

Gloria Siber is challenged during Charlton’s League Cup loss to West Ham United

Picture: Keith Gillard

Thierry Small made 48 appearances for Charlton in all competitions last season

Picture: Kyle Andrews

SMALL: I FELT WANTED BY PRESTON’S BOSS

Thierry Small has talked about his decision-making process when it came to joining Preston North End in the summer.

Charlton Athletic had wanted to secure the former Everton and Southampton youngster on new terms.

But Small quit the south Londoners once his contract expired.

The Addicks could have lost the 21-year-old before their League One play-off winning campaign but activated a clause to extend his deal until the summer of 2025.

Small told the PNE Pod that he was not aware of the Lancashire outfit’s interest when he faced them in an FA Cup tie in January - a 2-1 loss where he assisted Luke Berry’s goal. He said: “There was no sniff at that time. It was just me being professional. I was an opposition player trying to win a game.

“Before coming here I said I wanted to come to a team where the manager wants me. That is probably the most important thing as a player. I want that reassurance that you are one of the manager’s signings. That was a massive thing for me.

“I got a really good feel for the manager and staff. You can tell if someone is a genuine person just by speaking to them.”

Small comes up against Charlton on Saturday.

He has talked about targeting double digits for goals and assists this season.

“I want at least 10 GA contributions,” said Small. “That will be a decent stepping stone for me. I’ve put that out in the open - now I have to do it. Last season I think I set some similar goals and did achieve it.

“The Championship is more ruthless than League One. League One you can get away with a few mistakes. In the Championship you can’t take your eye off the ball for a second or you will get punished.”

Henry Rylah in action against Stevenage last month in the EFL Cup

Picture: Keith Gillard

RYLAH SIGNS EXTENSION

Henry Rylah has penned a new Charlton Athletic contract until the summer of 2027.

The Addicks also hold an option to extend the 19-year-old winger’s stay by a further 12 months.

Rylah has made two competitive appearances this season for Charlton. He started their EFL Cup win over Stevenage at The Valley in August and then came off the bench in the defeat to Cambridge United in the same competition.

Rylah also featured at right wing-back in pre-season for the SE7-based side.

In total he has made 10 first-team appearances.

“It means a lot to extend my time here,” Rylah told the club’s website. “It shows that the club has put real faith in me and I can really see myself developing my career further now. I’m just glad to see what the future holds.”

Share South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition

Academy manager Tom Pell added: “We’re really happy that we’ve secured Henry until 2027, and potentially beyond. Henry has shown in glimpses the attributes that the men’s first-team staff want from both their forward players and wing-backs and now it’s about Henry being as consistent as he can with his performances in order to make that next step.

“He’s a really dedicated young man, who spends a lot of time looking back at his clips, doing extras and ultimately giving himself the best chance of succeeding.

“That’s why we feel that by offering him a new contract, it gives him the confidence to kick on and put his potential into action on a really consistent basis. We’re all really excited about his future and I want to congratulate him and wish him all the very best.”

PREMIER LEAGUE CUP WIN

Charlton Athletic showed their fighting qualities to turn around their opening U21 Premier League Cup tie with a 2-1 win at Preston North End on Tuesday.

Emmanuel Sol-Loza and Henry Rylah scored in the closing stages for Chris Lock’s side to cancel out George Gryba’s goal for the hosts 10 minutes into the second half.

Centre-back Ty Ewens-Findlay was stretchered off with an ankle injury.

The Addicks are back in action in the competition today when they head to Bristol City (1pm kick off).

Ryan Inniss got his marching orders when Charlton Athletic last played at Portman Road

Picture: Kyle Andrews

IPSWICH TOWN AWAY TICKET DETAILS

Charlton Athletic have been handed an allocation of 2,001 tickets for their Championship match at Ipswich Town on October 21. It’s a Tuesday night fixture with a 7.45pm kick off.

Tickets will go on restricted sale on Wednesday.

More details about prices can be found here.

The Addicks’ last visit to East Anglia was one to forget. Dean Holden’s side were thrashed 6-0 in April 2023 with four of the goals coming in the final 20 minutes.

A dire afternoon was topped off by Ryan Inniss receiving a red card late on.