'Nathan Jones has resilience and courage in abundance - it has helped him bounce back from boss adversity'

Mentor Paul Hart provides insight into Charlton Athletic manager's make-up plus exclusive quotes from Welshman's Addicks U21 graduates Nick Pope and Morgan Fox

Nathan Jones and Paul Hart have had a special bond for the last 15 years, even if one of the first conversations between the pair ended up with the Welshman being told he would need to take a pay cut.

At the time, June 2012, Jones had just left Yeovil Town. It proved to be the last stop in a playing career that also took in Southend United, Brighton and Numancia.

Hart was Charlton Athletic’s academy manager and was interviewing to fill the post of U21 professional development coach.

Picture: Kyle Andrews

Jones got the job and the connection between the duo went from strength to strength. Even after Jones left to become number two to Oscar Garcia at Brighton in July 2013, the former left-back stayed in touch with Hart.

If it had once been a master-apprentice relationship, it was Jones who then sought out Hart to be part of his backroom team at Luton Town, Stoke City and also Charlton, when he came back as manager in February 2024.