'We were excellent and the win was thoroughly deserved'

Every word from Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones' post-match press conference after 1-0 victory over Watford

Charlton Athletic made their Championship return after an absence of five years a success as they defeated Watford 1-0 at The Valley this afternoon in front of a crowd of 21,778.

The clinching goal came late in the fixture in SE7 with Harvey Knibbs pouncing after Lloyd Jones had headed down a deep Conor Coventry corner in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.

Here is every word from manager Nathan Jones from the post-match press conference with the written media.

WINNING RETURN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

“Yeah, any kind of win would’ve been perfect. We took 10 minutes to settle, they played a bit of possession football and we didn’t get the press right. Then once we got to grips with the game we were excellent.

“We went after it and created chances. Their keeper has made some excellent saves - two from Lloyd Jones and one from Sonny Carey.

“We were excellent and the win was thoroughly deserved. We had more shots on target. We had to suffer a bit of possession but not much, considering we are stepping up a level against a very good team. Then to score in the manner we did is a wonderful way to win the game.”

KNIBBS’ WINNER

“It’s been an emotional week. One, we’re back in the Championship but also the three we remembered this week - Pierre (Bolangi) and Ethan (Ade-Obuwale) especially, because they are two young boys taken far too early.

“It was an emotional day and a fitting day that we marked this remembrance day with a wonderful performance. To score in front of the Covered End, and hear the noise, was a good day for the football club.

“That is what cost the money and why we pushed all summer for it (the signing of Knibbs). We took our recruitment very, very seriously in everything we did. We were excellent.

“The new boys today were outstanding. Harvey and Charlie Kelman have played zero football, really, because of their protracted transfers.

“I’m really happy with everyone’s performance today and we will get better, that is the thing.”

LACK OF CHANCES CONCEDED

“We want to do the basics well. You have to do the basics well in any level of football, if you want to do anything.

“We’re not a side in the Championship that is going to score three, four or five, so we have to do the basics very, very well and when we get opportunities take them. We created enough opportunities today to win the game.”

PENALTY SHOUTS BOTH ENDS

“The Kaminski one is a penalty to them.

“But we should’ve had two. Josh Edwards is stonewall - he touched it and gets taken out. Tanto (Isaac Olaofe) is in the box and gets pulled back. It knocks him off balance.

“So we should have had three penalties - but we should have had two and they should have had one. If you want to have an argument, fine, get the footage up and have a look. That is exactly the tale of it. Realistically we limited a very good side to one shot on target and we had 12, five on target.

“Their keeper was excellent. That is the level. The save from Lloyd Jones is outstanding. He stood big for Sonny Carey.”

ATMOSPHERE AT FULL-TIME AND PUMPING HIS FIST TOWARDS WATFORD’S TRAVELLING FANS

“I got a bit of stick. It’s alright for me to get a bit of stick and to be called any name under the sun. I was just letting them know that I appreciate their support.”

THE LEAGUE CUP TIE AGAINST STEVENAGE ON TUESDAY

“We want to win another football game. We want to build momentum. I’ve been on the wrong end of abuse here for not winning cup games, so we don’t want that to happen.

“We will prepare in the best manner possible and try to win a Carabao Cup game.

“I’ve always had difficult times against Stevenage. I had one game where I won 7-0 against them, at Luton, but apart from that they have always been massively tight affair. It will be no different again.

“They will come to us looking to cause somewhat of an upset.”

BELIEF THAT BELONG IN DIVISION - HOW MUCH DOES THIS WIN HELP WITH THAT?

“It’s a good point. We keep preaching to them that they do belong. And bear in mind we have recruited players that have played in the Premier League and Championship - so it is not daunting.

“The majority of my managerial career I have managed in the Championship. I’ve managed in every division, but the Championship is where I’ve spent most of the time. So it is about instilling that belief.

“They won’t get that belief unless they live it and breathe it - execute it. That is what they’ve done today. Watford are a fluid and athletic team that if you let them play, and don’t press, they can cut you open. And we had to match that.

“We’ve had to bring in more athleticism and quality - better footballers on every level - and you saw that today. I’m sure that will give them that little bit of belief they needed but we try and instil that constantly.”

ENJOYED LAST-MINUTE WINNER

“I always enjoy winners and I always enjoy goals.

“I work so hard and sacrifice so much, my family sacrifice so much. I’m not a Pep (Guardiola) or (Jurgen) Klopp with 80 per cent win ratios and stuff like that. So you have to enjoy them because they are not expected every week. I enjoy my job and my life. Sometimes I live on the edge but that is an error or a strength of mine, if you like.”

All pictures by Kyle Andrews.

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