They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and just looking at the excellent shot by Paul Edwards below of Nathan Jones tells you that Saturday afternoon was a very memorable one for Charlton Athletic.
In this review of the week, we start with a little bit of reaction to the Addicks’ 2-1 win at West Ham United. But we also wrap up any other developments from the previous seven days.
McNamara: Addicks enjoyed underdog tag
Danny McNamara reckons that Charlton Athletic could be a “surprise” package in the Championship this season.
The right-back was speaking after the Addicks took maximum points at London Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The result will have been especially sweet for McNamara, although this isn’t the time or place to go into exactly why he had extra incentive to get the result against West Ham United.
Charlton are one of only three clubs to have a 100 per cent record in the Championship this season, along with Millwall and West Bromwich Albion.
Danny McNamara wants the bubble machines turned off/Picture: Kyle Andrews
“Being underdogs today, these games suit us,” said McNamara. “It shows you the quality we have got on the pitch. I think we’re going to surprise a few people this season – it’s exciting for the club.
“It was a good experience (at West Ham) and a good result.”
Tyreece Campbell has scored in all three matches.
“He is a great lad and still learning,” said McNamara. “He is doing both sides of the game now, which is something he needed to bring. He is only going to go on in leaps and bounds – I’m sure there will be more to come from him.
“I think he is going to have a massive career in the game.”
McNamara has started every match since arriving on a free transfer. The 27-year-old is set to have a battle for that full-back spot with Kayne Ramsay, out with an ankle injury which is set to sideline him for an extended spell.
“It is good to have healthy competition in the squad in every position,” he said. “Whatever will be, will be – whoever is on the pitch they give 100 per cent.”
Miss the post-match pod from West Ham? It can be found here. Every word from Nathan Jones’ press conference is here.
Lloyd Jones spoke to CBS Sports after the victory in east London.
The captain produced an acrobatic finish from Sonny Carey’s long throw in the seventh minute.
Lloyd Jones celebrates his goal/Picture: Paul Edwards
“I think I had a bit of a nosebleed doing that,” said Jones. “I haven’t seen it back but it’s probably some big giraffe trying to score an overhead kick.
“We went 2-0 up but then we conceded that goal. It took a lot of character to come away with the three points. We got a bit of luck but we managed to do it.
“The stadium speaks for itself. We’ve been on a journey as a team the last two years – we just keep getting better and better.”
Jones has worn the armband with club captain Greg Docherty not involved.
Asked about his approach to being skipper, he said: “I wouldn’t say I’m the most vocal in the changing room but when I go over that white line I like to lead by example with my performances, aggression and keeping the ball out the back of the net.”
Picture: Focus/CAFC
Okonkwo signs on season-long loan
Charlton Athletic made Arthur Okonkwo their eighth signing of the summer transfer window – we had reaction from Nathan Jones to the deal here.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper arrived on a season-long loan from Wrexham on Thursday.
Ex-Addicks boss Phil Parkinson, now in charge at the Welsh club, said: “Arthur obviously wanted to continue being a number one, and Charlton have given him that opportunity.
“That is a deal that suits all parties.
“Arthur has been a brilliant player for us, and we will never forget when we signed Arthur in League Two, how hard we worked to bring him to the club. Another really good lad, he has come back from a couple of serious injuries along the way and really stood up to be counted when it mattered most.”
Okonkwo went straight into Charlton’s starting line-up at West Ham United and made eight saves – he was the team’s top-scoring player on FotMob (8.3).
Ezri Konsa posted on social media after signing for reigning Premier League champions Arsenal
Konsa joins reigning Premier League champions
Arsenal splashed £55million to prise Ezri Konsa away from Aston Villa.
South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition understands there is no sell-on due for the centre-back, 28, who they sold to Brentford in 2018.
Konsa has made more than 200 appearances for Villa and won the Europa League in May. He then represented England at the World Cup.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta said: “Ezri is a defender of high quality, whose athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence have established him as one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers.
“Being comfortable in both central defence and at right-back, Ezri will bring valuable versatility to our squad while maintaining the high defensive standards which are fundamental to our challenge of winning major trophies.”
Konsa was at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night to watch his new club cruise to a 3-0 victory over Coventry City.
Ezenwata blow as teenage defender opts for Brighton move
Ezri Konsa is the perfect example of a young player who stayed with Charlton Athletic’s academy and went on to gain early exposure to first-team football before landing a big move.
But we know it is a familiar tale that top academy products are lured away before they sign professional terms. Chetam Ezenwata is the latest one.
The 16-year-old defender, touted for a big future in the game, announced on his social media that he has joined Brighton. The Seagulls also landed goalkeeper James Beadle from the Addicks in January 2022.
Chetam Ezenwata playing in the U18 Professional Development League play-off final win against Wigan Athletic/Picture: Keith Gillard
Ezenwata won the 2026 Steve Clarke Trophy at Charlton, which recognises outstanding progress at U16 level.
“After five unforgettable years with this great club, it’s now time for me to open the next chapter of my story,” said the teenager on his Instagram. “To all my coaches, the staff, my amazing team-mates – with whom I have formed some unbreakable bonds over the years – and all the parents and fans that cheered us on through every win and loss, I say thank you all immensely for being a part of my journey.”
His older brother Chizzy, 17, was also with the Addicks but joined Chelsea’s youth set-up in 2023.
Mike Bailey/Picture: Tom Morris
Mike Bailey RIP
Former Charlton Athletic midfielder and manager Mike Bailey passed away at the start of last week.
Our tribute piece can be found here.
Charlie Methven (right) with Charlton managing director Jim Rodwell in July 2023/Picture: Keith Gillard
Methven: Huge chunk of EFL clubs up for the sale
Charlie Methven has claimed that 47 of the current 72 EFL clubs are on the market.
The Addicks’ former chief executive, a position that is still vacant at The Valley despite his exit in March 2025, was talking on his Business of Sport podcast.
“We are in a situation where there are more sellers of football clubs than there are buyers,” said Methven, who was instrumental in Global Football Partners acquiring the Addicks. “And those football clubs are carrying big ongoing losses.
“Now what is a fundamental structural sign of an unsustainable industry – and what normally happens when industries are unsustainable – is the blow up. But what the PFA has long leant on is what they call internally ‘the bigger idiot theory’. That there will always be a bigger idiot who comes along and buys a football club. That there is an endless stream of these guys…so why should we agree to calm down the loss rates? We don’t need to.
“Now what I’m seeing in the market right now is that there ain’t a bigger idiot. That’s now gone and there are numerous football clubs that cannot be sold – at any price. We are getting into these situations where clubs are going to be taken into administration because there simply aren’t any buyers for them. And once you’re in that situation then I think all bets are off.”
Charlton Athletic have been open to investment for an extended period of time – although chairman Gavin Carter told this website earlier this month that there was no desire for an outright sale.
Patrick Casey playing for the Addicks in May 2024/Picture: Keith Gillard
Casey not intent on Charlton return
Patrick Casey recently confirmed to South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition that he is looking for a new club.
We wrote in July about the striker’s future being up in the air.
Casey has been offered a contract extension by the Addicks and so any team that wants to sign the 20-year-old will have to either agree compensation or go to a tribunal to determine the fee.
This website decided to reach out to Casey to see if he wanted to have a chat.
Instead he sent back a message. It said: “With regards to the Charlton side of things, I have declined their offer and I’m training in the meantime, staying fit and waiting for a club.”
Wiredu joins League Two outfit
Brendan Wiredu has left Plymouth Argyle for Salford City. The midfielder, 26, has signed a multi-year deal with the League Two side. Wiredu said: “I’m someone that leaves it all on the pitch, out of possession relentless, someone that’s going to be in the opposition’s face. On the ball calm and composed, get it down and play, and here and there add a few goals in. Hopefully I can add a lot to what is already a very talented squad.”
