Exclusive: Lee Hendrie reveals one thing that's "massive" for Charlton Athletic now - it involves Nathan Jones | OneFootball

The EFL pundit feels that Nathan Jones has been a massive part of their current situation as a newly-promoted Championship club

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie feels that it is vital for Charlton Athletic to keep hold of Nathan Jones for as long as they can.

The Welshman has helped transform Charlton in the short amount of time he has been in the Valley dugout, taking them from their lowest position since the 1990/91 campaign to Championship promotion in his first full season at the club.

And whilst it's still early days, the Addicks look well-prepared for their stay in the second tier to last a little longer than their one-season stop back in the 2019/20 campaign.

Nathan Jones has Charlton well-organised, and whilst there'll be a desire for more goals to be flying in at the other end, three clean sheets in the opening six games is a great return for a newly-promoted side.

A win away at Sheffield United has plenty of people singing Jones' praises, none more so than EFL pundit Lee Hendrie, who believes that the current Addicks boss must remain in his role for the foreseeable future.

Lee Hendrie gives verdict on Charlton Athletic under Nathan Jones

In an exclusive interview with Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie heaped praise upon Nathan Jones and the job he'd done so far at Charlton.

The Welshman arrived at the Valley midway through the 2023/24 campaign, and whilst that season petered out for the Addicks, Charlton bounced back emphatically the following term, which ended in Wembley glory in the League One play-off final.

"Nathan Jones has done a great job at Charlton, and continues to do so," Hendrie said.

"He has a great style, and a temperament which sometimes does get ahead of itself, but you can tell he's a manager who wears his heart on his sleeve, and he does get the best out of his squad.

"It's massive that they keep hold of him because he's been so key to their success, with the promotion and the way they've gone about conducting themselves in the Championship this season, where they sit mid-table.

"It's a full credit to him and the stable structure he has, so they have to keep hold of him, simple as that."

Summer contract extension should make for a lengthy reign at Charlton Athletic for Nathan Jones

Ultimately, Charlton have done all they can to keep hold of Nathan Jones for the foreseeable, after he penned a five-year extension in the summer amid interest from Cardiff City.

Many outside the club felt it to be a risky choice, as if the former Luton Town boss, whose Championship track record outside his time at the Hatters wasn't the best, would be due a big payout if things didn't work out.

The Addicks backed their decision-making with Jones, and then had a strong transfer window to give him the resources needed to compete on-field, something which Charlton have done more than adequately so far this season.

Ultimately, the longer Charlton can be a strong, competitive Championship side, the longer Jones is going to be at the club due to the extension, which keeps him at the Valley until at least 2030.

The Welshman showed his loyalty in the summer by penning the new deal, and the Addicks are currently reaping the rewards of their potential risk in giving him the new contract.