Nathan Jones has defined his response simply earlier than the full-time whistle in Charlton Athletic’s League One play-off semi-final win over Wycombe Wanderers.
The Welshman dropped to his knees – holding his arms to the sky in addition to making the praying gesture – simply earlier than the full-time whistle at The Valley on Thursday night time.
Matty Godden’s 81st minute purpose sealed a 1-0 victory on the night time – and likewise on mixture – because the Addicks arrange a Wembley showdown with Leyton Orient.
Jones additionally went to the ground of his technical space as soon as the match was formally ended, virtually curling right into a ball as som supporters got here to congratulate him.
“The fourth official informed me it was carried out,” mentioned the previous Luton, Stoke and Southampton boss, who led the Addicks to fourth in his first full season in cost. “It wasn’t fairly like the ultimate whistle…nevertheless it was like that factor.
“I’m a really spiritual man. I belief within the Lord. The Lord has seen me by means of troublesome occasions. Actually, actually troublesome occasions.
“There have been occasions I used to be at a Premier League membership the place individuals didn’t assume I deserved to be there – no matter how a lot I had earned the best and gone by means of three divisions. Coached at three totally different ranges. It didn’t make a distinction.
“So all these belongings you bear in mind, as a result of they’re all in your CV and your physique of labor. It was a little bit of emotion to come back out.
“Simply extra the the delight and reduction to try this (to succeed in the ultimate). However I additionally needed to thank my God publicly, as a result of he has been excellent to me.”
Charlton want yet one more victory – in opposition to east London opposition – to make a Championship return a actuality.
“To play at Wembley and an opportunity to get promoted to the next league, it reveals we’ve got been a very good aspect,” mentioned Jones. “As a result of anybody who finishes within the prime six is an efficient aspect, regardless (of which place). They must be constant. It isn’t luck. You possibly can’t be fortunate for 46 video games. You’ve got highs and lows, you need to rating targets – you need to hold clear sheets. Regulate to accidents – all of the issues that may occur.
“We all know each groups are in a very good place. They’ve needed to present actual high quality to beat Stockport, who’re an excellent aspect, over two legs.
“We are going to relish the chance to do one thing particular.”
Jones was requested concerning the connection made between him, his squad and the supporters. A crowd of 25,772 had been in SE7 to see Charlton see off Wycombe.
“We’ve in all probability been a catalyst for that,” he mentioned. “We’ve requested them to reply to us and requested the gamers to provide us a product they will get behind – that’s what the gamers have carried out.
“We now have requested the followers to consider that this membership can get again to the place it as soon as was. Once we first got here we had crowds of 10,000 to 11,000. Now, to see it packed – we may’ve offered one other 4 or 5 1000’s tickets. That reveals we’ve got launched into one thing.
“The followers have been actually magnificent. I bear in mind this membership when it was within the Premier League – and it was rocking. I needed a little bit of that and to be a part of that.
“To guide a crew out and see them reply like that, I’m a really proud man.”
PICTURE: ALAMY
