Nathan Jones hails Charlton’s ‘perfect’ start to Championship life

Charlton manager Nathan Jones described his side’s Championship return as “perfect” after new signing Harvey Knibbs struck a stoppage-time winner to see off Watford at The Valley.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder had not played a minute in pre-season due to the drawn out nature of his transfer from Reading.

But Knibbs came off the bench to slam home a close-range winner in the fourth minute of time added on as the Addicks marked their return to England’s second tier after an absence of five years, with maximum points.

“That is what cost the money and that is why we pushed all summer (to get him),” said Jones. “The new boys were outstanding today.

“Harvey and Charlie (Kelman) have played zero football, really, because of their protracted transfers. I’m really happy with everyone’s performances and we’re only going to get better.

“Any kind of win would have been perfect. Once we got to grips with things, we took 10 minutes to settle, then we were excellent. Their keeper has made some excellent saves – two from Lloyd Jones and one from Sonny Carey.

“We thoroughly deserved it. We had more shots on target. We had to suffer a little bit of possession but not much, considering we were stepping up a level against a very good team.

“To score in the manner we did is a wonderful way to win the game.

“We want to do the basics well, you have to do that at any level of football if you want to do anything. We are not a side in the Championship that is going to score three, four or five – so we need to do the basics very, very well and then when we get an opportunity, take them.”

Watford lacked a cutting edge but a talking point was referee Stephen Martin’s decision not to award a penalty after goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski came off his line and upended substitute Nestory Irankunda just minutes before Knibbs’ strike.

The Hornets’ new Uruguayan head coach Paulo Pezzolano, talking through an interpreter, refused to criticise the officials.

He said: “The game is already gone. I think the referee did not see it and so didn’t consider it a penalty. No, I did not go and see him afterwards. We are all human beings, we all make mistakes and the only thing we can do is look forward.

“We knew it was going to be a hard game and one defined by details. It could have gone their way or our way. We have to have a strong mindset. I would have liked to have seen a little more fluidity in our game.

“I’m not angry or disappointed. I am thinking about solutions for the next match. We have a lot of young players that need to grow. They will need time. This is a process, for us, that is only the beginning.

“We need to help the players to develop.

“The team fought very well for first and second balls. We feel we can do a lot more as a team and that is part of our growth.”

Charlton boss Jones accepted his side were lucky not to concede a spot-kick, but added: “We should have had two. Josh Edwards is a stonewall – he touched it and got taken out. Tanto (Olaofe) is in the box and gets pulled back, knocking him off balance.

“So three penalties today – but we should have had two. If you want to have an argument, fine, get the footage up and have a look. That is exactly the tale of it.”