Nathan Jones was asked following Charlton’s 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury on Saturday if promotion was his number one ambition for next season.
The Addicks are unbeaten in 14 games, their longest unbeaten streak in 24 years, but they are also set to finish in their lowest league position in 98 years.
Jones, a former Luton Town manager, has only been at the South London club for a little more than two months, yet he has rescued Charlton from relegation in a season that has also seen two head coaches sacked: Dean Holden and Michael Appleton.
The Addicks have failed to mount any form of promotion bid in the last three seasons, and their Championship status was revoked in July 2020.
“What we want to do is build a football club over a number of years – in the time frame that we believe is possible – and we will be where we believe we belong,” Jones said when asked if the objective will be raised for the 2024-25 season.
“Yes, we want to be promoted as soon as possible.” However, we want to develop a football club that is sustainable, forward-thinking, and committed to achieving its objectives.
“Our goal is to restore this football club to its former glory.
“Part of that is getting promoted, and part of it is competing in the top leagues. That is what we want to do. Everything has a time limit, so I’m not going to guarantee that we’ll be promoted. We definitely want to do it again next season. Yes, we hope to finish as champions or among the top two.
“We have a goal here that we want to achieve something and we believe we’re going to do that.”
