Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has spoken out in response to growing speculation linking him to the vacant managerial position at Cardiff City.
The role became available following Cardiff’s dismissal of Erol Bulut after a winless start to their Championship campaign, and Jones, a favourite with the bookmakers, has been closely associated with the job. The Welshman, originally from the Rhondda Valleys, has long expressed his personal connection to Cardiff City, a club he has openly admired for years.
Jones, 50, joined Charlton in February 2024, signing a long-term contract and being given significant backing to influence the club’s transfer policy and backroom setup. His role at Charlton is central to the club’s ongoing efforts to return to the Championship.
Speaking to the South London Press about his connection to the Cardiff job, Jones said: “When this kind of stuff comes up I’m very flattered to be linked with that. One day – I’ve made no secret and been totally open – I would like to manage Cardiff. It is my home town club – my dad lives close.”
However, Jones quickly moved to underline his current focus on Charlton, adding: “But, right now, I have got a fantastic job and I’m at a wonderful club where I’m really, really looking to build something. So that is where we are. I won’t be disrespectful to anyone in any way. So for me it is nothing – I get on with my job day to day and I love my job here and the people I work with. I’ve asked a lot of people to buy-in to that. There is nothing to say really.”
Sources close to Charlton have confirmed that no official approach has been made by Cardiff City regarding Jones. Despite speculation, the South London club has received no formal inquiries. When questioned about any direct contact with Cardiff, Jones lightheartedly dismissed the idea, saying: “If I had I’m not going to suddenly turn around and say it here, am I! There is nothing really to worry about. I’ve got a wonderful job here and I took this job for a certain reason – because I believe we can build something special.”
Jones remains focused on Charlton’s project but has not hidden his ambitions regarding Cardiff in the future. “I make no secret about the Cardiff job, because it is my hometown club and all the affiliations I have there. One day I really, really would love to manage the football club. Right now I’m Charlton manager and I’m thoroughly enjoying the project we are building,”
Jones began his professional football career at Luton Town in 1995, after progressing through the ranks at Cardiff City’s academy and playing youth football in Wales. A versatile left-back, Jones made his mark in England and Spain, playing for clubs including Badajoz, Southend United, and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Following his retirement from playing, Jones transitioned into coaching and management. His most notable achievement came at Luton Town, where he guided the team to promotion and earned widespread respect for his tactical nous and leadership. Although he had brief stints at Stoke City and Southampton that were less successful, his return to Luton Town reaffirmed his managerial abilities. He took over Charlton Athletic in 2024, aiming to lead the club back to success.
Site Opinion
The ongoing speculation linking Nathan Jones with Cardiff City is a tricky situation for Charlton Athletic. Jones has played a pivotal role in the club’s recent revival, and any disruption at this stage could hinder the progress they’ve made under his leadership. Charlton need stability, and if Jones were to leave, it would undoubtedly be a major setback to their ambitions.
From Cardiff’s perspective, if Jones is their preferred candidate, the club must act quickly. Drawing out this process benefits no one. Cardiff’s search for stability is crucial, but it’s equally important that Charlton can focus on their campaign without distractions. Swift and decisive action from Cardiff would allow all parties to move forward, ensuring clarity for both clubs.
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