Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has revealed that he was instrumental in sending midfielder Terry Taylor to League One rivals Northampton Town on loan, confident that the 23-year-old would flourish under Kevin Nolan’s management.
Since joining Northampton in January, Taylor has played every minute of 16 consecutive league matches, emerging as a key part of Nolan’s midfield. Though he is unavailable to feature against Charlton this Easter weekend due to loan regulations, his impact on the Cobblers’ campaign has been undeniable.
Charlton, meanwhile, enter the weekend knowing a win would secure a play-off spot and maintain faint hopes of automatic promotion. The subplot involving Taylor adds further intrigue to the clash.
Inside the Decision to Loan Taylor to a Rival
Rather than reluctantly allowing Taylor to leave on loan, Jones has now disclosed that he actively recommended Northampton as the ideal destination for the young midfielder.
“It’s been a very good move for Terry and I knew it would be,” said Jones. “Terry’s a real good six in terms of how he plays and I know how Kev likes to play and I knew he’d get the best out of him.
“When we looked at his options and when I was asked, I didn’t so much push him in that way but I advised him to go to Northampton because I felt that would be a good club for him with the other players they had there. I thought it would be a productive move and it has been productive. Terry’s a great lad and he’s a very good footballer.”
It’s not the first time Jones has shown faith in Nolan’s abilities. Speaking ahead of the fixture, he was full of praise for his opposite number, referring to their long-standing rivalry and mutual respect.
The relationship between the two managers, once rivals in the dugout at Notts County and Luton respectively, appears to be built on more than professional respect. Jones noted Nolan’s ability to create cohesive, motivated teams — a trait he felt would suit Taylor’s development.
The fixture also comes at a crucial point in the League One season. While Charlton aim to consolidate their top-six position, Northampton are battling to finish strongly and carry momentum into the next campaign.
Site opinion
Nathan Jones’ willingness to place faith in a rival manager for the sake of a player’s growth speaks volumes about his confidence in both the player and the process. Terry Taylor’s development has clearly accelerated under Kevin Nolan, and this loan move could prove pivotal to both clubs’ seasons.
Charlton may have temporarily lost a squad option, but they’ve potentially gained a more polished player in return. Whether Taylor returns to Goodison next season or seeks a permanent deal elsewhere, his successful loan stint is proof that calculated risk can sometimes deliver perfect results.
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