‘I wanted to thank my God publicly’ – Nathan Jones on his reaction just seconds before end of Charlton’s League One play-off victory

Nathan Jones has explained his reaction just before 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 as well as making the praying gesture – just before the full-time whistle at The Valley on Thursday night.

Matty Godden’s 81st minute goal sealed a 1-0 victory on the night – and also on aggregate – as the Addicks set up a Wembley showdown with Leyton Orient.

Jones also went to the floor of his technical area once the match was officially ended, almost curling into a ball as som supporters came to congratulate him.

“The fourth official told me it was done,” said the former Luton, Stoke and Southampton boss, who led the Addicks to fourth in his first full season in charge. “It wasn’t quite like the final whistle…but it was like that thing.

“I’m a very religious man. I trust in the Lord. The Lord has seen me through difficult times. Really, really difficult times.

“There were times I was at a Premier League club where people didn’t think I deserved to be there – regardless of how much I had earned the right and gone through three divisions. Coached at three different levels. It didn’t make a difference.

“So all those things you remember, because they are all on your CV and your body of work. It was a bit of emotion to come out.

“Just more the the pride and relief to do that (to reach the final). But I also wanted to thank my God publicly, because he has been very good to me.”

Charlton need one more victory – against east London opposition – to make a Championship return a reality.

“To play at Wembley and a chance to get promoted to a higher league, it shows we have been a good side,” said Jones. “Because anyone who finishes in the top six is a good side, regardless (of which position). They have to be consistent. It is not luck. You can’t be lucky for 46 games. You have highs and lows, you have to score goals – you have to keep clean sheets. Adjust to injuries – all the things that can happen.

“We know both teams are in a good place. They’ve had to show real quality to beat Stockport, who are a very good side, over two legs.

“We will relish the opportunity to do something special.”

Jones was asked about the connection made between him, his squad and the supporters. A crowd of 25,772 were in SE7 to see Charlton see off Wycombe.

“We’ve probably been a catalyst for that,” he said. “We’ve asked them to respond to us and asked the players to give us a product they can get behind – that is what the players have done.

“We have asked the fans to believe that this club can get back to where it once was. When we first came we had crowds of 10,000 to 11,000. Now, to see it packed – we could’ve sold another four or five thousands tickets. That shows we have embarked on something.

“The fans have been truly magnificent. I remember this club when it was in the Premier League – and it was rocking. I wanted a bit of that and to be part of that.

“To lead a team out and see them respond like that, I’m a very proud man.”

PICTURE: ALAMY