'They are' - Nathan Jones pays Preston North End compliment ahead of Charlton Athletic's visit

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones is relishing a ‘difficult’ assignment at Preston North End this weekend.

The Addicks have picked up 12 points from their first eight games of the season - having won promotion via the League One play-offs last campaign. Charlton took a point at Derby in midweek and now make the trip up to Lancashire.

"Oh yeah, Preston is always a difficult game to go to,” said Jones pre-match. “I've had some real battles at Preston. Last year, we went there ironically, played very well and probably should’ve got more from the game.

"But, again, that was a learning curve for us. We made errors, didn’t mark well at a corner and that cost us because overall, the performance was outstanding, excellent, considering we were a league below.

“So, that was a taster of what was to come. Again, they've signed well and are a well-coached, well-drilled team, have threats. So, it’s going to be the toughest of tests. They are in very good form, especially at home.”

As far as Charlton’s team news goes, defender Josh Edwards is sidelined with ankle damage. Recent free agent signing Onel Hernandez could make his debut at Preston, but experienced forward Matt Godden remains out.

"Josh will probably be out a little bit longer than a few weeks, which is disappointing because he's been in wonderful form,” said Jones. “Onel is in contention now. He’s had another two days training and more integration with us, so he's ready to go."

Pre-match, Jones also discussed PNE man Thierry Small - who opted to leave the Addicks this summer upon the expiry of his contract. You can read those comments via Charlton reporter Richard Cawley’s Substack page.

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