Yesterday's Football League Paper had a feature on the Addicks' 'brick wall' Lloyd Jones. Here we look at the first part of his varied football journey.
In 2011 he was plucked from Plymouth's academy by Liverpool. He was widely regarded as one of the most promising English defenders in his age group, but never got near Jurgen Klopp's first team. (In my view top clubs like Liverpool often sign up talent just to stop their rivals getting hold of it rather than developing the player as happens at Charlton).
There were loans in the lower leagues and then a permanent move to Luton in 2018 led to six appearances in two years. On loan at Northampton, he opted not to take part in their victorious play off campaign. A proposed move fell through and along came Covid.
Unable to find a club he returned to the family home in Plymouth, wen on bike rides and gradually rediscovered his love of the game. He rejoined Northampton in 2020, played every single minute thereafter and was handed the captain's armband after four months.
Manager Jon Brady said of him, 'He's mature, he's a leader, he's decisive in his decision-making. He is everything you want in a captain and an inspirational young guy as well.'
He then played 61 games in two years at Cambridge and cleaned up on the end of season awards in 2022/23. Charlton saw his potential and signed him on a free in the summer of 2023.
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