Nathan Jones has committed his future to "Charlton Athletic" by signing a new long-term contract, ending all speculation linking him with the vacant managerial position at his boyhood club "Cardiff City". The 52-year-old Welsh coach has been heavily connected to the Cardiff job over the past 10 days.
"I'm very proud and delighted. I still had three years left but for the club to come to me and want to continue that journey meant a lot to me because it's a club that I love," – Jones stated after finalizing the deal.
The timing is significant. Jones has just guided "Charlton" back to the Championship via a play-off final win at Wembley, making any potential departure complicated. Despite being a self-professed "Cardiff" fan born in Rhondda, his success and the south London club's determination to keep him proved decisive factors.
Club chairman Gavin Carter emphasized the unity developing at the club: "We have a really cohesive group forming at Charlton - from the players and coaching staff to the wider team behind the scenes and of course our supporters."
Interestingly, Jones still had three years remaining on his previous deal, showing "Charlton's" eagerness to secure his services for an even longer period. The club's managing director James Rodwell praised Jones's impact since returning last year, highlighting his leadership in developing a positive culture at the club.
With Jones out of the picture, attention now turns to "Cardiff City's" managerial search. Aaron Ramsey has emerged as the strong favorite to take the role permanently after serving as interim manager for the final three games of last season. The 34-year-old still has one year remaining on his playing contract.
Bookmakers have placed Ramsey ahead of other candidates like Brian Barry-Murphy, Des Buckingham, and Ian Evatt. Could the former Arsenal midfielder really make the transition from player to manager at such a young age in the notoriously challenging Championship?
