Nathan Jones tipped for stunning return to management after almost 12 months unemployed following Southampton stint

10 months ago 60

NATHAN JONES is reportedly a contender to take over at Charlton Athletic.

Nathan Jones has been linked with the Charlton job[/caption]

The club have sacked Michael Appleton[/caption]

Jones, 50, had built up a good reputation following his work of guiding Luton Town to League One and Championship safety.

However, on the South Coast, he was unable to repeat his achievements and was axed after just 14 matches.

The Welshman could now be heading back into the dugout at Charlton, according to talkSPORT.

The report claims that Jones is an “early contender” for the job at The Valley.

The Addicks sacked Michael Appleton following the 3-2 defeat to Northampton on Tuesday night.

The result has left the South London club just four points off of the relegation zone in League One.

Fans were expecting the club to be pushing for a promotion spot this season.

Appleton was the club’s third manager in the last 14 months, having replaced Dean Holden in September.

Holden was sacked in August after winning just one game in the first six of the campaign.

But the former Blackpool and Portsmouth boss was unable to correct the course as he only won eight of his 28 matches in charge.

Jones does have connections to Charlton having worked at the club previously.

He was the Under-21 development coach in 2012.

Charlton face a tricky run of fixtures following Appleton’s exit with clashes against Blackpool and Derby County up next.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest transfer deals from around the world this January