After four consecutive years of finishing outside of the EFL League One Playoffs, fans of former Premier League side Charlton Athletic most likely braced themselves for another season of mediocrity.
Their 17th-place position in the 2023/2024 season was their lowest since the 1980s, and things certainly did not look up for the London Club.
The manager tasked with turning around these dismal affairs was controversial Welsh manager Nathan Jones.
Jones, the Addicks fourth manager since relegation in 2022, was brought in towards the end of last season and had his first real chance to put his stamp on the squad this summer.
Jones is a two-time managerial promotion winner with Luton Town, yet has struggled elsewhere with Stoke City and Southampton.
As a result, many within the EFL questioned his ability to adapt to differing club circumstances.
After a slow-ish start to the season, Jones men have gone beyond all expectations this season and now sit in fourth place ahead of a season-defining fixture away at second-placed Wrexham.
In their last 21 games since the turning point, Charlton have collected 46 points, the most of any side in the division.
This figure is just seven short of the 53 points they collected in the whole of last season, highlighting the rapid improvement.
So, what has changed under Nathan Jones that has so dramatically changed the fortunes of his side?
This tactical analysis will take a look at the tactical adaptations, as well as analyse any changes in mentality that have been imposed on this now hugely promising young squad.
Charlton Athletic Formation & Shape 2024/2025
Charlton started the season unsure of their preferred formation.
This inconsistency cost them.
Injuries and a lack of personnel played a part, but the club shifted between formations, primarily adopting a 3-5-2 setup.
Around the halfway point of the season, the formation became significantly more consistent, and they have since utilised a 4-2-3-1 in nearly all of their fixtures.
The 4-2-3-1 formation is now preferred, allowing Jones to get all his best players on the pitch, particularly in wide attacking areas.
The shape also allows them to gain more width in attack, with Campbell and Small playing in front of overlapping full-backs while also maintaining a solid defensive base with a central midfield trio that all contribute in both defence and attack.
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