Charlton Athletic Bolster Defence with Experienced Premier League Veteran
Charlton Athletic have reached an agreement to bring former Everton and Wolves defender Conor Coady to The Valley on a loan deal, adding significant top-flight experience to their defensive line as they battle Championship relegation fears.
Defensive Reinforcement for Struggling Addicks
Manager Nathan Jones is set to welcome the experienced centre-back to his squad following Charlton's disappointing 4-0 defeat against London rivals Millwall last weekend. The Addicks currently sit 19th in the Championship table, just three points above the relegation zone, having managed only one clean sheet in their last eight matches.
Jones expressed his frustration after the Millwall defeat, stating: "We got outworked, out-battled – they treated it as a derby, we treated it as a day in the sun and we got exactly what we deserved. It's not how we work - we work hard, we work a press, we compete. We've been bullied all over today."
Conor Coady's Impressive Career Statistics
The 33-year-old defender brings substantial experience to Charlton's back line with 198 Premier League appearances and 184 Championship outings to his name. Coady has demonstrated attacking threat throughout his career, contributing 28 goals and 17 assists from defensive positions.
Coady joins Charlton's January recruitment drive that has already seen Lyndon Dykes, Luke Chambers and Harry Clarke arrive at the club this month. The former England international is currently with Championship rivals Wrexham, where he has made just six appearances since joining from Leicester City last summer.
Player Seeking Regular Football After Difficult Season
Coady's move comes after a challenging period at Leicester City, where he experienced relegation from the Premier League. Reflecting on that difficult season, Coady previously said: "I don't think I'm speaking out of turn here but Leicester was tough, really tough. Last season I found really hard, I struggle when I'm part of a team that's not doing great."
The defender added: "I go home and the family feel it, the missus feels it, my kids feel it and I take football home. I know I should never say that and I try not to, but I do and I found it really tough."
Coady is reportedly expecting more regular playing time at Charlton Athletic, with a medical examination scheduled as the final step before the loan move is completed. His arrival provides Jones with defensive options as Charlton face crucial fixtures against Birmingham City and other Championship rivals in their battle to avoid an immediate return to League One.
