'Frustration & clarity for Charlton after defeat'
Charlton fan writer Paul Sullivan says the 3-1 defeat at Swansea shows the Addicks need to improve the squad in the summer.
[BBC] [Getty Images] Charlton Athletic's season closed with a familiar mix of frustration and clarity at Swansea City - a game that, in truth, probably meant more to Welshman Nathan Jones than it did to most supporters. The frustration comes from this - when we abandon our pragmatic approach and try to play more expansively, we become easy to exploit. The 3-1 defeat brings clarity for Jones.
The squad needs a major injection of quality for next season. Swansea, though, offered a glimpse of what a settled Championship side looks like. Along with Norwich City and Sheffield United, they've proved how misleading early-season struggles can be.
Following the sacking of Alan Sheehan in November, there is now a more progressive emphasis under Vitor Matos. Swansea play with intent - aggressive pressing, forward-thinking football, and a real threat from the flanks and set-pieces. Charlton knew what was coming - and still couldn't cope.
There were positives. We contained them for 75 minutes, which other teams haven't managed. Miles Leaburn's equalising header and Conor Coady captaining the side felt fitting - perhaps a final contribution in a loan spell that has brought leadership and standards.