Three things Nathan Jones can prioritise at Charlton after putting Cardiff City rumours to bed

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Charlton Athletic fans can finally relax after Nathan Jones put an end to rumours linking him with Cardiff City.

Jones signed a new five-year deal with Charlton after reports suggested that the Welshman would remain in League One to manage his boyhood club Cardiff.

There is no one more divisive than Jones in the Football League but if you give him the tools, he will build something very successful. Luton Town fans can also attest to that.

Now that full focus on the Championship season, here’s three things that the Charlton boss can prioritise to give the Addicks a chance of staying up.

• READ MORE: Player who made over 100 appearances for Charlton Athletic now eyed for free transfer return

Upgrade the goalkeeper

It may seem harsh given that Ashley Maynard-Brewer and Will Mannion have been the options between the sticks for Charlton, but football is a ruthless game.

Jones will not want to repeat the misfortunes of Plymouth Argyle and his former employers Luton by leaking goals left, right and centre.

Maynard-Brewer and Mannion are capable options but there are plenty of goalkeepers released by Premier League clubs that could come in and bolster the defence significantly.

Replace Thierry Small

One big gap they will have to plug is the left-back role. Despite beating Leyton Orient in the play-off final, Thierry Small decided to leave on a free to join Preston North End.

Small is a big loss but the 20-year-old can easily be replaced. Whether they choose a more experienced option, like an ambitious move for Aaron Cresswell on a free transfer, or look to recruit a young player again will have be watched closely.

He’s been a near ever-present for Jones too and the Charlton boss will need to dig deep into the transfer market to find a suitable replacement.

Goals, goals, goals

To quote Michael Owen: ‘When they don’t score they hardly ever win’.

Might seem crazy, but it’s true. Matty Godden was the talisman for the Addicks this season and led the line with 22 goals in all competitions and Miles Leaburn’s 10 goals also helped.

Godden is 33 though and even though he has proved to be a goalscorer over time, can they really rely on him to do the business again?

Aside from Godden and Leaburn, nobody scored double figures and someone to help ease the burden on them two would go a long way to securing survival.