Greg Docherty is fully aware that Charlton face a crucial three‑match stretch as they try to cement their place in the Championship after just one season back. The Addicks have a chance to steer clear of an immediate drop to League One, but the upcoming fixtures will test their resolve. "We know exactly where we sit in the table," the club captain told Sky Sports ahead of Wednesday’s showdown with promotion‑chasing Ipswich at The Valley. It will be the first of two consecutive home games – the second against Hull City, Docherty’s former side, on Saturday – before a final‑day away trip to Swansea.
Going into the mid‑week fixtures, Charlton sit six points clear of the bottom three. While there is a lingering sense of caution, the team’s Championship status is largely in its own hands.
Yet a six‑game winless run – all three points earned in that spell coming from draws away from home – has added a layer of anxiety to the mix. Ipswich, however, possess the poorest away record among the top ten clubs in the division, and Charlton are the only side that have managed to beat Kieran McKenna’s side at Portman Road this season. That victory, Docherty believes, should serve as a confidence booster. "Going into Wednesday’s game I know they have something to play for, but we have plenty as well," he said.
"Our win at Portman Road gave us a massive lift and proved we can compete with the best." He admitted that the team has perhaps let itself down in the weeks since that triumph, but emphasized that Charlton have remained competitive. "The margins are fine in this league, and that day we seized ours. What we’ve missed lately, especially at home, is the ability to finish chances." Docherty highlighted the frustration of creating numerous opportunities without converting them.
"When you keep missing, it starts to seep into the squad’s confidence. We haven’t spread the goals around enough this season – it’s not a lack of effort or creativity, we’ve simply faced strong opponents and haven’t delivered a full 90‑minute performance in the last six games." He warned that any lapse, even a brief ten‑minute spell, is quickly punished in the Championship. "That’s the brutality of this competition," he added. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic.
"We know we have beaten Ipswich before and we’ll give them the respect they deserve, but heading into a home game the outcome is in our hands. The mood in the dressing room stays positive as we prepare." Charlton’s rise to the Championship was built on a strong end‑of‑season run under Nathan Jones, which saw them win the play‑offs by defeating Wycombe and Leyton Orient. This season, the Addicks have collected eight league victories at The Valley, supplemented by four draws – two of those against fellow top‑six sides Millwall and Coventry.
In a league where taking points from bigger clubs can make the difference between survival and relegation, Charlton hope to repeat that formula in the coming days. "We relish the challenge of facing quality players and big teams," Docherty said. "Ipswich are pushing high up the table, and we want to prove a point as well." He reflected on the journey that brought Charlton back to this level. "We fought hard to get into this league last year, to play these matches, to feel the pressure and to compete for something meaningful.
Now I want to improve our home record again. Our home form hasn’t been as strong as it should be, and that hurts the players, hurts the fans, and I understand that.
Ultimately we just want to start winning games again." As captain, Docherty has been a key figure both offensively and defensively. He shares the joint‑highest assist tally in the squad with three, while also leading the team with 47 tackles, describing himself as an all‑around midfielder. "I’ve earned a reputation for the gritty side of the game, and I love that part of my role.
I get a buzz from winning tackles just as much as I do from scoring," he explained. "But I also want to contribute more at the attacking end. The manager has been working with me on that, and I’ve pushed myself to improve – that’s the next step." Docherty believes his season started well, experienced a slight dip in the middle, and is now finishing strongly.
"I’m happy with my personal performance, but I’m only truly happy when the club does well and we succeed as a team. I’ll do everything I can to help us win more games because I feel we should have taken more points." He acknowledged that it’s easy to say those words, but pointed to the evidence of the team’s struggles. "It’s a very tough league, and the experiences we’ve gathered this year will stand us in good stead for next season." Looking ahead, both Docherty and Charlton are determined to keep the 2026/27 campaign in the Championship. They know that fine margins – especially a solid home record – will be decisive in achieving that goal.
The upcoming fixtures against Ipswich, Hull City and Swansea will therefore be more than just three matches; they represent a pivotal test of character, resilience and the ability to turn narrow chances into decisive victories as the season draws to a close.