Greg Docherty is fully aware that Charlton face a crucial three‑match stretch as they wrap up their first season back in the Championship, fighting to stay clear of an immediate drop to League One. The club captain spoke exclusively to Sky Sports ahead of Wednesday’s home clash with promotion‑chasing Ipswich at The Valley, acknowledging the pressure but also the opportunities that lie ahead.
"We know exactly where we sit in the table," Docherty said, emphasizing that the Addicks are not in denial about their position. The upcoming fixtures include two consecutive home games – first against Ipswich, then against Hull City, a side Docherty previously represented – before a final away trip to Swansea on the last day of the season. At the start of this mid‑week run, Charlton sit six points clear of the relegation zone. While the spectre of the bottom three hovers over the squad, the team retains control of its own destiny.
Yet a six‑game winless streak, in which all three points earned came from away draws, has added a layer of anxiety to an already tense situation. Ipswich, on the other hand, possess the poorest away record among the top ten Championship sides, whereas Charlton are the only club to have beaten Kieran McKenna’s side at Portman Road this campaign.
That victory, Docherty noted, gave the Addicks a significant confidence boost. "Going into Wednesday’s game, I know they have something to play for, but we have plenty of reasons to be motivated as well," he explained.
"Our win at Portman Road showed we can compete with the best and that we are capable of pulling off results away from home." He admitted that the team has perhaps let itself down in the weeks since that triumph, but stressed that Charlton have remained competitive. "The margins are fine, and that day we seized ours. What we’ve lacked recently, especially at The Valley, is the ability to finish chances.
We’ve created numerous opportunities, and as the drought continues it begins to affect the squad’s confidence." Docherty highlighted a recurring issue: the lack of goal distribution across the team. "We haven’t been spreading the goals enough this season. It isn’t a question of effort or creativity – we’re up against strong opponents, and in the last six games we haven’t delivered a full 90‑minute performance.
When we have a ten‑minute lapse, the league punishes us brutally." Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in the side’s preparation. "We know we’ve 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 remains positive, and we intend to carry that optimism onto the pitch." Charlton’s ascent to the Championship last season was built on a solid finish under Nathan Jones, who guided the team through play‑off victories over Wycombe and Leyton Orient. This term, the Addicks have secured eight league wins at The Valley, complemented by four draws – two of those against fellow top‑six sides Millwall and Coventry.
The nature of the Championship means that taking points from larger clubs is essential, and Charlton have demonstrated an ability to do just that. "We relish the challenge of facing quality players and big clubs," Docherty said. "Ipswich are fighting 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 earn promotion last year, to play these games, to experience the pressure and the excitement of competing for something meaningful.
Now my focus is on improving our home record. Our recent home form hasn’t matched what we achieved previously, and that hurts the players and the fans.
Ultimately we want to get back to winning regularly." As captain, Docherty has been a pivotal figure on the pitch. He shares the joint‑highest assist tally in the squad with three, while also leading in tackles with 47, positioning himself as a true all‑round midfielder.
He described his playing style with candor: "I’ve built a reputation for doing the gritty, less glamorous side of the game, and I love that. I get a buzz from winning tackles just as much as I do from scoring." However, he is eager to add more to his offensive contributions. "The manager has been working with me to improve my attacking output, and I’ve pushed myself to take that next step.
I felt I started the season strongly, experienced a slight dip mid‑campaign, but I’m finishing on a high note." Docherty stressed that personal satisfaction is tied to the club’s overall success. "I’m happy with my own performances, but true happiness comes when the whole team is doing well. I’ll do everything I can to help us win more games because I feel we should have taken more points. It’s easy to say that, but the evidence supports it.
The Championship is a tough league, and the experiences we gather this season will serve us well next year." Looking forward, both Docherty and Charlton hope that the 2026/27 season will see the club remain in the Championship. They understand that fine margins, especially a stronger home record, will be decisive in securing that goal. The upcoming fixtures against Ipswich and Hull present a vital opportunity to turn the tide, and the Addicks will be aiming to convert their competitive spirit into tangible results, ensuring their place in the second tier for another year.