Greg Docherty is fully aware that Charlton face a crucial three‑match run to close out their inaugural season back in the Championship and keep the spectre of an immediate drop to League One at bay. The club captain spoke to Sky Sports ahead of Wednesday’s home clash with promotion‑chasing Ipswich, stressing that the Addicks are not blind to their position in the table.
"We know exactly where we sit in the standings," Docherty said, before the match at The Valley. "We can’t afford to be complacent." The upcoming fixture is the first of two consecutive home games – the second will be against Hull City on Saturday, a side that happens to be Docherty’s former club – before the season concludes with a trip to Swansea. As the mid‑week games approach, Charlton sit six points clear of the bottom three, a modest cushion but one that leaves little margin for error. A recent six‑game winless streak, during which all three points earned came from away draws, has only heightened the pressure on the squad.
Despite the slump, there are encouraging signs. Ipswich currently own the poorest away record among the top ten teams in the division, while Charlton remain the only side that has managed to defeat Kieran McKenna’s side at Portman Road this season. That victory, Docherty believes, gave the team a much‑needed confidence boost.
"Going into Wednesday’s game, we know Ipswich have something to fight for, but we have plenty of reasons to be motivated as well," he explained. "Our win at Portman Road showed we can compete with strong opponents and that we’re capable of producing a result when it matters." Docherty admitted that the team’s recent form has been uneven, particularly at home where the Addicks have struggled to find the back of the net. "We’ve created a lot of chances, but the goals haven’t come," he said.
"When you go through a run of matches without scoring, it starts to affect the whole squad. It’s a mental battle as much as a physical one." He also highlighted a tactical issue: the distribution of goals across the team. "We haven’t been spreading the scoring responsibility enough this season.
It’s not a lack of effort or creativity – we’re up against quality sides, and in the last six games we haven’t been able to deliver a full 90‑minute performance. When we slip, even for ten minutes, the league punishes us harshly." Looking ahead, Docherty stressed the importance of maintaining belief.
"We know we beat Ipswich before, and we’ll give them the respect they deserve, but as we head into a home game the outcome is in our hands. The mood in the dressing room is positive, and we want to keep it that way." The Addicks earned promotion last season under Nathan Jones by winning the play‑offs, beating Wycombe and then Leyton Orient. This year they have recorded eight league victories at The Valley, complemented by four draws – two of those against fellow top‑six contenders Millwall and Coventry. Their ability to snatch points from bigger clubs has been a hallmark of their campaign and will be vital in the final stretch.
"We love the challenge of facing strong teams," Docherty added. "Ipswich are pushing for a high finish, and we want to prove that we belong in this division as well. We fought hard to get here, to play these games, to feel the pressure and to compete for something meaningful." Improving the home record remains a priority for the captain.
"Our home form hasn’t been as strong as it should be, and that hurts the players and the fans," he said. "We want to get back to winning regularly at The Valley." As captain, Docherty has led by example. He shares the joint‑highest assist tally in the squad with three, while also topping the team’s tackle count at 47, earning him a reputation as a versatile, all‑round midfielder.
He reflected on his role with candor. "I’ve built a reputation for doing the gritty work in midfield, and I enjoy that side of the game as much as scoring," he remarked.
"But I also want to contribute more in the attacking third. The manager has been working with me on that, and I’ve pushed myself to improve." He believes his season started well, experienced a slight dip in the middle, and is now finishing strongly. "Personally I’m happy with my performances, but I’m only truly satisfied when the club as a whole is doing well. My goal is to help the team win more games – we’ve already proven we can win, but we should have won more." Docherty acknowledged the harsh reality of the Championship.
"It’s easy to say we should have won more, but the evidence is there. This league is incredibly tough, and the experiences we’re gaining now will serve us well next season." Both Docherty and the Charlton faithful are hoping that the 2026/27 campaign will see the Addicks retain their Championship status. They understand that the fine margins – especially the ability to turn home fixtures into wins – will be decisive in achieving that goal. The final three matches will test the squad’s resolve, but with a clear focus on improving home form and capitalising on the confidence gained from past victories, Charlton aim to finish the season on a high note and secure their place in England’s second tier for another year.