Greg Docherty is acutely aware that Charlton face a crucial three‑match run to cap off their inaugural season back in the Championship and to steer clear of an immediate drop to League One. The club captain spoke exclusively to Sky Sports ahead of Wednesday's encounter with promotion‑chasing Ipswich at The Valley, acknowledging the pressure that looms over the Addicks. "We know exactly where we sit in the table," Docherty said, emphasizing that the team is not blind to its position. The upcoming fixture is one of two consecutive home games – the second against Hull City, a side that currently occupies the top six and also happens to be Docherty's former club – before a final away trip to Swansea on the last day of the season.
At the time of the mid‑week clash, Charlton sit six points clear of the relegation zone. While there is a lingering sense of caution, the Addicks retain control of their own destiny.
Nevertheless, a recent spell of six games without a win – with the only points earned in that period coming from away draws – has amplified the anxiety among players and supporters alike. Ipswich, on the other hand, own the poorest away record among the top ten Championship teams, whereas Charlton are the sole side to have beaten Kieran McKenna's side at Portman Road this season.
That victory, Docherty noted, was a "real confidence boost" and proved that Charlton can compete against high‑quality opposition. "Going into Wednesday's game, I know they have something to play for, but we have plenty as well," he continued. "That win at Portman Road showed we can do something special and put our name on the board as a team capable of delivering results." He admitted that the team may have let itself down by not converting more matches into wins since that landmark victory, but insisted that Charlton have remained competitive.
"The margins are fine, and that day we seized ours. What we've missed lately, especially at home, is the ability to find the back of the net consistently," he explained. Docherty highlighted the frustration of creating numerous chances without scoring, noting that prolonged goal droughts can begin to affect the squad's confidence. "We haven't spread the goals around enough this season," he said, adding that the lack of scoring is not due to a shortage of effort or creativity, but rather the high calibre of the opponents and the fact that the team has not delivered a full 90‑minute performance in the last six fixtures.
"In the occasional ten‑minute periods where we falter, we get punished – that's the harsh reality of this league." Looking ahead to the home game, he expressed belief that the team can build on the belief generated by the earlier win over Ipswich. "We respect Ipswich and know they deserve credit, but coming into a home match, the outcome is in our hands.
The mood in the dressing room is positive and we want to keep it that way." Charlton's ascent to the Championship last season was driven by a strong finish under Nathan Jones, who guided the Addicks to promotion via play‑off victories over Wycombe and Leyton Orient. This season, the club has recorded eight league wins at The Valley, accompanied by four draws – two of which came against fellow top‑six sides Millwall and Coventry.
The Championship is notorious for its unpredictability, and Charlton have shown a knack for snatching points from larger clubs – a trait they hope to replicate in the coming fixtures. "We relish the challenge of facing quality players and big teams," Docherty said. "Ipswich are fighting near the top of the table, and we want to prove a point as well." He reflected on the journey that brought the Addicks back to this level: "We fought hard to earn promotion, to play these games, 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 get back to winning games." As captain, Docherty has been a leader on and off 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 admitted that he has built a reputation for the "ugly side" of the game – the gritty, defensive work – which he enjoys as much as scoring goals. "I love the buzz I get from that side of the game," he said, "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 for me." Docherty believes his season started well, experienced a dip in the middle, and is now ending on a stronger note. "I'm happy with my personal performance, but I'm only truly happy when the club is doing well and we succeed as a team. I will do everything I can to help us win more matches because I feel we should have won more.
It's easy to say that, but the evidence supports it. This league is tough, and the experiences we gather this year will serve us well for next season." Looking forward, both Docherty and Charlton are hopeful that the 2026/27 campaign will see them maintain their Championship status, fully aware that fine margins and a solid home record will be essential to achieving that goal.