Greg Docherty is fully aware that Charlton face a critical three‑match stretch as they wrap up their inaugural season back in the Championship, fighting to stay clear of an immediate drop to League One. The club captain opened up to Sky Sports ahead of Wednesday's showdown with promotion‑chasing Ipswich at The Valley, emphasizing that the Addicks are not blind to their position in the table. The upcoming fixture is the first of two consecutive home games, the second pitting Charlton against another top‑six outfit, Hull City – Docherty's former side – on Saturday, before a final‑day trip to Swansea. As the mid‑week matches approach, Charlton sit six points above the bottom three, a cushion that feels precarious after a six‑game winless run, during which all three points earned came from away draws.
The lack of victories has heightened anxiety among players and supporters alike. Nevertheless, Ipswich currently boast the poorest away record among the top ten Championship teams, while Charlton remain the only side to have beaten Kieran McKenna's side at Portman Road this season.
Docherty reflected on that win, saying, "Going into Wednesday I know they have something to play for, but we have plenty as well. The victory at Portman Road was a real confidence boost and proved we can achieve something against strong opposition." He acknowledged that the team has perhaps let itself down since that triumph, noting that while Charlton have remained competitive, the fine margins in the league have not always been in their favour. "We have struggled to find the back of the net at home in recent weeks," he admitted.
"We've created numerous chances, but the longer the drought continues, the more it can affect the squad's morale." Docherty also highlighted a tactical issue: the goals have not been spread evenly across the team. "It's not a lack of effort or creativity – we are up against quality opponents – but in the last six games we have not delivered a full 90‑minute performance. In the brief periods when we have faltered, the opposition have punished us, which is the harsh reality of this league." Looking ahead, the captain expressed confidence that the team can replicate the confidence‑building win over Ipswich. "We know we have beaten them before and we will give them the respect they deserve, but entering a home game we control what we want to achieve this season.
That positive mindset will stay with us into the match," he said. Charlton's promotion last season was built on a strong finish under Nathan Jones, with play‑off victories over Wycombe and Leyton Orient. This campaign, the Addicks have collected eight league wins at The Valley, complemented by four draws – two of which came against fellow top‑six clubs Millwall and Coventry. Their ability to snatch points from higher‑ranked teams has been a hallmark of their season and will be crucial in the final weeks.
"We relish the challenge of facing quality players and big clubs," Docherty added. "Ipswich are pushing for a high finish and we want to make our own statement.
We fought hard to earn our place in this league, to experience these moments, and to shoulder the pressure that comes with them." 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, hurts the fans, and I understand that frustration. Ultimately we just want to get back to winning games again," he asserted.
As the team's leader, Docherty has been a key contributor on both ends of the pitch. He shares the highest assist tally in the squad with three, while also leading in tackles with 47, describing himself as a well‑rounded midfielder.
"I have a reputation for the gritty side of the game, and I enjoy that as much as scoring," he said. "But I also want to add more to the attacking side.
The manager has been working with me on that, and I'm pushing myself to improve – that's the next step." He noted a season of peaks and valleys: "I feel I started strongly, experienced a dip in the middle, and am now finishing the season on a good note. I'm personally satisfied, but true happiness comes when the club succeeds as a whole. I will do everything I can to help us win more games because I believe we should have taken more points." Docherty recognized that talking about improvement is easy, but the evidence points to a need for consistency.
"The Championship is a very tough league, and the experiences we gather this year will serve us well for next season," he concluded. Both Docherty and Charlton are hoping the 2026/27 campaign remains in the Championship, aware that fine margins and a stronger home record will be decisive in securing their place among England's second‑tier clubs.