Greg Docherty is fully aware that Charlton face a crucial three‑match run to close out their first 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 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 blind to their position. The upcoming fixtures are particularly significant: a back‑to‑back home game against Ipswich on Wednesday, followed by another home encounter on Saturday against Hull City – Docherty’s former club – before a final‑day away trip to Swansea.
At the moment, Charlton sit six points clear of the relegation zone, but a six‑game winless streak – with the only points in that period coming from two away draws – has added a layer of anxiety to the mix. Despite the concerns, there are reasons for optimism. Ipswich currently own the poorest away record among the top ten teams in the division, while Charlton are the sole side that has managed to defeat Kieran McKenna’s side at Portman Road this season. That victory, Docherty noted, was a massive confidence boost.
"Going into the game on Wednesday, I know they have something to play for, but we have plenty as well," he explained. "Our win at Portman Road showed we can compete and that we are capable of pulling off results against strong opposition." 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 the levels are close," he said.
"That day we seized our chances, something we have struggled to do at home lately, especially when it comes to finding the back of the net." Docherty highlighted the frustration of creating numerous chances without converting them, noting that the inability to score can begin to affect the squad’s morale. "We’ve had many opportunities, and as the games go on you can see that frustration seep in," he said. "We haven’t distributed the goals enough across the team this season.
It isn’t a lack of effort or creativity – we’re up against good teams, and in the last six games we haven’t delivered a full 90‑minute performance. When we have a lapse, even for ten minutes, the league punishes us brutally." Looking ahead, Docherty expressed confidence that Charlton can repeat the feat of beating Ipswich, while also respecting the opposition. "We know we have beaten them before and we’ll give them the respect they deserve, but coming into a home game the outcome is in our hands. The mood in the dressing room stays positive as we head into that match," he added.
The Addicks earned promotion last season under Nathan Jones by winning the play‑offs, beating Wycombe and then Leyton Orient. This campaign, they have already secured eight league victories at The Valley, complemented by four draws – two of those against other top‑six contenders, Millwall and Coventry. Their ability to take points from strong teams has been a hallmark of their season, and they will look to continue that trend.
"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. We fought hard to get into this league, to be part of these moments, and now we have pressure on our shoulders to deliver." 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.
Ultimately we just want to get back to winning games consistently," he asserted. As captain, Docherty has been a key figure on both ends of the pitch.
He shares the joint‑highest assist tally in the squad with three, while also leading the team with 47 tackles, branding himself an all‑round midfielder. He reflected on his playing style, saying, "I’ve earned a reputation for the gritty side of the game, and I enjoy that as much as scoring. I’m working with the manager to add more goals to my game, and that’s the next step for me." He believes the season started well, experienced a dip in the middle, and is now finishing strongly. "I’m happy with my personal form, but I’m only truly satisfied when the club does well as a whole.
I’ll do everything I can to help us win more games because I feel we should have won more. It’s easy to say that, but the evidence is there.
This league is tough, and the experiences we gather will serve us well next season." Looking forward, both Docherty and Charlton are hopeful that the 2026/27 campaign will see them retain their Championship status. However, they understand that fine margins – especially a solid home record – will be decisive in achieving that goal. The upcoming matches against Ipswich and Hull present a vital opportunity to turn the tide, secure vital points, and finish the season on a high note, ensuring that the Addicks remain a competitive force in the second tier of English football.