Greg Docherty is fully aware that Charlton face a crucial three‑match stretch as they close out their first season back in the Championship, fighting to prevent an immediate drop to League One. The club captain spoke to Sky Sports ahead of Wednesday’s home showdown with promotion‑chasing Ipswich at The Valley, emphasizing that the team knows exactly where they stand in the table.
The upcoming fixtures are particularly demanding: Charlton will host Ipswich on Wednesday, then welcome Hull City – Docherty’s former club – on Saturday, before traveling to Swansea for the final game of the season. At the moment, the Addicks sit six points clear of the bottom three, a cushion that feels reassuring but also fragile after a six‑game winless run. All three points earned during that spell have come from away draws, underscoring the anxiety surrounding their home performances. Ipswich, meanwhile, have the poorest away record among the top ten Championship sides, while Charlton remain the only team to have beaten Kieran McKenna’s side at Portman Road this season.
Docherty reflected on that victory, saying, “Going into Wednesday’s game I know they have something to play for, but we have plenty of motivation as well. The win at Portman Road gave us a huge confidence boost and proved we can compete with quality opposition.” He added that the team may have let themselves down by not converting that momentum into more wins, but stressed that Charlton have been competitive in every match. “The margins are fine, and that day we took our chances.
What we’ve missed lately, especially at home, is the ability to finish – to put the ball in the net consistently.” Docherty admitted that a lack of goals has begun to affect the squad’s morale. “We’ve created a lot of chances, but the longer the drought continues, the more it seeps into the group. We haven’t distributed the scoring burden evenly this season. It’s not a lack of effort or creativity – we’re up against strong teams, and in the last six games we haven’t delivered a full 90‑minute performance.” He warned that any lapse, even a brief ten‑minute spell of poor play, is quickly punished in the Championship’s unforgiving environment.
“There’s a belief that we can beat Ipswich again, and we’ll give them the respect they deserve, but as we head into a home game the outcome is in our hands. That positive mindset will carry us into the match.” Charlton’s rise to the Championship was built on a strong finish to the previous season under Nathan Jones, when they secured promotion by beating Wycombe and Leyton Orient in the play‑offs. This season, the Addicks have recorded eight league victories at The Valley, complemented by four draws – two of those against fellow top‑six sides Millwall and Coventry. Their ability to snatch points from higher‑ranked opponents will be vital in the final stretch.
“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 worked hard to reach this level last year, to play these games, to feel the pressure and to fight for something.” He emphasized the need to improve Charlton’s home record, which has slipped compared with previous seasons.
“Our home form isn’t as strong as it should be, and that hurts the players, the fans, and the club. Ultimately we just want to start winning games again.” 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 in tackles with 47, positioning himself as a true all‑round midfielder. He described his playing style: “I’ve got a reputation for the tougher side of the game, and I love that physical aspect.
It gives me a buzz, just as much as scoring does.” Docherty is also working to add more goals to his game. “The manager has been helping me develop that side, and I’ve pushed myself to improve.
That’s the next step for me.” He believes his season started well, experienced a dip in the middle, but is now finishing strongly. “I’m happy with my personal form, but I’m only truly satisfied when the club is doing well as a team.” Looking ahead, he pledged to do everything possible to secure more victories. “I feel we should have won more games. It’s easy to say that, but the evidence is there.
The league is tough, and the experiences we’ve gathered this year will serve us well next season.” Both Docherty and the Charlton squad are hopeful that the 2026/27 campaign will see them remain in the Championship, but they understand that fine margins – especially a solid home record – will be decisive in achieving that goal.