Charlton Atheltic boss Nathan Jones has outlined his thoughts on Scottish midfielder Scott Fraser, who recently returned from a spell in the SPFL.
Fraser was sent to Scotland on loan in January, days before the former Luton boss took over at the Valley. He appeared 12 times for them in the second half of the season but has now returned to South London.
He played 45 minutes of the club’s first pre-season friendly of the summer at Dartford yesterday, a half in which he set up the opening goal as the Addicks led 4-1.
After the game, the manager was asked if he needed a closer look at Fraser before making a decision on his future.
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“We know where we are with Scott Fraser and other players,” said Jones. “I know all about Scott Fraser. If I don’t know about him now, then I’ve not been doing my research for the last 10 years. I know exactly where we are with our squad.
“We’ve brought in and strengthened the midfield area. So, anyone who wants to play in that midfield area has got to be aggressive, got to be right at it. Got to show real quality. If that’s Scott Fraser, then fine.”
The midfielder made his name north of the border with Dundee United, before two seasons in League One with Burton. 16 goals in 91 outings convinced MK Dons to approach him in 2020, and he again impressed, hitting 14 in just 5 outings.
A spell at Ipswich was not so impressive, leading to his switch to the Valley in 2021/22. During his time at the club he’s bagged 10 goals in 78 appearances, but has served under three managers; Dean Holden, Michael Appleton and Jones, for whom he has yet to make an appearance.
It was widely reported in February that Fraser was set to push for a permanent return to Scotland, claiming in an interview that “the happiness I have felt in my football and personal life is something I’ve lacked over the past six months.”
Writer’s View
Scott Fraser was a behemoth of League One at Burton and MK Dons, but he clearly lost his way at Ipswich and Charlton. He joined both during times they were spending big but achieving little, which has certainly reflected in his effectiveness.
A move north of the border would seem to suit the schemer, who has goals and assists in abundance when he plays. Given that Nathan Jones has added Greg Doherty and Luke Berry this summer, Fraser’s starting place is by no means assured. Jones comments did seem a little forthright, as if he were challenging Fraser to rise to the occasion.
A move away might be best for all parties, but there are sure to be a few clubs south of the border watching on intently as well.
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