Former Blackpool midfielder Sonny Carey has recieved huge praise from his current manager Nathan Jones and has been branded a “revelation‘ by the former Southampton manager.
The 24-year-old has been a standout player in Charlton Athletic’s start to their first Championship campaign in 5 years.
‘What a moment!’ 🔥@SonnyCarey_10 watches back that last minute winner 😁#cafc pic.twitter.com/WBJZXvimnO
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) November 5, 2025
Instrumental In A Great Start To The Season
Since his switch to Charlton Athletic in the summer, versatile midfield Sonny Carey has settled in spectacularly. Arriving from Blackpool on the back of a three-year deal, he quickly became one of the “go-to” players in the engine room. His tally of five goals already stands out. none more memorable than his dramatic stoppage-time strike against West Bromwich Albion that secured a priceless 1-0 win at The Valley.
That winner came in the fifth minute of added time and took a deflection, squirming under the keeper’s body, sparking wild celebrations.
Quite simply, Carey’s goal against West Brom wasn’t just another mark on the scoresheet; it was the kind of moment that defines a campaign. From his midfield base, he’s offered more than mere industrial play, he’s chipped in with decisive strikes, proving he can carry the ball forward, create opportunities and finish them too.
Before arriving at Charlton, Carey built his career with quiet determination. He began in the academy of Norwich City, but after being released, he dropped into non-league with clubs such as King’s Lynn Town. In June 2021, he signed for Blackpool and over four seasons in the English Football League, including spells in both the Championship and League One, he made 133 appearances and scored 21 goals from midfield.
Now at Charlton, he’s carrying that upward momentum, showing that the step up to the Championship is far from too big for him. With his five-goal return already and a timing for his match-winning strike that any forward would envy, Carey appears ready to anchor the Addicks’ midfield for this season, and perhaps beyond.
Speaking after the game, former Southampton and Luton Town manager Nathan Jones said:
“I said to Sonny at the end of the game to go and enjoy it.”
“You don’t often get 17,000 or 20,000, however many were here, singing your name.”
“Every pass and touch he has is forward. Whatever run he makes is forward. Every shot zings or tests something. He has been an absolute revelation and it’s why we’ve brought him to the football club.”
“It was thoroughly deserved. The subs gave us a massive impetus late on. It would have been a travesty if we didn’t win it or they had nicked something.”
“We’re in a good place. The players are giving me everything. It was a wonderful night.”
Moving Forward: Will Charlton Avoid The Drop
Charlton Athletic’s return to the Championship after winning the play-offs places them in familiar, precarious territory. Bookmakers have them among the favourites for relegation, with odds of around 3/1 suggesting their odds of dropping back down are alarmingly high.
The warning signs are loud: they’ve just made the step up, the competition is fierce, yet a god start places them 6th on 23 points, a stark contrast to early odds and predictions.
Up next at The Valley 🤩
Secure your seat now! 👇#cafc
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) November 5, 2025
That said, there are reasons for cautious optimism. The margin for error, however, is tiny. If they fail to adapt quickly to the pace and physical demands of the Championship, the drop is far from unlikely.
On the individual front, the acquisition of Sonny Carey looks to be a smart one. The midfielder has seemingly settled in really well and has already been voted Player of the Match by supporters after notable performances this season.
His all-action style, energy and ability to link defence and attack suggest he has the capacity to continue impressing in this tougher league. If Carey maintains form, he could become one of the team’s most reliable performers in what promises to be a challenging campaign.
