Championship club release captain after transfer deadline just seven days after last appearance

Championship side Charlton Athletic have released their club captain Greg Docherty after the transfer deadline - despite his last appearance being just seven days ago.

The Addicks are in their second season since earning promotion back to the Championship via winning the League One play-offs in 2025. They finished 19th last term.

They are managed by Nathan Jones, who oversaw Luton Town's rise up the EFL during two separate spells before leaving for Southampton midway through the 2022/23 season.

Charlton have won each of their first three Championship matches of the season ahead of Wednesday's fixtures. They won 1-0 against Preston North End on Saturday through a goal from returning forward Karlan Grant.

Grant is one of 10 new signings at The Valley this summer. Winger Millenic Alli has joined from Luton, ex-Liverpool defender Billy Koumetio has arrived from Dundee and ex-Watford and Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah has signed on a free transfer.

Another new arrival is Kenya international midfielder Timothy Ouma, who has signed from Czech giants Slavia Prague on a season-long loan, while Oliver Skipp joined on loan from Leicester City on deadline day.

Those new signings have been to the detriment of club captain Docherty, who signed for Charlton from Hull City in the summer of 2024.

He was quickly made club captain and made 39 Championship appearances last season to help the Addicks retain their second-tier status.

But he did not play a part in any of their opening four games of this season across all competitions.

The 29-year-old did play 90 minutes in Charlton's 5-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last Wednesday, but was again left out of the matchday squad on Saturday.

'This way was the best way forward...' - Nathan Jones explains Charlton captain exit

Now, Charlton have released Docherty from his contract by mutual consent, meaning he is free to find another club after the summer transfer deadline.

In a statement issued to the club's official website, manager Jones described the Scot as a 'leader' and an 'unbelievable pro'.

"The tough thing is, we want to evolve, we want to improve on every level and it meant that Doc's game time was probably going to be more limited than he wanted," Jones conceded. "We had open conversations around that and felt that this was the best way forward.

"Doc has been an inspirational captain, he's been wonderful to deal with every day, I cannot speak highly enough of him. He leaves the club with masses and masses of respect, with our thanks and our gratitude and with a real heavy heart because we're going to miss him.

"We thank him for everything. He gave us, and certainly gave me, one of the greatest days I've ever had at Wembley. I wish him all the best, he's always welcome back at this football club."

Docherty said: "To be named captain of such an iconic football club was nothing short of a privilege.

"I felt the weight and expectation that title carries, but I can wholeheartedly say I gave my absolute all to represent the club properly every single day with the upmost respect that I felt it deserved through the good and bad moments.

"I'll always be grateful for my time at Charlton and everything the club has given me, but football moves fast. I'm now excited to see what the future holds."

Charlton currently sit in second place in the Championship, and travel to the Hawthorns to take on West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday night.