Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has reacted to another defeat against Bolton Wanderers promising his players ‘a cuddle’ ahead of their match against Sheffield United this weekend.

United will be taking on a manager under pressure on Saturday after his team were booed off following another defeat.

Despite Charlton having an early goal chalked off for offside, Bolton took the lead in the opening 20 minutes via Sam Dalby after Charlton midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah served it on a platter for the Bolton striker, who found himself through on goal from the centre circle.

Both sides had their own chances to score throughout the rest of the game, but Bolton couldn’t extend their lead, even though Charlton continued to make key defensive errors.

After the full-time whistle, Jones praised his team’s effort but demanded more attacking quality after jeers from the home supporters greeted the final whistle.

“In terms of endeavour, work-rate and passing the football, I have zero problem,” he said. “We have had so many opportunities around the edge of the box.

“We had no problem all night, and then we gifted them a goal. They haven’t had to work for it in any way. We then did not demonstrate enough attacking quality in the final third.

The Addicks enjoyed more possession and touches in the opposition’s box yet only found the target twice after 14 shots.

“We’ve probably made more positive substitutions tonight than is humanly possible – I got as many attacking players on the pitch. We aren’t doing the out-of-possession stuff well enough either, and that is a tough recipe.

“All we can do is more work, big them up, give them a cuddle – we do it. We ask them to hit areas and be confident. We work on the final third and know how we can get in behind them, and we just don’t do it when we cross the white line.

“We have won games here with a lot less possession and a lot fewer opportunities in the final third.”

Charlton currently sit 21st in the Championship table, four points above the drop zone.

They host the Blades on Saturday afternoon as they look to taste victory for the first time since August.