After playing the most minutes in a season since entering the professional ranks, Terell Thomas has many reasons to be optimistic this summer.
The 28-year-old Charlton Athletic centre back appeared in 43 games across all competitions in the previous campaign.
Following Nathan Jones’ appointment as manager at the beginning of February, Thomas has been a constant presence in all 18 games and hasn’t missed a minute of action.
In the fan-voted Player of the Season competition, he also came in third.
One may persuasively argue that Thomas would have received an extension offer if there had been more turnover in the Charlton Athletic team, specifically more players coming off contract.
Rather, when his Addicks contract expires at the end of June, the defender—who has five caps—will be a free agent.
Thomas progressed through Charlton’s junior system before quitting the club in 2017 without playing for the senior team.
When he returned in September 2022, initially on a 12-month contract, he was able to fulfil his dream of playing for the Addicks.
“When I was 13 or 14 years old, I was a ball boy for the first team,” Thomas said to the South London Press. “After that, I enrolled full-time and received a scholarship. In my inaugural professional season, under Bob Peeters’ management, I saw a few games from the bench in the Championship but never got to play.
I’ve always had a strong desire to do it.
I can honestly say that I kind of support the club, so when the option to return arose, I jumped at the chance. As a child, I watched them a great deal.
“In the past two years, I’ve experienced some amazing moments. I have absolutely no regrets about my decision to return.
“It was a little unexpected that it was released. However, I was aware that anything could happen in football, and since this is this manager’s first window, he might want to make changes or go in a different direction.
However, it came as a bit of a surprise given that I had played many of the games.
Isn’t that how football is played? We must get over this and go on, waiting to see what the future holds.
It is very evident that Thomas respects and admires Jones.
The Welshman kept Charlton out of danger of dropping to League Two with a 14-game winning streak.
After the season concluded, Thomas says he had “a positive conversation” with Jones.
“He was happy with the way I led the group – in terms of driving the group, how I trained, and helping the club keep League One status,” the player, who was born in East London, continued.
He stated that I started every game under him, so it wasn’t that he didn’t think highly of me as a player; rather, it was that there are currently circumstances that prevent us from being able to extend a contract to you. I won’t delve into too much detail about it.
This season, Thomas has accrued 2,875 league minutes, as opposed to his first campaign of 999 minutes back in SE7. His prior best came in the 2019–20 League One season with AFC Wimbledon, with 2,650.
Thomas declared, “I’ve definitely played a lot of football and under three managers.”
“It has been difficult mentally, but I have persevered by having to start over again. In terms of the relationship, it’s practically a reset when a manager leaves.
“I take great pride in that aspect of things.
“I consistently demonstrated my skill as a player and my ability to put in performances to earn those starts and appearances.”
One of the most thrilling contests The Valley has witnessed in years was one of Thomas’ finest.
In October 2022, Charlton overcame a 4-2 deficit to tie the Ipswich team 4-4, although that hardly captures the full story.
After scoring twice in stoppage time, it appeared as though the Tractor Boys would easily win three points.
In the sixth extra minute, Thomas cut the score in half, and in the 99th minute, George Dobson completed the comeback. Subsequently, Addicks manager Ben Garner was dismissed immediately following Ipswich’s 2-0 lead.
Thomas remarked, “I just remember the noise in the stadium when Dobbo scored the game-winning goal to make it 4–4.”
“I understand why some people left when it went to 4-2, but it was a little irritating!
“That was undoubtedly a noteworthy occasion. This was happening at Shrewsbury. I had never played for the club before that day. That had great personal meaning for me.
Capturing Charlton to a 2-1 victory at Derby on February 27 is another treasured recollection. It was their first win since November and a major boost to their chances of surviving.
Thomas remarked, “It was an honour” to have the armband on. “We won, and that made it even sweeter. Leading the boys out felt fantastic. I will always think highly of that. I’m quite proud of that instance.
While Thomas is quick to admit that Charlton’s season was one of underachievement, he also finds some satisfaction in the fact that he placed behind Dobson and Alfie May in the club’s Player of the Year competition.
Thomas remarked, “It shows I’m not the only one who thought I had a decent season.” “I really value the fans’ opinions, and I know how important it is to you as a player.” It’s possible that occasionally I received criticism that I didn’t deserve, but that’s football.
“I’m glad I came in third in that selection. For me, it was a fitting farewell. I would like to express my gratitude to the fans for their support.
“What we wanted to happen on the pitch didn’t happen in the last two seasons. I’m not sure, but perhaps whatever that happened upstairs had an impact on the squad. It has always been ups and downs and uncertainty at Charlton, even when I was a little child.
“We advanced to the Championship for a season, returned to League One for a few years, and then played in the Championship for another year. It’s never remained steady.
The club has never had such a clear vision for the future. But with Nathan Jones in place, who is aware of the direction and style of play he wants to take the squad in, perhaps they can find that stability and grow as a team.
“What is happening behind the scenes is about to blow up.”
“I sincerely hope that things go well for them in the upcoming season, and I’ll always be watching to see how they are doing. Because the man in charge is the right individual for the job, I think they can earn that promotion.
Foreign teams are interested in Thomas. Ferhervar, a Hungarian team that just signed Charlton captain Dobson, is one of them. League One teams are also interested.
“I’m certain,” he declared. “I’m not giving it a lot of thought. I think my team is doing things correctly, and they have a strong foundation behind them. When it occurs, it occurs.
“With football, you might have a few days without your phone ringing, but within a week, there are a lot of things going on.” The ball rolls like a snowball once it gets rolling.
“Now that the leagues are over, things can get going.”
GET MORE NEWS HERE
Leave a Reply