The much-maligned 52 year old engineered a positive result for his new club on his first return to St Mary’s since he was sacked in February 2023.

Jones lasted just eight Premier League games in charge of Saints, which yielded only three points, before he was unceremoniously dismissed.

The Welshman did oversee a Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Man City, which he bizarrely addressed as he debriefed Charlton’s performance.

Jones has taken Charlton from League One to the verge of safety in the Championship, with the point at St Mary’s strengthening his side’s cause.

“Tactically, we were really good. When I was here, I demonstrated we were tactically good,” said Jones, speaking after the match.

“I can’t remember the last time you beat Man City, that this club beat Man City. I can’t remember the last time they kept a clean sheet against Man City.”

Saints kept a clean sheet against Pep Guardiola’s side in their last meeting – a 0-0 draw at St Mary’s in May 2025, although they were already relegated.

“And I can’t remember the last time we got to a Carabao Cup semi-final. So, tactically, we know we’re good, and we had to demonstrate that today.

“I’ve got no affiliation here, really,” added Jones. “I was here for a brief time. I think I spent more time in Starbucks than I have at this football club.

“But it’s another really testing football club to come back to, because at the level, they’re a very, very good side. They’ve got wonderful players.

“I think probably the outstanding player in the Championship is Leo Scienza, and they have him. I think there are very few better than him on his day. 

“It’s a real test for us, but I’m proud of my team. I’m proud of my club. Because for us coming up, remember last year we were in League One.

“And the season before that, they were flirting with relegation to League Two. We’ve come a long way, and we’ve put in building blocks in place.”