Charlton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski says he’s enjoying life in south-east London after arriving at the club earlier this summer.
The experienced Belgian international joined the Addicks from Luton Town and has already settled in well, thanks in part to some familiar faces and a clear vision laid out by Manager Nathan Jones.
“Yeah, I've enjoyed it so far,” Kaminski said. “It’s been a good new challenge for me. I knew a little bit about the club already, I spoke to Luke Berry, and he was really positive about it. After speaking to the manager, I was convinced.”
Jones played a key role in bringing the 32-year-old to The Valley. The former Luton boss’ detailed assessment of Kaminski's game struck a chord with the keeper.
“I’d just come off a tough period and he said some things that really convinced me,” he explained. “I had the feeling he had really watched me last season. He knew exactly what I could improve on and what my strengths are. His plan, his way of playing, it was impressive.”
Kaminski enters a goalkeeping department packed with talent, with Will Mannion and Ashley Maynard-Brewer keeping a club record 26 clean sheets between them last season.
“That’s perfect, to be honest,” Kaminski said. “They’ve both helped me settle in well, and they deserve credit for what they did last season. Twenty-six clean sheets in any league is impressive.”
Born in Belgium, Kaminski came through the ranks in his homeland before moving to England with Blackburn Rovers in 2020. He soon had to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Championship.
“It’s a different league,” he admitted. “In terms of intensity and physicality, it’s one of the toughest. I always say the Championship would be the Premier League in most other countries.”
Following a successful spell with Blackburn, Kaminski earned a move to Luton and made the step up to the Premier League last season – an experience he believes has taken his game to another level.
“To play in the Premier League is amazing,” he said. “The opposition you face there is on another level. I learned a lot from that season and it’s definitely helped me moving forward.”
On the international stage, Kaminski has represented Belgium at every age group, and made his senior debut in 2024.
“I’ve had a taste of it, and you always want to be involved with the best players from your country,” he said. “I know there’s a new generation coming through with good goalkeepers, but never say never.”
As for targets this season? While outfield players are often measured by goals or assists, Kaminski insists that clean sheets are a top priority, even if he’s not putting a number on it publicly.
“Preferably I’d like 46!” he smiled. “But I know how hard this league is. The manager puts a lot of importance on clean sheets and sets the team up very well structurally, that’s something he proved last season. We’ve got our targets as a group and we want to achieve them.”
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