Charltons new Boss.

Charlton have confirmed that Les Reed has been appointed head coach on a permanent basis, with Mark Robson named as his assistant. The news came as a surprise to many who felt that Charlton have acted in a panic by sacking Dowie as manager.

On Tuesday May 30, 2006 Charlton Athletic appointed Iain Dowie to replace Alan Curbishley as club manager. Dowie left Championship team Crystal Palace after they failed to get promoted to the English Premiership following their loss to Watford in the playoffs.

Les Reed and Andrew Mills also joined the club as senior coach and general manager (football) respectively.

Reed has a long affiliation with the south-east London club, having also worked with former head coach Alan Curbishley before departing to take up a role with the Football Association in 1998, replacing Howard Wilkinson as technical director in 2002.

He returned to The Valley during the summer as part of a new-look management structure under Dowie, but has now been charged with retaining the Addicks top-flight status

Reed, assisted by former Charlton winger Mark Robson, will take charge of the team for the first time at Reading on Saturday.

Dowie and Charlton Part Company.

Its not like Dowie to walk away like that and also its not like Charlton to give the manager a sack. The club doesnt have the finances to support the sacking of the coach like that.

Charlton had a hard start to the season with some tough games against Manu, Chelsea Liverpool and Arsenal, these are hard cames to win no matter who the manager.

Bottom of the league is tough but success in Carling cup is some consolation. Newcastle on the other hand second from bottom are the club that really should be looking at their manager and asking tough questions.

Charlton are not a great team nor are they a poor team. they have to do with a small budget. Dowie bought in a lot of players that didnt work out, but the likes of Andy Reid was agreat additions. Scott Carson (on loan) has proven very good.

There is more to this story than meets the eye.