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.