Pardew takes on Charlton challenge

Charlton Athletic FC have appointed their third manager in six weeks after Alan Pardew replaced the outgoing Les Reed at the struggling London club.

All change
A former Charlton midfielder, Pardew had himself been relieved of the managerial reins at West Ham United FC on 11 December, despite having guided the team to promotion to the Premiership and then the FA Cup final in the previous two seasons. He replaces Reed, who was promoted to the top job at Charlton when his predecessor Iain Dowie was sacked on 14 November. Ironically, West Ham's new manager Alan Curbishley spent more than 15 years in charge at Charlton before leaving in the summer.

Tough season
Charlton, second from bottom in the 20-team division with only three wins from 19 games, said Reed had left by mutual consent after just eight matches in charge, six of which were defeats. Pardew, who had also endured a tough first half of the season at West Ham with the club third from bottom, has signed a three-and-a-half year contract. His first game will be a capital derby at home to Fulham FC on Wednesday. Charlton chairman Richard Murray said: "We are very fortunate a manager of Alan Pardew's calibre is available and we have moved very, very quickly to secure his services."