Addicks boss Reed expected the sack

LES REED thought he was set to follow Iain Dowie out of Charlton when the phone rang on Monday but is determined to prove he is the right man to take the club forward.

The 53-year-old former technical director of the FA has been handed the task of guiding the Addicks to top-flight safety after Dowie was sacked after just 15 games in charge.

Reed brings an in-depth knowledge of the playing staff and day-to-day business of the club, having worked with former boss Alan Curbishley before departing for the FA in 1998, returning to The Valley in the summer as part of a new coaching structure.

He admits he was uncertain of his own future when he was contacted by chairman Richard Murray to be told of the board’s decision to sack Dowie.

“That thought did cross my mind and I was surprised and very grateful when the chairman made it a very quick permanent decision,” Reed said.

“Richard said to me: ‘I have had discussions with Iain, and this is what has happened. Prepare yourself to get a team ready for Saturday, but we will be making a statement in the morning.’

“My first reaction was I would be caretaker manager, and then my next thought was: ‘well, the fate of caretaker managers is not a good one usually.’

“I did not think twice about taking the job, but did have a very strange feeling because of the circumstances. It happened and then I was thinking about getting a team out for Saturday because you cannot dwell on it.”

Reed faced Charlton supporters at a question-and-answer session last night before turning attention to tomorrow’s trip to Reading. The 53-year-old does not intend to take centre stage at every opportunity however. “I am not going to change and all of a sudden become very high profile,” said Reed.

“I will just get on with the job in my normal fashion. If I get more attention because I am a Premiership manager, well that goes with the job.

“But I am certainly not going to be seeking it. My style is very inclusive, to delegate a lot of responsibility. I would like input from the players in terms of their development and training.

“I am calm and reflective, I am not a tea-cup thrower. I told the players the other day that it does not mean I will not get angry, it does not mean I will not lose it, but if I do lose it, there will be a very good reason for it, and they will certainly know why.

“I certainly would not want them to see that relaxed style as a weakness.”

Despite all of his experience, which includes stints coaching under several England managers, Saturday at the Madejski will be the first time Reed has been in the management hot seat.

“I am not a new face coming into the club, I already know all the players and the staff. They all know what I stand for in terms of the way we play football,” said Reed.

“So I feel pretty comfortable in the job, but ask me again at two minutes to three on Saturday and I expect the butterflies will be there.”

Charlton have fitness concerns over several players, including England striker Darren Bent, who left the squad for the midweek friendly with Holland because of a hamstring problem.