We’re not in the valley of death yet, insists Pardew

ALAN PARDEW maintains all is not lost even though Charlton have only three games left to haul themselves out of the Premiership drop-zone.

The Addicks missed the chance to move clear of the bottom three when they were held 1-1 by fellow relegation-battlers Sheffield United at The Valley on Saturday.

However, with other results going their way, there remains just four points separating the five clubs fighting to avoid joining Watford in the Coca-Cola Championship next season.

Charlton are at Blackburn next week, before they host Tottenham on Bank Holiday Monday and then head to Anfield on the final day of the season.

If they are to stay up, Pardew’s side will have to cut out the lapses in concentration which proved costly against the Blades.

Having taken the lead on the hour through a long-range deflected strike from defender Talal El Karkouri, they sat back and invited pressure, conceding needless free-kicks and giving away possession.

Eventually, the visitors were back on level terms through Jonathan Stead – and could have gone on to win the game with a bit more composure in front of goal.

Pardew hopes it is a trait his side will not show again. “If we learn from the mistake we made as a team, that is going to bode well for the remaining three games,” said the Charlton boss, who had tried in vain to substitute injured full-back Ben Thatcher just before the equaliser.

“Once we conceded the goal, we lost our way and our rhythm. I was frustrated because the mistake came from a player I wanted to replace.”

Pardew, however, continues to believe his squad have what it take to beat the drop. He said: “We are on a great run and I think that is what the fans should look at. In the last eight or nine games we have been absolutely terrific.

“I do not think I need to pick them up. Three months ago we would have jumped at this chance. We are still there, still fighting.

“I think we need to win one game and we have got three chances. Who knows? Maybe it will be enough.

“In my short career as a manager in the Premier League I have not had one easy game and I do not think I am going to get one now and neither will anyone else, so we have to focus on next week and nothing more.”