Curbs praises Pearce

Charlton boss Alan Curbishley is not surprised to see Manchester City counterpart Stuart Pearce enjoying his first taste of management.

The former England defender has performed admirably since taking over from Kevin Keegan in April, guiding City to a top-10 finish and carrying that form into the new campaign.

Curbishley is now in his 15th season with Charlton and has been impressed by the impact of the 43-year-old as he prepares for tomorrow’s clash at The Valley.

“Everything has been high-tempo since he took over,” observed the Charlton manager.

“They have all be up for it and the fans have seen a big change around in fortunes. It is a buzzing place at the moment.”

Curbishley believes over the coming months Pearce will look to mould a side in his own image.

“Stuart is still getting around the training ground and joining in – that is a bonus for a young manager. He is probably as fit as them and could play if called upon,” the Charlton boss said.

“Stuart is gaining valuable experience and what will happen over the next 18 months, is when it will become his team completely, and he is no longer out there as one of the boys.”

Charlton head into the match on the back of five straight defeats, the latest of which came in the Carling Cup on Wednesday when Curbishley was left “numb” after watching his side throw away a two-goal lead as Blackburn fought back to book their place in the quarter-finals.

After such as positive start to the campaign – which had seen Charlton climb to second – Curbishley has been left perplexed by the sudden alarming dip in form.

The Charlton manager has made several changes as he looks to recapture their winning formula.

With Radostin Kishishev suspended tomorrow Curbishley will again have to tinker with his team selection in a bid to reverse their slump.

“We have got to stop this run, and do it as soon as possible,” he declared.

“If it means changing players or shape, then we will do that.”

The Charlton boss maintained: “I don’t think anyone is in the comfort zone, because probably eight players have been moved around.

“The rest of it has all been juggled up, so I don’t think anyone is too comfortable.

“It is a question of getting a result – but not by hook or crook because you have to carry on playing.”

Having seen his side ship 11 goals in the last four matches Curbishley accepted: “We have got to get back on track and a clean sheet would not go amiss.”