Murray: 'I thought it was pantomime season'

Charlton chairman Richard Murray admits he thought it was a joke when this afternoon’s press conference to unveil new manager Iain Dowie was interrupted by the news of legal action launched by Crystal Palace against their former boss.

Both Dowie and Charlton insist that, prior to leaving Selhurst Park, no discussions had taken place with the Addicks, who were seeking a successor to long-serving manager Alan Curbishley.