Merry Christmas to all EPL Talk readers worldwide. While many of us are opening presents or giving them to our loved ones, Charlton fans will have something to cheer about this morning knowing that manager Les Reed has been replaced by Alan Pardew.
While I believe Charlton made the correct decision in sacking Iain Dowie, the board made the rash decision to replace the former West Ham player with Les Reed. It was a short-sighted, risky and idiotic move. Thankfully, the Charlton board was honest enough with themselves to sack Reed and replace him with Pardew.
Even though Pardew has a huge task in front of him, I believe Charlton has finally found their right man to replace Alan Curbishley. Pardew did wonders at Reading and West Ham United (until this season’s collapse), and his charisma will undoubtedly infuse the players with enough self-belief to start winning matches again and hopefully mount a serious relegation escape.
The last time Charlton was out of the Premiership was the 1999-2000 season. It’d be a shame to see Addicks fall out of the top league the way they’re playing now. With some good acquisitions in the January transfer window, expect to see a new Charlton in the second half of the season.
