Perry out, pace in?

Well, well. If it is Ian Dowie's first decision in charge then he ain't hanging around. Jay Bothroyd and Chris Perry have been released by the club.

But in other news from Floyd Road, Jon Fortune is celebrating a new three year deal.

Jay Bothroyd being released is hardly a surprise. The jury remained resolutely out, although the Inspector was prepared to give the guy the benefit of the doubt.

The news that his contract was dependent on appearances highlights that Curbs had his doubts, and this probably sealed his fate. So that's that. A few screaming goals (and a few fantastic deflections) and he's gone. Thanks and good luck.

Right, onto Chrissy. I doubt I'm alone in having a soft spot for Perry. And I don't just mean alcoholic pear juice. He had the look of someone having walked through the turnstiles on a match-day and been offered a game by Curbs. One of us.

But he wasn't. He had a quiet assurance and on his day was a towering presence. Those days seemed to be becoming fewer though, as the Inspector pointed out so astutely earlier this month. He appeared to be on the way down rather than the way up. Ruthless but the right move. I salute you Chris. You were a quiet, efficient servant of this great football club. Good luck and thanks.

Perry out but Jon Fortune stays. What's going on?

My answer, pace. Defenders used to be the breed where a mature head could survive and thrive. Not any more. Now we've got the younger guard in the shape of Sorondo and (work permit pending) Gibbs in to complement Herman, Fortune and Young, so ship out the old lag.

Dowie in, players leaving in droves and the revisionism of the Curbishley era beginning. This is shaping up to be a long hot Summer at the Valley. Anyone excited?

PS I couldn't help myself. More fallout from the showdown at the press conference. This time 'Reg' Varney delivers the goods for the soundbite hungry media: "What we witnessed today was nothing more than a sad and pathetic publicity stunt."

Bigmouth strikes again

From The Times, whose story makes you wonder if Simon Jordan is trying to goad Dowie into countersuing for libel.

Jordan is confident of success. “You can never be sure in the High Court but my lawyers think that we have a very, very good case,” he said. The writ, if successful, “will unwind the compromise agreement, and then Iain will be back under contract at Palace. So if Charlton have him under contract, they will have to either pay £1 million compensation or I have to release Iain and the reality of it is that there are going to be some fun and games.” That could include imposing a period of “gardening leave” on Dowie, as Jordan did to Steve Bruce when he attempted to leave Palace for Birmingham City in 2001. (more)

(Legal note: If you ever want to call someone a "liar", get off your bloody yacht in the Med, call a press conference, and do it there, which can afford you some protection. Don't do it by shouting your mouth off on the phone to all and sundry. Or when your initial legal action fails, you're liable to have your arse kicked all over the shop should the person you've defamed wish to countersue. If Dowie and Charlton want to, they could make this very messy indeed.)

Iain Dowie in the Telegraph: "I said at the time the family has been a problem but there were loads of other things mentioned. If I wanted to bring things out here I could do but I'm not prepared to do that because I've got lots of respect for Crystal Palace and I've no problem with Simon. After we mutually parted I told him I was coming to meet Charlton. If I had something to hide why would I say that?" (more)

Meanwhile, the Guardian cocks it up, saying we've employed Stewart Robson as one of Dowie's assistants, instead of Mark Robson. Which kind of sums things up, really - this whole business is just one huge, unfortunate distraction.

And on that note, I'm off for a few days of rest, relaxation and rock and roll in the Catalan sunshine. Possibly a drastic measure to stay out of earshot of Elton John on Sunday, but there you go.

With so much going on right now - I haven't even mentioned the weekend's fair play draw, because I'm convinced it's a red herring and we aren't even ready for friendlies yet, never mind the Uefa Cup - I'm not going to leave this place unattended. So please give a big hand to Stuart, who's got the keys to the All Quiet shop for a few days. If I see Jordan's yacht on the Med, I'll send him our love.

Iain Dowie's red and writ army!

Well, well. If anybody had their doubts about Iain Dowie's appointment as Charlton manager, they were dispelled at half-past twelve, when a representative of Crystal Palace tried to hand Dowie a writ during the press conference at The Valley to introduce him as our new manager.

And for anybody watching Sky Sports News, they would have been totally reversed minutes later, as Palace chairman Simon Jordan let rip with a 10-minute tirade against Dowie's decision to join the Addicks, possibly libelling Dowie at least once, and claiming misrepresentation. (Listen to it here, courtesy of Chris at Cynic Athletic.)

Jordan claims Dowie left Palace to rejoin his family in the north. In effect, Jordan claims Dowie owes him £1m in compensation - because that would be the amount paid if he quit while still at Palace.

However, Dowie has never said this in public - if you think back to last Monday's press conference at Palace, it was only Jordan who said this. (For what it's worth, Jordan said afterwards: "If he's six months out of work, and Charlton are prepared to fly him back and forth to see his family, well, the man's entitled to work.")

Indeed, Dowie was visibly riled when asked about Jordan, and maintains his first contact with Charlton was two days after he quit Palace.

Whatever Dowie's personal circumstances now, he's buying a home in this area, and his children are staying in the north-west. And he's performed well in his first press conference - for some reason, he already looks the part.

Palace fans are fond of saying we aren't their rivals. They say it rather a lot. But their chairman's given even the biggest cynic a reason to get behind our new manager. And, let's be honest, it's a sideshow.

Dowie's said all the right stuff - playing attacking football, a fit side, that kind of thing, and with Les Reed at his side the future should be looking up for us now. He's shown his commitment to us, now it's time for us to repay the compliment - forget Palace, here's to the future. Anyone who's not behind him knows where Park View Road is. Good luck, Iain, and welcome to Charlton.

Dowie's appointment in quotes:

Iain Dowie on what he could offer Charlton fans: "They'll want to see me go onto the pitch and put a side that plays attractive football... very very fit, very organised and play a passing agme, to add what Alan brought here, to take the club on. Following in Alan's footsteps is daunting. But the easy option would have been not to have come here. We've got to push for top halves, and push for Europe - I want to bring youn talent to the club, develop young players we've got here, put out a side with energy and drive that also plays attractive football."


Richard Murray on Dowie: "He's a bright young coach with modern ideas and a real passion for the game. We interviewed over 20 candidates and Iain was the most impressive of all the candidates. When you're in his company you can see the energy, the passion and the intelligence he brings to the game."

Dowie on Charlton: "This has been a club that's been run hugely succesfully by Alan Curbishley, but when I met Richard and the rest of the board and Andrew [Mills], I was excited by the plans they had in place. I saw the development at the training ground, there's some fantastic things being done here. That matches my ambitions, I want to go to a forward thinking club that can progress. It's very well set to be a go-ahead club in the future. It's a stable club, they had a manager for 15 years and that's testament to the people that are here."

Murray on Simon Jordan, before the writ was served: "I think, deep down, he's a big admirer of Charlton Athletic."

Simon Jordan on Sky Sports News: "At the end of the day, we've served a writ on Ian because he doesn't tell the truth. There's a law in this country called misrepresentation and Iain Dowie's going to find out what that means."

Richard Murray: "I do know Simon's always been a bit envious of Charlton, we've achieved the success he's been striving for with a stadium we own.... perhaps he should ring me some time. Iain is our manager and we've got a fantastic legal team. Simon writes about me a lot, but he's never rung me. Perhaps he should pick up the phone."

Iain Dowie: "I'm not going to let it sour a good day for me, if it's how he feels, it's how he feels, he's totally misreprsented what I said. It's a good day for me, hopefully it's a good day for Charlton."

Sky Sports News' Jim White: "The next time you speak to Iain Dowie will be in the High Court?"

Simon Jordan: "Or through a medium."

Billy's postscript

You know the worst impression you can give in a job interview? That you're desperate to get out of your current job and would take anything to escape...

Billy Davies is taking legal advice after being barred from speaking to Derby County.

The Scot is heading for a damaging showdown with chairman Derek Shaw following the club's decision to block talks with the Pride Park board.

Davies broke his six-day silence to tell the Lancashire Evening Post: "I think it's fair to say my relationship with Preston North End right now is under strain." (more)

Oh dear. We'll have a new manager in 15 hours, you know.

Letter to the new manager

Dear Iain/ whoever,

Welcome to The Valley. I'll be sunning myself in Barcelona when you're enjoying your first week at The Valley, but should you need anybody to show you around the locality, I'm more than happy to take you to karaoke night at the White Swan, and to see a fight break out in the Bugle Horn. Call me next week. If it's you that's got the job, Iain, don't go to the kiddies' zoo in Maryon Wilson Park, though, the deer get scared enough as it is.

Everyone's going to want to offer you some advice, so I thought I'd leave a few of my thoughts on our current squad. Good luck, son - you'll probably need it.

Cheers - Inspector Sands

2. LUKE YOUNG. A man in demand. Benty aside, our most skilled player who is tireless in defence, and a better captain than Holland was. Get him on a new deal straight away. If Bayern Munich really are after him, and are going to cough up, cash in. But don't lose him to one of our rivals. Especially West Ham. STAY!

3. HERMANN HREIDARSSON A so-so season from our tough-tackling defender. But can he really do any better? Surely only a squad player at best. JURY'S OUT

4. GONZALO SORONDO. Pleased he's signed a deal with us, especially as he was getting a big wage from us to do nothing during his injury-plagued loan season. Hopefully he'll develop into a big star for us. Early indications were pretty good, although he needs to stop running around like a headless chicken from time to time. SIGNED.

5. CHRIS PERRY. Dependable as ever - but his skills are starting to fade. Surely his last season with us? Whatever, he deserves to leave with his head held high. GLORIOUS RETURN TO AFC WIMBLEDON IN JANUARY

6. MARCUS BENT. Still has a lot to prove after an erratic start to his Charlton career. He's good at being a big lump in the box (an underrated skill), but he's carried on that marvellous Charlton tradition of being very shot-shy. SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT

7. RADOSTIN KISHISHEV. The thinking man's hero of the 2005/6 team. Provided the oil which made the Murphy/ Smertin machine move so well. But while the others threw a hissy fit and stopped playing, Kish kept on. And kept trying. Not the most skilful of players, but if you want an example of all the virtues that are good in football - look at Kish. STAY!

8. MATT HOLLAND. At least he's not captain any more. I'd imagine he'll stay around because we don't have many other decent options, but he does sum up our lack of creativity and aggression in midfield. Let's hope it's just Holland playing in the Championship next season, not all of our side. SECOND DIVISION AWAITS

9. JASON EUELL. For our sakes and yours, Jase, it's over. Just go. Curbs gave you some chances to shine, and you didn't. I can't remember your last good game. Can you? Thanks for the memories and all that, but for your own well-being... GO!

10. DARREN BENT. The star of the team who still has so much to learn. And is probably not really ready for a "big club" move just yet. Keep him close to our chests, and wrap him in cotton wool. Get him on a new contract! STAY!

11. FRANCIS JEFFERS. Go on, piss off. Anywhere else, I really don't care. Just get the hell off our wage bill now. Oh, hello, he's done that already! GONE!

12. KEVIN LISBIE. Now Curbs has gone, Lisbie's patron has gone too. At least he'll be able to tell his kids about the day he scored three against Liverpool. TIME TO FIND A JOB IN THE REAL WORLD, KEVIN.

14. JEROME THOMAS. An inconsistent season for JT, as Curbs couldn't decide whether or not to play him or Darren Ambrose. His pace can still light up a game, though, and I hope he sticks around. STAY!

15. TALAL EL KARKOURI. Officially out on loan, but has effectively gone anyway. Flukey free kicks aside, he wasn't much cop anyway.

16. STEPHAN ANDERSON. Not happy about being our substitute keeper, and will no doubt develop into an amazing keeper in the future. But for now, he's still learning, and has still turned in some impressive performances. STAY!

17. SHAUN BARTLETT. Gone after another season where his inclusion in a Charlton side was enough to sink a thousand hearts. Can he do a job in the Championship? GONE!

18. DARREN AMBROSE. Like Jerome Thomas, suffered from some of Curbs' selection policies. But he's shown promise and surely deserves a better chance next season. STAY!

19. DENNIS ROMMEDAHL. A curate's egg. Lightning pace, but hasn't been able to make it count when it really matters. I'd like to see how he plays under new management. STAY!

20 BRYAN HUGHES. I don't know why, but I've started to gain a sneaking liking for Bryan Hughes. He's grabbed a few goals when it really matters, which have erased memories of his more forgettable midfield performances. One for the squad. STAY!

21. JONATAN JOHANSSON. Is he really still here? Not any more! GONE!

22. SIR CHRIS POWELL. Turned in some priceless performances last season, but surely now approaching his last season. Get him on the coaching staff now, for the man is a legend. STAY!

24. JONATHAN FORTUNE. A bit of a yesterday's man, sadly. But he's staying here! He must know something good about our next manager. Let's hope he can rebuild things. GOOD TO SEE YOU STAY

36. THOMAS MYHRE. An unlikely star of the season - from third-choice keeper to fans' favourite. But has also had some howlers as well. Looks set to rotate with Andersen for some time yet. STAY!

38. JAY BOTHROYD. Anyone seriously think Jay will last more than another season? Handy squad player, but tends to be missing when it counts. For a big lad, he doesn't really use his strength enough. But he's worth hanging onto for now. STAY!

Like I said, some serious rebuilding needed...

Hell hath no fury like a manager scorned

Oh, Billy Davies, why go leaking to the People?

BILLY DAVIES turned down the chance to be Charlton's boss - after a row about signings and the role of new general manager Andrew Mills.

Davies was ready to accept The Valley job until - problems cropped up about who would have the final say in bringing in new signings for the Addicks.

He had his own captures in mind, including Preston full back Tyrone Mears and striker David Nugent.

But Davies discovered that a move for Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell was being lined up by the managerless club - under the guidance of former football agent Mills. (more)

At least the other names we've interviewed have kept their traps shut. Incidentally, the People claims Iain Dowie wants to bring in his Australian fitness coach John Harbin - the huge rugby league chap you may remember from media coverage of Palace's promotion two years ago. I've heard this from a Palace fan too.

But this does raise a question about Andrew Mills' role - is he part of this new three-man set-up, or will he work alongside it?

A Tuesday date with Dowie?

Hours after Richard Murray confirmed Charlton's new management team will be confirmed on Tuesday, Sky Sports News reported the new team would be led by... Iain Dowie. Well, you can't say there hadn't been enough clues already.

Speculation around the modern interweb seemed to suggest Les Reed and current reserve team boss Mark Robson would make up the rest of the team. But the clues for those roles have been few and far between.

So, good news? Bad news? Or is this all a smokescreen and we'll really get somebody else? It could be a very interesting weekend...

Wannabe Coleman's cameo role

Rumours Chris Coleman is interested in the Charlton job are false, All Quiet In The East Stand understands. It had been believed that a national newspaper was going to name the Fulham boss as a candidate for the job this morning. But no such story appeared.

It appears the claim came from Coleman's representatives - and was denied by Charlton. Coleman, trying to hitch a ride on the Valley Express out of Fulham? Perish the thought!

Meanwhile, Richard Murray surfaces in a Daily Mail report describing a tour taken by Iain Dowie around Sparrows Lane, which also adds that the ex-Palarse boss wouldn't be able to take his own management team - including his brother Bob, a legend in non-league circles - with him to Charlton.

"I've interviewed more than 20 people for the job, but we're nearly there. Some have been leaked, but not from our end, and the majority haven't.

"We've been very thorough in the selection process and we want to make sure that we get the right man. We have behaved with integrity throughout." (more)

The story's reference to Sparrers as "a state-of-the-art facility in the Kent countryside" caused a few titters round at All Quiet Towers, though.

In other news, it's goodbye to three useless strikers. Hooray! But also goodbye to seeing any chance of a Charlton player at the World Cup. Still, at least Cory Gibbs will be fresh for August.

Some light relief

This damn good film made by some students in Manchester should distract you from "new manager" stresses and strains for at least, oooh... four and a half minutes.

Just don't stop to think that they're younger than you, can play football better than you, etc, etc...

So it's not Davies...

Preston's chairman Derek Shaw has said Charlton are "moving on" in their search for a new manager, and Billy Davies will be staying at Deepdale.

I have been informed this morning by Charlton Athletic that they are 'going to move on'," said the North End Chief. "They will not be pursuing Billy Davies any more and also said they would like to thank PNE for our cooperation and apologise for any disruption to our Club. (more)

Wonder what brought that about, then? Sad to hear this, because almost everything I'd heard indicated that Davies would be perfect for the job - he can operate on a limited budget, gets his teams to play decent football, that kind of thing.

So Iain Dowie becomes the front-runner (3/2 on Betfair right now), but remember Phil Parkinson (8/1) has made it clear he wasn't happy about being barred from talking to Charlton. And there's still other names that have been mentioned, and plenty that haven't. This show could run and run. I hope it doesn't, though.