The dark days after Curbs left

A story in The Athletic reminds us of a time in our history we would rather forget.

'Les Reed remains the answer to a quiz question. Unfortunately for Charlton, he was not the answer to their prayers.   [He was a decent man with some real football knowledge, but one of his depth in the role].

“In discussing our strategy going forward, it became clear that the continuous speculation surrounding my position was counter-productive to our plans and Charlton’s future,” said Reed, sending an email to a journalist from the Daily Mail after his sacking days before Christmas in 2006 after just seven games and 41 days in charge — still a Premier League record.

“We agreed mutually that it was in the best interests of the club for me to stand down and this I have done in order that this great club can move on. My position had become untenable in circumstances not of my making and beyond my control. I have not run away from this challenge, I have done what is right for Charlton.“

Reed might not have run away but Charlton sent him packing less than six weeks after he replaced Iain Dowie, who himself had lasted just six months.

And you would hope that some of the circumstances that led to the decision were at least partly within his control — one win and just four points from seven league games, perhaps, or the League Cup defeat to League Two Wycombe Wanderers.

So it wasn't rocket science with Dowie and you didn't get off the runway with Reed?   Expect more turbulence with me

Reed was replaced by Alan Pardew.'   Hmm.