Alan Curbishley admits he is ready to talk to Charlton over their managerial vacancy

Former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley says he would be happy to discuss the vacant manager's position at The Valley Former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley says he would be happy to discuss the vacant manager's position at The Valley

Alan Curbishley has not ruled out a return to former club Charlton after they sacked head coach Bob Peeters on Sunday.

Curbishley managed the Addicks for 15 seasons up until 2006, a period that included seven successive Premier League campaigns and a highest finish of seventh in 2003/04.

When asked whether he would be interested in heading back to the Valley, the 57-year-old told Sky Sports News HQ: “If they wanted to talk to me I’d have a chat to them.

“But I think they’ve probably got someone lined up. You don’t sack managers nowadays if you haven’t got someone lined up to go in.

If they wanted to talk to me, I’d have a chat. Alan Curbishley

“They are not the club I left. It’s been a long time now but they are still a big club.”

Peeters lost his job following Saturday's home defeat to Brighton, a result that left Charlton 14th in Championship and without a win since November 8.

Chief executive Katrien Meire has denied the decision was taken before the weekend, saying: "We had been very supportive of Bob until the very last moment, but the disappointing nature of performances and results in recent matches forced us to look at the situation. Despite recent rumours in the media we had not considered this option until after Saturday’s game.

"We know how important it is to make sure this next appointment is the right one because I understand that this club needs and deserves a Head Coach who can plan and take charge for the long-term."

As for the challenges that lie ahead for the new boss in south London, Curbishley said: "You look at the Championship and you hear managers say ‘everyone can beat everyone else'.

“And if you get a decent run, and Charlton only need a couple of wins and they will be threatening the play-off positions again.”

Charlton lost 1-0 at home to Brighton on Saturday Charlton lost 1-0 at home to Brighton on Saturday

Curbishley also believes having experience of managing in the division is a huge benefit. "I look at the Championship and, I’m not being disrespectful, but not many foreign managers have won promotion.

“I think Roberto Di Matteo did at West Brom a few years back and Jean Tigana at Fulham.

“I think it’s mainly British managers that have been around it for some time that tend to do well, so maybe chairman should think about that.”

Charlton, who axed Peeters after just eight months in the job, are without a league win in eight and sit 14th in the table, 10 points outside the play-off zone and eight above the relegation trio.