Charlton Athletic Football Club News

• Nickname:The Addicks
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Chris Powell

• Ground:The Valley
• Capacity:27,111

Dowie wins Reid backing

24 Oct 2006 - 14:07:25

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Charlton Athletic midfielder Andy Reid has launched a spirited defence of manager Iain Dowie.

The rock-bottom Addicks have won just one Premiership game since Dowie took charge in the summer and the former Crystal Palace boss was a target for the boo boys at the end of last weekend's goalless draw against Watford.

However, Reid, who joined Charlton from Tottenham in a £3million summer deal, insisted: "They just don't understand how hard he works on the training pitch and how good he is as a coach and manager.

"I know the results have not been that great but that isn't down to him. That is down to the players.

"He picks the team he thinks is best and most of the time it is. But the players haven't gone out and done their jobs.

"A manager can't legislate for that and I find it hard that people are giving him stick so early in his Charlton reign.

"Certainly he is the reason I joined the club. When I came and spoke to him before signing, I was really impressed by him. Now I am even more impressed.

"He is a great bloke and the main thing I like about him is that he is honest."

Meanwhile, Strasbourg's South African striker Katlego Mphela has linked up with the Addicks for a trial spell.