CHARLTON chief executive Peter Varney has backed Les Reed to keep Charlton in the Premiership – but admitted his promotion is a gamble.

Mr Varney confirmed that Reed had been installed as head coach following the sacking of manager Iain Dowie. He will be partnered by former player Mark Robson, who is now assistant head coach.

Mr Varney explained that after deciding to dispense with Dowie, the Charlton board felt they needed someone who already knew the workings of the club rather than bring in someone new.

He added that the experience of Reed – now in his second spell with the Addicks – allied with the youthful energy of Robson, fitted the bill, despite the fact that neither had experience of managing top flight club.

He said: "It is a gamble. We just felt that with Les’s background, next to a very young, aggressive and up-and-coming coach in Mark Robson, that that is the right mix to be a good team."

Reed's first game in charge will be at Reading on Saturday.

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