FOR the second time in 10 months, manager Alan Pardew faces the trauma of a possible takeover after Charlton hired renowned City football specialists Seymour Pierce to contact potential investors.

The move is now being regarded as the prelude to a possible takeover, leaving the manager confronting the same destabilising effect he endured at West Ham before losing his job.

The news comes as an unwelcome distraction as Pardew attempts to bed-in a new team. He would not be drawn on the impact the news has had on his players who are chasing a first league win.

"This is not the time to talk about it or the effects of it," was all he would say after the defeat to Stoke.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Charlton were the subject of a takeover from a group of wealthy foreign businessmen.

Two foreign consortia are understood to be bidding for control with one in advanced negotiations over a £50 million deal.

In a statement, the club said: "The board confirms it has hired Seymour Pierce Limited to consider a range of strategic options, which may or may not lead to an offer for the company."

* Keep up to date with all the news from The Valley every week in the Bexley Extra.