Charlton part company with manager Dowie

LONDON, Nov 14 (Reuters) Charlton Athletic, bottom of the English Premier League, have parted company with manager Iain Dowie.

In a brief announcement on their website yesterday, the club said they would issue a further statement today.

Dowie, who was appointed by the south London club at the end of May, had been under pressure after Charlton managed only two wins out of 12 league games so far this season. They lost 3-2 at Wigan on Saturday.

Despite their poor showing in the league, Charlton have reached the League Cup quarter-finals and will play fourth division Wycombe Wanderers next month for a place in the semis.

Dowie's arrival at Charlton from neighbours Crystal Palace, who are in the second division, was surrounded by controversy, with his former club serving him with a writ.

Dowie gained a degree in aeronautical engineering before a playing career as a striker for Luton Town, Fulham and West Ham United.

Alan Curbishley, Dowie's predecessor at Charlton, stood down at the end of last season after 15 years at the helm.

English media were swift to name possible successors to Dowie, the first Premier League casualty of the season. They included Curbishley and ex-England manager Glenn Hoddle.

Reuters PM GC0908