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END OF THE ROAD FOR PARDEW

Pardew is under huge pressure.

Alan Pardew has left his role as Charlton manager by mutual consent.

The board at The Valley finally lost patience with the 47-year-old following Saturday afternoon's 5-2 defeat at home to Sheffield United.

The result saw Charlton slip into the Coca-Cola Championship relegation zone on the back of a run of eight games without a win.

Pardew said: "My record coming to this club has been good, but it's been difficult here. When I arrived they were on the slide and I haven't been able to stop that.

"We're in a sticky situation and I have to accept whatever decision is made."

In a statement on the club's official website, www.cafc.co.uk, Charlton chairman Richard Murray said: "On reflection of results so far this season, and looking at the future challenges for the remainder of the campaign, it was agreed by both parties that Alan would leave the club with immediate effect."

United took an early lead through James Beattie but it was not long before Linvoy Primus headed Charlton level.

Gary Speed soon restored United's advantage and an error by Charlton goalkeeper Nicky Weaver gifted Matthew Kilgannon a third in first-half stoppage time.

A comedy own goal by Kelly Youga three minutes into the second half and a fine strike by Stephen Quinn wrapped up the points and Hameur Bouazza's strike was a mere consolation.

United manager Kevin Blackwell praised his players for scoring five away from home for the first time in six years.

He said: "I gave the strikers a little bit of stick this week and questioned their ability to finish the chances we had been creating and they answered me in style.

"I can't say anything other than well done. They have shut me up."

And the former Luton boss also had words of encouragement for Pardew.

He said: "You can't legislate for Kelly Youga's goal. How can you? When things go against you, they go against you. Does that make Alan Pardew a bad manager? No it doesn't.

"Alan has been a good manager over his career. He has proved himself but when you are at the bottom if things can go wrong they will. You always believe as a manager you can turn it round."