MANAGER Alan Curbishley has launched a vigorous defence of the now fashionable 4-5-1 formation which has turned around Charlton’s season since he opted for the switch in November.

Curbishley changed formation from his preferred 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 at White Hart Lane on November 6 and coincided with a 3-2 win – the club’s first away success of the season.

Of the 17 games played with the formation, the Addicks have won eight, drawn four and lost five, enabling them to move within striking distance of the European places.

More than half of Premier League now use the formation, though supporters across the country remain less than convinced. At a meeting of the North Kent branch of the Charlton Supporters’ Club, chief executive Peter Varney met with a chorus of complaints from fans who condemned it "boring".

On more than one occasion this season, Curbishley has been tempted to revert to his personal preference of 4-4-2, especially after the huge disappointment of losing to Leicester in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

He said: "The formation is getting a lot of publicity because a lot of fans believe that if they don’t see two recognised strikers out there, then it’s negative. If you look at the Premiership then half the teams are playing it in some shape or form.

"When we’ve played it, starting against Spurs, we’ve used Jonatan Johansson, Shaun Bartlett and Jerome Thomas. They’re three out and out front runners, so I wouldn’t call it negative. But lots of supporters are seeing it as negative."

Meanwhile, Curbishley believes keeper and cult hero Dean Kiely will settle his future with Charlton after saying he wants to sign a five-year contract.

"Dean has another two-years left on his contract so it’s not what I would call an imperative situation," said Curbishley.

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