ALAN CURBISHLEY reveals the secrets of his success at Charlton in a new book.

The former Addicks boss reflects on how the club went from homeless strugglers to challenging football's elite clubs.

He encountered and overcame many obstacles during his 15 years as coach, co-manager, then sole manager of The Valley side.

A club that once had gates of less than 3,000, were forced to sell players to pay the wages and a replacement kit for the first team and were teetering on the brink of extinction now find themselves firmly established in the country's top flight.

In his book, Curbishley opens the lid on Charlton. He explains the political manoeuvrings behind the club's departure and then emotional return to The Valley.

He describes how they were torn asunder by drugs allegations involving three of its players, including a youthful Lee Bowyer.

He re-lives the tortuous rollercoaster ride of falling out of the Premiership two years later before returning in 1999/2000.

And he gives an insider's view of the club's attempts to establish itself in the Premiership, including a full update on their 2005/06 season, and how the England team fared in the World Cup Finals in Germany.