Charlton chairman Richard Murray insisted that manager Alan Pardew will be given the time he needs as the club’s disintegrating season took a serious turn for the worse with Saturday’s 3-2 home defeat by Wolves.

Pardew, the fans’ favourite when he signed a three and a half year contract as Les Reed’s successor in December 2006, cut a forlon figure as he trudged to the dressing room at the final whistle amid booing and jeering from supporters following a seventh home defeat.

Afterwards, he dismissed a question regarding his future after one win in 10 games but Mr Murray moved swiftly to reassure the manager.

Following mistakes in the previous two appointments, there will be no knee-jerk reaction on the part of the Charlton’s board and Mr Murray said: “There is no question that Alan is the right man for the job.

“We have not given up hope of getting up this season, but if it doesn’t happen we will not panic. Alan has a lot of experience and together we will get it right.”