Alan Pardew has described Charlton's end-of-season decline as the worst of his managerial career.

The Addicks boss, who prided himself on managing teams who produced strong finishes to a season, has been exasperated by the team’s fall from grace following five wins in their last 20 games.

Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Barnsley saw the Addicks end-of-season lurch from bad to worse with another unacceptable defeat.

The dramatic fall from grace leaves the Championship’s pre-season title favourites teetering on the brink of an unthinkable bottom half finish, unless they beat Coventry in Sunday’s finale at The Valley.

Pardew confessed: “In terms of results, this end of season has been the worst I’ve experienced and it’s been extremely painful.

“I’ve looked inwardly and asked my staff to do the same, so we’re looking at a few things already. One thing is for sure, the players will report back midway through the summer for pre-season training because I want us to hit the ground running next season.

“I want us to be stronger and fitter, fully prepared for a tough season.”

With one eye focused on season-ticket sales for next season, Charlton’s plc board of directors will be anxious for a winning finish in front of their own fans against Coventry.