CHARLTON chief executive Peter Varney has leapt to the defence of manager Alan Curbishley following some negative supporter reaction.

Curbishley and Jason Euell were singled out for abuse as they left the ground after the home defeat against Middlesbrough.

But in a vigorous defence of the boss, Mr Varney said: "Since the Middlesbrough match there seems to have been a lot of negative publicity about the club, both in radio phone-ins and in the press.

"To put matters into perspective, our home record is better than 12 other Premiership clubs and we have a manager who has brought us unprecedented success in recent years.

"Everyone is disappointed with some of our performances this season, but everyone is working hard to improve matters because The Valley needs to generate a positive atmosphere on matchdays."

Since the 2-1 defeat against Boro at The Valley, the Addicks have enjoyed two impressive wins away at Tottenham and at home against Norwich.

Meanwhile, Charlton will have striker Shaun Bartlett available after a one-match suspension for Saturday's match away to Manchester United.