CHARLTON have issued an angry response to claims in a Sunday newspaper that manager Alan Curbishley is in line to become the new England manager.

The Addicks have confirmed that Curbishley met FA chief executive Brian Barwick on Friday but stressed that the talks did not mean that the 49-year-old was a front-runner for the job.

Curbishley said: "I attended an informal, and I stress informal, meeting with Brian Barwick. The meeting was arranged at the request of the FA to discuss the vacancy for the job of England manager.

"I am disappointed that the news of what was supposed to be a private and informal meeting has leaked out to the media. I am totally committed to Charlton Athletic."

Charlton admitted that they had given Curbishley permission to discuss the vacancy with the FA.

The FA have stated that their main objective is to appoint the new man before the start of this summer's World Cup in June.