Alan Curbishley was manager of Charlton Athletic for 15 years

Alan Curbishley is unlikely to return for a second spell as Charlton manager, according to former Addicks striker Bradley Allen.

Curbishley, who is the early favourite with bookmakers to take over from the sacked Alan Pardew, was in charge when Allen was at the Valley in the 1990s.

But Allen told BBC Radio Kent: "I'm not so sure if Curbs would return.

"I don't think he'd want to go back knowing there might not be a great deal of money for new signings."

Allen added: "You look at the longevity that Curbs had.

"Everyone knew what he could produce in terms of keeping Charlton in the Premier League and at the moment that looks a long way off for the club in terms of their current financial position.

"Quite simply this season it's just going to be a case of keeping the side in the Championship."

Curbishley was in charge at The Valley for 15 years before his decision to quit at the end of the 2005/06 season.

He would shake a few up there if he was given the opportunity Bradley Allen on Martin Allen

But, after failing to keep the Addicks up, his team then failed in their bid to go straight back up. And they have plummeted further this season, Saturday's error-strewn 5-2 home defeat to Sheffield United having seen them slip into the Championship bottom three.

Allen also told BBC Radio Kent that he expected his cousin Martin, who has been in charge of League One side Cheltenham for the last two months, to apply for the vacant position at the South London club.

"I think in terms of his approach he would shake a few up there if he was given the opportunity," he said. "I'm sure that Martin will apply for the job.

"I think it really needs someone with experience at Championship level who can wheel and deal and get a few more loan signings in, more senior players that are going to some of the young Charlton players who are lacking confidence."

Charlton caretaker boss Phil Parkinson was made caretaker boss following Pardew's sacking on Saturday evening.

The former Colchester and Hull boss will pick the Addicks team for Tuesday night's trip to QPR.

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