Davies to sign on Monday?

According to The Times 'Billy Davies is expected to be paraded as the new manager of Charlton Athletic on Monday. The Preston North End manager will hold more talks with the South London [sic] club over the weekend with a view to signing a four-year deal that could be worth as much as £2 million.' Davies describes himself as 'an ambitious manager.' The report also claims that Charlton decided to go for Davies after Wigan's Paul Jewel turned them down.

In South London Ian Dowie is tipped as the replacement for Davies at Preston. This would then leave a vacancy for Mick McCarthy who lives in nearby Bromley. Pleeese!

Colchester refused permission for their manager Phil Parkinson to speak to Charlton. Permission was also refused for him to speak to the Tractors and the Rams. The Oystermen stated, 'Whilst recognising Mr Parkinson must have ambition for the future, it is vital that we look to retain him for the future interest of everyone connected with Colchester United at this crucial stage.' A rare case of a manager being required to adhere to his contract.

Elsewhere, ambituous young manager Marcus Law has stormed out of Racing Club Warwick, despite the promise of a new double decker stand, leaving no one holding the reins at the Gee Gees. Should Charlton have been interested, they would have faced competition from Quorn and Evesham United.