CHARLTON confirmed football’s worst kept secret in unveiling Iain Dowie as Alan Curbishley’s managerial successor at midday on Tuesday, but sprung a major surprise by fast-tracking young coach Mark Robson into their senior management structure.

Dowie, the 41-year-old former Crystal Palace manager, signed a three-year contract and takes the title of head coach.

Les Reed, England’s former head of technical development who assisted Curbishley when Charlton won promotion to the Premier League, returns in a full-time capacity with the title of assistant head coach.

He had been assisting Charlton’s overseas development while working as a coach with the Republic of Ireland and Latvia.

Robson’s elevation to the role of development coach was unexpected. He started last season as an academy coach and took charge of the reserves for their final seven games following Glynn Snodin’s departure to Southampton.

After turning 37 a week ago, he now finds himself occupying a top job having been earmarked by the board as a future manager.

He was unable to attend Tuesday’s press conference as he is holidaying in Australia, while Reed was absent in Portugal.

Charlton plc chairman Richard Murray said: "We are very conscious of the significant demands and pressures that now face Premiership managers in particular, and we want to ensure that the time available to coach players, both on a team and individual basis, is maximised to the full. We have therefore put together a four-man football management team.

"I am particularly delighted to have secured the services of Iain. He is a very bright young coach with modern ideas and a real passion for the game, and I know he is very excited to be joining us."

In addition, the trio will be joined in the club's management structure by Andrew Mills, general manager - football.

Dowie’s move across south London has provoked a backlash from Selhurst Park while leaving Charlton supporters sceptical over the appointment of a manager from the club’s bitter rivals.

* Keep up to date with all the news from The Valley every week in the Bexley Extra.