Pardew leaves "My record coming to this club has been good, but it's been difficult here. When I arrived they were on the slide and I haven't been able to stop that." - ex-Charlton manager Alan Pardew

One assumes that Alan Pardew accepted his fate in the boardroom about 90 minutes ago by agreeing to leave the club by mutual consent. The board had no choice after the shocking performance today at The Valley and the curtains have come down on what initially had the great potential to be an exciting new act in the club's history but sadly instead turned into an ugly horror show. The board has made the right decision, but the next decision will be the hardest of all.

Upon the first whisper of Pardew's departure on the net I decided to go out and hit a few golf balls. Alan Pardew can go out tomorrow morning and do the same, with a clearer head than mine and a much larger wallet.

I like Pardew I really did, for all of his bull and self-aggrandizing. I, like others was chuffed to bits when he appeared like Santa Claus two Christmas' ago but it has not worked out for either party. From afar I willed him to get it right but his record since the turn of the year is simply relegation fodder. 9 wins in the last 37 games. This is a harsh reality and his tinkering, hogwash and until recently lack of ruefulness only added to the weight of support against him. Soooper, Super Al seeems like a lifetime ago.

If Dowie can get two jobs since driving out of Harvey Gardens for the last time, then Pardew will surely be working again soon but he's gone now and our attention turns to the board but my faith in them getting the right man is fragile, I hope they prove me wrong.

Phil Parkinson will do for now but he is tainted by association and should not be considered. Let the rumours begin but please not another ex-West Ham manager.  ¶ 16:59