It will be a step into the unknown at the Valley this summer with a new manager set to replace Alan Curbishley who has departed after 15 years at the helm. His decision to step down was announced just 15 minutes before their final home game with Blackburn much to the surprise of the players. However, a new era beckons in south London and Chris Perry is excited at the prospect. The 33-year-old Charlton centre half is the latest addition to the PMA roster and is already looking ahead to next season. Ian Clarkson caught up with Perry at the PFA's Annual Golf Day at the Woburn Golf and Country Club for an exclusive chat about a strange end to Charlton's campaign.
Q:WHY HAVE YOU SIGNED WITH THE PFA'S PLAYER MANAGEMENT AGENCY?
A:At this stage of my career I just wanted someone who was going to advise me really and I think the PFA are in a great position to know contracts and the clubs. I think most football clubs would rather deal with the PFA than agents as well. It is a good move for me at this time in my career. I don't actually play golf, so I have just come down to Woburn to meet a few people and put faces to the names.
Q:IT WAS A STRANGE END TO THE SEASON FOR CHARLTON WASN'T IT?
A:It was a bit surreal, as we were told 15 minutes before kick off that Alan (Curbishley) was leaving. That was the first we knew. It was a bit shocking at the time and probably the performances weren't as they should have been after that purely because of the way it happened. I don't think Curbs wanted it to happen that way but the chairman was right as it was the only way he was going to get a good send off. I think when he looks back in a few years time he'll say the chairman was right. It probably cost us at least the three points against Blackburn.
Q:HAVE YOU ENJOYED YOUR TIME PLAYING UNDER ALAN CURBISHLEY AT THE VALLEY?
A:I have enjoyed it a lot under Alan. I left Tottenham and I wasn't feeling too good about things. I went to Charlton and it was like a breath of fresh air for me. It has been a really good move for me and I have really enjoyed my football. I have also managed to play quite a lot of games, which has been great.
Q:HAVE YOU ANY IDEA ABOUT WHO YOUR NEW MANAGER MIGHT BE?
A:We only now what we read in the papers like everyone else. I know the club is looking for a new start and a bit of younger, fresher blood. It wouldn't surprise me if the manager was maybe a young, up and coming manager.
Q:WHAT IS THE SITUATION WITH YOURSELF?
A:I am hoping to play as long as I can. I have played my entire career in the Premier League so far; it would be fantastic if I could stay there. I think I have done enough last year to show that I have still got what it takes at the moment. You have to take it year by year, as you don't know how your body will feel. At the moment I am feeling good and looking to play for another three or four years if possible.
Q:IS EUROPEAN FOOTBALL A POSSIBILITY NEXT SEASON?
A:It is definitely possible. For most of the middle teams there are only six or seven points from Europe and then six or seven points from relegation. It is such a small fine line. It will only take two or three results to turn round the other way and we could have been in Europe. It is possible but it is difficult. However, a new manager coming in with new ideas might be just what the club needs. Curbs has been there for 15 years and things do tend to get a bit stale after that length of time from his and the players point of view. It might be good someone else coming in.
