Charlton manager Alan Curbishley insists that a further foray into the transfer market is required before his side can stake an immediate return to the Premiership. The Addicks climbed to the top of the First Division after Greg Shields had scored the winner against Birmingham at The Valley. But Curbishley is under no illusions that the task ahead will still be a tough one without financial assistance.

''We are looking to go into the market because we have a bit of money in the bank - but good players aren't always available,'' Curbishley said. ''It was very disappointing to be relegated from the Premiership last season, and we are going to do all we can to get back there. We have had a taste, and the fans and the staff want some more.''

But while Curbishley was celebrating, Blues' boss Trevor Francis was already contemplating missing out on automatic promotion.

''We are probably not good enough to finish in the top two. If we can finish as high as fourth again like last year it would be a good season,'' Francis admitted.

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