CHARLTON have urged the Football Association to speed up the selection progress in deciding Sven-Goran Eriksson’s successor as England coach.

With Addicks manager Alan Curbishley a leading contender, the club fear they could be left in limbo, without a manager, weeks before the new Premiership campaign kicks off on August 19.

Charlton chief executive Peter Varney said: "The FA are absolutely right to interview every conceivable candidate. We have no complaints on that score and we have said that we will not stand in Alan’s way should he be offered the job.

"However, the FA have a responsibility not to drag it out. At the moment we, as a club, are in the dark so we would like to see the process speeded up so there is more certainty.

"We know the FA are talking with 12 potential candidates. But that’s all we know."

He disclosed that Charlton’s board of directors had not drawn up a short-list of managerial candidates in the event of losing Curbishley to England.

Curbishley, whose patience has worn thin with constant cross-examining at after-match press conferences, endorsed Varney’s opinion, calling on the FA to make an early decision to allow candidates to plan for the future.

He said: "The England speculation is a problem when you are trying to go about the business of managing Charlton. The FA are going to be thorough and we will have to wait and see what their decision is.

"I can assure our supporters that I am planning for next season and trying to attract players to this club."