Pardew in plea to Charlton fans

Pardew believes the Charlton fans have a role to play

New Charlton manager Alan Pardew has appealed to the fans to get behind their team and show some belief as the Addicks battle against relegation.

"The message I need to send is that the stadium will need to help us," said Pardew, whose first game in charge is at Fulham on Wednesday.

"They have been disappointed with what they have seen and have been coming to games more in hope than belief."

Charlton are second from bottom in the Premiership table, with 12 points.

News conference: New Charlton boss Alan Pardew

It is not about being nice or pretty - it is about fighting and digging in and winning games Alan Pardew

And the Addicks, who parted company with boss Les Reed on Christmas Eve and announced that former West Ham manager Pardew would succeed him, are eight points adrift of fourth-from-bottom Sheffield United.

Pardew added: "I will suggest to the fans that, regardless of performances in the next nine or 10 games, they should just come in and give us everything they have to make it intimidating for the opposition.

"They need to do that against Fulham. Even for 30 minutes if we look horrible and are not getting it together, I want them to give us the benefit of the doubt."

The Charlton squad have been accused of lacking passion this season but the new manager will wait to see how they perform for him.

"I can only be critical of them once they are under me," said the 45-year-old.

The next week is a good opportunity for us to pick up points Chris Coleman

"They have to appreciate that I am the third manager this season and we don't want it to be any more.

"They need to enthuse themselves and get on track. It is not about being nice, pretty and seeking that aesthetic win. It is about fighting and digging in and winning games."

Fulham manager Chris Coleman is aware of the danger of playing a team with a new manager.

But with games against Charlton and bottom side Watford over the next week - with a match against Chelsea sandwiched between - Coleman is aware of the importance of picking up points against the struggling sides.

"Charlton have got to start winning but we have to take full points from the game," said Coleman.

"We are away from home so we have got to keep it tight but we will be going there for victory.

606 DEBATE: Can Pardew keep Charlton up?

"We took a point from West Ham last Saturday and face Charlton next. Then we have Chelsea and Watford.

"It's a tough run of games but it's one that gives us a real chance of picking up points.

"If we can nick a couple of wins it keeps Charlton and Watford where they are and we can breathe a little easier as well.

"The next week is a good opportunity for us to pick up points."