Dowie was fired with Charlton last in the standings after 12 Premier League games. Reed, who was Dowie's assistant, will have Mark Robson as his No. 2, starting with Saturday's league game at Wigan.

Charlton chairman Richard Murray said the fear of relegation had sealed Dowie's fate.

``Crucially, we had to consider whether we believed our current situation would improve and we reluctantly came to the conclusion that it would not,'' Murray said Tuesday. ``In the situation we find ourselves in, it is also vital that everyone works as a team. Unfortunately, I have to say that has not been the case.''

Dowie's departure after only six months as Charlton coach is in stark contrast to the 15 years that Alan Curbishley spent at The Valley. Curbishley, who quit in May, led Charlton into the top flight and to consistent mid-standings finishes _ without ever really being in contention for titles.

``One of the key features of our club during my time as chairman has been stability,'' Murray said. ``It is something I feel is essential in all successful businesses. It goes without saying, therefore, how hard it was after only 12 Premiership matches to reach the decision we have.''

Murray said the board had supported Dowie by giving him money to buy Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Andy Reid, Djimi Traore, Souleymane Diawara and Amdy Faye.

Dowie is also involved in a legal dispute with Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan after leaving the Eagles in May.

``We believe we demonstrated our support for Iain Dowie, as we have also done by backing him with the malicious legal action initiated against him by Simon Jordan,'' Murray said.