New Charlton boss wants Pressley

Charlton's new manager Alan Pardew is ready to strengthen his squad by convincing former Hearts star Steven Pressley to help them stay in the Barclays Premiership.

Pardew will hold talks with the Scottish international in the next 24 hours and is hopeful of adding some much-needed leadership before the start of the transfer window on January 1.

Pardew, whose side drew 2-2 with Fulham on Wednesday night, confirmed: "We are interested in bringing him here before the transfer window but I am never confident about signings until they are done."

He added: "What I like about him is that he is a leader. I think we have got some very good centre-halves here but he comes into a pack where we need characters and leadership and that's one thing that attracts me to him."

Pressley will be a valuable addition to the squad if Pardew can convince him to move south of the border.

Charlton's lack of defensive qualities was more than evident as a late Franck Queudrue goal robbed Pardew of a winning start to his career as manager at The Valley.

Brian McBride had put Fulham in front in the 12th minute but Darren Ambrose and Darren Bent - with his 10th of the season - had given Charlton an interval lead.