Alan Curbishley says it’s “demoralising” to see so many empty seats at the Valley.
The ex-Charlton boss guided the club into the Premier League during his 15-year spell in SE7. His departure in 2006 led to the club’s fall from grace.
And attendances have drastically dropped since, especially during unpopular owner Roland Duchatelet’s reign.
But for the first time in a long while, there is a glimmer of hope as the Addicks bid to win promotion to the Championship under Lee Bowyer, who was given his senior debut by Curbishley.
The 60-year-old returned to the Valley to watch Bowyer’s first game in caretaker charge last month.
“I go over there when I can. I was there recently when Lee Bowyer took over because he’s one of my ex-players,” Curbishley told TheSetPieces.
“It’s nice to go back to the club but it’s not nice to go back and see the stadium a third full, or not even that.
“That’s a bit demoralising but hopefully they can get themselves back on track.
“They’ve got a Premier League stadium and a lovely training ground and a good fan base, so hopefully things can pick up again.”
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