ALAN Curbishley will leave Charlton Athletic at the end of the season ending 15 years at The Valley.

Chairman Richard Murray made the announcement before the team's 2-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers.

Curbishley maintains the decision is nothing to do with the FA's current successor to the England coach.

He said: "It's a time of mixed emotions but it is the right time for me and right for the club."

He added: "I have had 15 fantastic years but I wasn't going to extend my contract after my last year.

"Richard wanted people committed to the club and felt one year wasn't enough commitment.

"We sorted it out on Friday night and both myself and Richard are happy with it."

He said: "I want to freshen up and not do anything for a little while.

"It is all about me and Charlton. I want the best for them and this is the right decision."

Curbishley, who was joint managed with Steve Gritt in 1991 before taking sole responsibility in 1995, won promtion to the Premiership twice.

Murray told Charlton fans before the Blackburn game: "I sat down with Alan on Friday to discuss our plans for the future and Alan was as honest as he has always been throughout his time at Charlton and told me he would not be extending his current contract."

He added: "We enjoy a fantastic relationship and Alan only wants to do his best for Charlton, for whom he has a deep affection.

"We both agreed it would therefore be in the interests of the club and Alan if we parted company at the end of the current season.

"Fifteen years ago we started on a journey which saw us return here to The Valley in 1992 and then embark on a period of sustained progress and success on and off the field."

Curbishley was close to tears as he also spoke to fans at the end of the game.