CHARLTON will be desperate for a win on Saturday as they take on fellow-stragglers Blackburn at Ewood Park.

The 2-1 defeat at home to Everton this weekend saw the Addicks slip to 15th in the Premiership and fans will be hoping it's not the beginning of the end for the south London club.

Saturday, though, sees the return of Welshman John Robinson. Manager Alan Curbishley said they had missed the influential midfielder's partnership with winger Shaun Newton. "John's been suspended for mouthing off three times and getting booked. It's upset our rhythm not to have the pair of them in cahoots, because that's our game," he said.

Newton plays in today's reserve clash against Barnet at Park View Road with a view to being recalled for the weekend.

Assistant manager Keith Peacock said this Saturday's game takes on even more importance because of Blackburn's troubles. "Obviously it's going to be a crucial one as Blackburn have had a terrible start to the season. They're going to see this game as a six-pointer - a win would put them back in touch," he said.

The northerners are currently propping up the FA Carling Premiership on just nine points while Charlton have 16.

"It would be useful to get some points on the board. We've had some terrific results against top teams but they've been draws," said Peacock.

He pointed out though, that survival has been the target since the first game of the season. "From the moment we kicked off the Premiership everyone would have been satisfied if we just stayed up," he said.

The reserves now kick off against Barnet at 2pm today.

Charlton have signed former Arsenal trainee Lee Doherty until the end of the season.

Charlton launch their new book, Welling To Wembley, at The Valley today. It is on sale for £14.95 in the club supestore and Clive Mendonca and Sasa Ilic will be available to sign copies in the Corner Flag Suite from 6pm.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.