Charlton hot seat stays empty after Davies drops out

The protracted search for Charlton's new manager will continue over the weekend after Preston North End's Billy Davies became the latest man to drop out of the race to succeed Alan Curbishley at The Valley.

The Addicks looked close to making a decision after what was understood to have been a positive meeting with the 41-year-old Scot on Monday. However, Charlton revealed yesterday that the club would not be pursuing their interest in Davies, who has led Preston to two successive Championship play-off campaigns.

With the recently departed Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie understood to be high on the Addicks' wanted list, and the England and Bolton coach Sammy Lee also back in the frame, there look set to be further discussions before any announcement is made.

Watford and Crystal Palace have been fined a total of £77,000 by the FA for the brawl which marred their Championship play-off semi-final at Vicarage Road earlier this month. Palace were fined £42,000, while Watford will have to fork out £35,000, after both clubs admitted charges of failing to control their players and officials at the match on 9 May. The incident, which involved most of the players, both managers and backroom staff, happened in the second half of their 0-0 draw in the second leg as Watford progressed to the final 3-0 on aggregate.

The Watford manager, Adrian Boothroyd, clashed with the Palace defender Fitz Hall as the ball went out for a throw-in and Boothroyd was subsequently sent to the stands.

Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager, last night signed a new three-year deal with the club.