CHARLTON manager Alan Pardew has praised club plc chairman Richard Murray for his financial support which enabled him to sign £2.5million central defender Madjid Bougherra and midfielder Alex Song during the January transfer window.

Though the club's coffers were virtually emptied following a record £12million summer spending spree by former manager Iain Dowie, Mr Murray released further funds to finance Bougherra's move from Sheffield Wednesday and Song's loan from Arsenal.

Pardew said: "This club does not have a lot of money after spending a substantial amount in the summer. I was able to retrieve some money in selling Djimi Traore to Portsmouth.

"The chairman has been brilliant in backing me so we can be stronger for the last third of the season."

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