Last Valley deal for Curbs

Alan Curbishley says he has probably signed his last contract as Charlton manager.

But the chances of him being poached before it runs out in 2007 are slim because of tough escape and compensation clauses.

It is thought clubs who could trigger his release from the £1.5 million-a-year deal have been specifically named and include only outfits such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Tottenham were interested in Curbishley and have still not named a permanent successor to Glenn Hoddle but they are not on the list, ruling him out of the running for the White Hart Lane vacancy.

Compensation of about £3m would be required for Charlton to release him.

Curbishley, who signed his new deal last week, said: 'It could well be my last contract at Charlton. If I see this out I will hit 50 years old.

'The chairman could have tried to get me to sign for longer but I think this is the right length of time.

'I had to think long and hard about the contract, questioning whether I have become too comfortable.

'We sometimes take what we have achieved at Charlton for granted. We have had a few bad results in recent weeks but we have got a lot going for us.'