Jose Riga has confirmed he was keen to stay at The Valley and continue with the Addicks.

The 56-year-old said:

“It was not my decision (to leave), I was expecting to stay. My contract was only for three months to save Charlton. I was just focused on my mission, not any other challenge,” and Riga added, “I have heard about Blackpool and Birmingham,” when asked if their was interest from any other English clubs for his services.

West London duo, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers, are also thought to be monitoring Riga’s situation.

The Belgian made a huge impression during his 16 games in charge, as reflected by the clubs mentioned with him.

Charlton have released Ade Azeez, Jordan Cook, Leon Cort, Cedric Evina, KevinFeely, MarkGower, Danny Green, Danny Hollands, Bradley Jordan and Bradley Pritchard.

Ben Hamer will be joining Leicester on a four-year deal and Dorian Dervite is heading to Bolton. Danny Hollands is likely to sign for Portsmouth on a permanent basis and there is plenty of interest from Championship and League One clubs in Danny Green.

Michael Morrison is likely to stay and the Addicks are one of a number of Championship clubs interested in Wigan’s Swedish defender,  Markus Holgersson.

Diego Poyet will be the main focus of the club’s attention, they would like to get Poyet to sign a new contract as soon as possible. Derby are the latest club to show an interest in the talented midfielder.

The 29-year-old has won one cap for his country and was previously at Helsingborgs and New York Red Bulls.

It has  been reported that KV Mechelen’s assistant head coach, Patrick Van Houdt, has left the club after five years to seek a fresh challenge.

Van Houdt was assistant to rumoured Charlton target, Bob Peeters.

So far, Peeters has not resigned but the situation regarding the head coach’s position at The Valley should be clarified in the next few days.