Charlton started the season well, coming third at the end of August, second at the end of September and fifth at the end of October, but fell away during the second half of the season to finish in the lower half of the table in thirteenth. At the end of the season, manager Alan Curbishley resigned after 15 years at the club - 10 as manager - amidst rumours the FA was going to approach him with an offer to manage the English national side (the job eventually went to Middlesbrough's Steve McLaren). Curbishley was replaced by Iain Dowie, who infamously left South London rivals Crystal Palace, claiming he wanted to be closer to his family in Bolton - only to join the Addicks.
Striker Darren Bent, signed from Championship side Ipswich Town, made a significant impact in his first full Premiership season, scoring 18 goals (22 in all competitions) to finish as the third highest scorer in the league and the highest scoring Englishman. Unfortunately for him his prolific scoring was not enough for him to make England's World Cup squad, with Arsenal's 17-year-old striker Theo Walcott a surprise inclusion ahead of him.
After two seasons Charlton changed their home kit, although Spanish apparel manufacturers Joma remained the suppliers. During the season, however, kit sponsors all:sports went bankrupt; Charlton then signed a sponsorship deal with Spanish real estate company Llanera through to the end of the 2007–08 season.
For the club's centenary, in a match in October Charlton wore a special centenary kit with a white band down the left-hand side of the shirt and a red band down the left-hand side of the shorts.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
^Euell was born in Lambeth, England, and represented them at U-21 level, but also qualified to represent Jamaica internationally through his father and made his international debut for Jamaica in November 2004.
^Lisbie was born in Hackney, England, but also qualified to represent Jamaica internationally and made his international debut for Jamaica in 2002.
^Sam was born in Leeds, England, and represented them at U-20 level, but also qualified to represent Ghana internationally through his parents and would make his international debut for Ghana in October 2015.