Alan Pardew confessed that attempts to bolster his Charlton squad with loan players back-fired at a crucial stage.

Speaking after Friday’s disappointing 1-1 draw at home to rivals West Bromwich Albion, the manager shouldered the blame for that and as “muddling” with the team.

Since January, Charlton have signed Premier League players Greg Halford from Sunderland, Lee Cook from Fulham, Chelsea’s Scott Sinclair and the Reading striker Leroy Lita.

Though Halford scored against Albion, none of the four have created the desired impact.

In a remarkable admission, Pardew said: “Prior to the Preston game, we had been searching for a team capable of winning automatic promotion. In doing so I muddled with the team and have now put our play-off position in jeopardy for which I take full responsibility.

“By bringing in loan players we tried to improve the side but in fact it knocked us back. Now we are fighting for our lives to get into the play-offs.

“What I do know is that the players we have here, whether they are here for a month or on four-year contracts, all want the best for this club. The spirit is good but we just couldn’t do enough to beat Albion.”