Curbishley met FA chief executive Brian Barwick last week

Murray said: "We think our fans will understand why we allowed the Football Association to speak to Alan.

"It is the England job, the best coaching job in the country. Any ambitious manager would be interested.

"We do not want him to go, but if the job is offered to him, and he wants to take it, we will not stand in his way."

Curbishley, 48, met the FA's chief executive Brian Barwick last week for "informal talks" about succeeding Sven-Goran Eriksson after this summer's World Cup.

The meeting made headlines but both parties insisted it was not an interview - and Charlton chief executive Peter Varney agreed.

Varney said: "The FA want to see several people and it was a very informal meeting with Alan.

"They wanted to talk about the England job, what it involves and the problems that go with it.

I hope my record in management made an impression Charlton manager Alan Curbishley

"And then they wanted to look the candidates in the eye and see if they still wanted the job. It's a normal process for any interview really."

Curbishley has already confirmed his interest in the post - despite the furore surrounding his get-together with Barwick.

He told the Daily Express: "It has not put me off one bit. I want the England job.

"I did momentarily wonder what it might be like if I lost three games in a row as England manager.

"But nothing was defined. I have not got my feet under Sven-Goran Eriksson's desk or eyed up his England tracksuit.

"I have no idea what will happen next or even where I now stand. I was not prepared for events to escalate the way they did. Here was an insight into another way of living.

"I was sure I had covered my tracks about the England job. I had not even told my wife Carol where I was going, who I was seeing and when.

"Only three people knew what was happening - myself, Brian and the FA's Simon Johnson.

"I was even careful enough to have remembered to pay the London Congestion Charge, something I normally forget. That's it I thought - all precautions taken."

Curbishley admitted: "I was immensely flattered that I was seen as someone who might just be able to do something for football in this country.

"I have no idea what will happen next or even where I now stand. I am certain the FA wants to run the rule over as many candidates as they can. Only then will they draw up a short-list.