Neither Fulham nor Charlton were one-man teams, but losing key players mid-season has had an impact. Charlton manager Curbishley said: "I don't know where we would have been if we could have kept Scott. Both clubs have kept things going but you never know what might have happened. You cannot legislate for these things - they are a fact of life."
Coleman is similarly philosophical. He said: "If big clubs want your players badly enough then you might have to take it on the chin.
The situation is the same for most clubs outside the top three but Alan has lost some good players in the past and he keeps producing players and good teams."
The only plus side is that Coleman and Curbishley will have money to spend.
Charlton's bargaining power was increased by £250,000 when Norwich were promoted on Wednesday night thanks to a clause in the transfer-of Mathias Svensson to the First Division club. But both managers need good finishes to boost their sales pitches to potential recruits.
Curbishley said: "This is an incredible season.
The title may be over but the fight for European places will go right to the very end."
The Charlton manager hopes to welcome back Radostin Kishishev from a back injury but Mark Fish (shoulder) is still out. Fulham's Carlos Bocanegra should overcome a hamstring injury.
