The Charlatans have confirmed that they have parted company with manager Alan McGee.

McGee announced plans to step down from management in 2008, but until now his status with The Charlatans has been unclear.

However, in an interview with Billboard, singer Tim Burgess confirmed they had split with McGee, and appeared to suggest the decision had not been affable.

"We gave each other five minutes of our time and then fucked each other off," Burgess said of McGee, who also managed Oasis.

The Charlatans are now working with Big Life Management ahead of the release of their as-yet-untitled new album.

The record, produced by Youth, is expected to be released in June.

Burgess said the first single was a Northern Soul-inspired track, entitled ‘My Foolish Pride’.

Meanwhile, The Charlatans are set to play their debut album 'Some Friendly' in full at three UK gigs later this month.

(by Jason Gregory)