Phil Parkinson joined Charlton on 5 January 2007, less than a month after Alan Pardew was appointed Manager, re-kindling a partnership first formed at Reading.
Former Southampton trainee Parkinson made his league debut after signing for Bury, but it was at Reading where, after signing in 1993, Parkinson was to make his name as a no-nonsense, hard-tackling midfielder. A bit like Claus Jensen. But more no-nonsense. And more had-tackling.
He was eventually named by Reading World as their number one central midfield player ever, beating the likes of Webb, Gooding and Beavon. (No I don't know either).
From Reading, Parkinson moved to Colchester where he established a growing reputation as a manager. In 2005/06 he secured promotion for Colchester, before resigning in the summer. He replaced Peter Taylor as manager of Hull City in what was to become an ironic twist of fate. Taylor himself had enjoyed a growing reputation as a manager, but now is without a proper football job whatsoever.
Parkinson's tenure as Assistant Manager at The Valley was originally a short-term appointment, scheduled to end at the end of the 2006/07 season. However, in April 2007, he was offered - and apparantly accepted - the role as Manager of Huddersfield Town, only to withdraw his acceptance on the offer of a permanent role as number two at The Valley.
Phil Parkinson's appearance on Channel4's Deal or No Deal.