Hull City v Charlton Athletic

CHARLTON assistant manager Phil Parkinson makes a first return to former club Hull tonight insisting that he is looking forward to the reunion.

Parkinson was appointed manager of the Tigers at the start of last season but lasted just over five months before leaving by mutual consent with the club in the relegation zone.

The lack of success still frustrates Parkinson, though he retains fond memories.

He said: "I thought the Hull fans were very knowledgeable and they treated me fairly. When I came to the club I inherited a squad that lacked quality to compete in the Championship.

"So I always tried to sign players who were better than what we had. Those same players have been integral to Hull's good start to this season."

Apart from injured left-back Ben Thatcher, manager Alan Pardew has a fully fit squad available and could give a full debut to on-loan central defender Sam Sodje after Saturday's defensive shortcomings in the 1-1 draw at Coventry.