PHIL PARKINSON, Charlton’s assistant manager, has committed his long-term future to the club after signing a three-year deal.

The former Colchester and Hull boss had been expected to succeed Peter Jackson at Huddersfield and informed Charlton he would be leaving, having agreed a short-term deal earlier in the year.

Huddersfield vice-chairman Andrew Watson accused Parkinson of a "U-turn" after the club called a press conference to announce his appointment.

But Addicks manager Alan Pardew retorted: "It’s unfair on Phil to say that he did a U-turn. I said to the Charlton board that Phil should stay here and we’ve come up with a scenario in which he can see that there is a lot to learn here.

"There is the possibility of Premier League football here next season and he enjoys working in and around bigger, better and stronger players.

"There was a long period of discussion with chief executive Peter Varney and myself and I think he’s made the right decision."