ALAN PARDEW takes charge of Charlton for the first time when they face Fulham tonight at The Valley, desperate for a win that will rejuvenate the club's fast-fading Premier League survival hopes.

Pardew, who signalled that he is at the club for the long haul after signing a three and a half year contract, is assured of a big ovation from supporters who called for his appointment following Charlton's Carling Cup eclipse by League 2 Wycombe.

He pledged: "I will be doing everything in my power to inspire the players we have at the club.

"The odds are stacked against us but we'll be battling and scraping in all our games."

Midfielders Darren Ambrose (knee) and Jerome Thomas (virus)could be recalled but skipper Luke Young and Andy Reid are long-term injury casualties.

Midfielder Amady Faye, who limped off after 54 minutes during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough, will undergo a late fitness test.