Phil Parkinson has been given the job of manager at Charlton on a permanent basis.

The Addicks are currently bottom of the Coca-Cola Championship and Parkinson had been managing the club in a caretaker capacity since Alan Pardew’s departure in November.

Football club chairman Richard Murray said: "After discussing the situation yesterday, the overwhelming feeling was that Phil was the best man to lead us and rescue us from our current plight.”

Murray has now given Parkinson permission to bring in fresh recruits to help steer the club to safety.

He said: "It's clear that we need to look at bringing a number of players, maybe three or four, to the club as soon as possible.”

Parkinson added: "I'm delighted to have been handed the job. It's a great opportunity at a terrific club and the best New Year present.

"It would have been so frustrating if someone else had come in. I'm not interested in new contracts or money, I just wanted to stay with Charlton.

"I can assure supporters that I've been on the phone solidly for two days trying to sign new players because strategic changes will be made during the opening of the January transfer window.

"I want new players in very quickly."

One of his first tasks will be to sign a right-back after Martin Cranie was recalled from his loan by Portsmouth.

Another will be to decide the future of midfielder Darren Ambrose who has returned to The Valley after a spell on loan from his first club Ipswich.

The two clubs had agreed a fee for the player but manager Jim Magilton has had second thoughts.

Ambrose's contract is up at the end of the season.