Parkinson U-turn at Huddersfield

The former Colchester and Hull manager - currently assistant to Alan Pardew at Charlton - was set to be unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday morning, but phoned the club just over an hour before the press conference to reveal he was staying with the Addicks.

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The Terriers, mid-table in League One, are looking for a new manager after Peter Jackson's departure last month.

A statement released by vice chairman Andrew Watson read: "Clearly this is a frustrating development for the club, supporters and other applicants.

"We interviewed a number of high quality applicants, all of whom would be able to take the club forward and it was a very difficult and close decision to choose Phil.

"Phil applied, attended two interviews - both of which we understand Charlton were fully aware of - and last Sunday he was offered terms. He shook hands with the board of directors and agreed to accept subject to a conversation with his wife.

"On Monday Phil called to accept the position and told Charlton, where he is assistant to manager Alan Pardew. We had agreed he would continue in that role until the end of the season or until Charlton's Premiership status was secured.

"On Tuesday he called to reiterate and asked the club to tie up when the announcement would be made with Charlton chief executive Peter Varney.

"Peter Varney called before lunch yesterday and both parties agreed to announce the appointment at 09.30 this morning.

"Phil then called last night to say that Charlton had made him an unbelievable offer to stay at The Valley and he needed until this morning to decide.

"Clearly this is frustrating news for everyone with the interests of Huddersfield Town at heart."

Watson went on to confirm that academy manager Gerry Murphy - in temporary charge Peter Jackson left a month ago - would continue in his role as caretaker manager.

A statement released on behalf of Parkinson read: "I have had a change of heart. I have been enormously impressed with Huddersfield and the integrity of the board. It is a fantastic club with a great infrastructure which will go from strength to strength.

"However, the lure of working with Alan Pardew and in the Premiership was not something I could walk away from."

Parkinson revealed that a "real affection" for the Addicks was a factor in his decision to stay at The Valley.

"I am thoroughly enjoying my role as assistant to Alan Pardew at Charlton, however, and there is a real buzz about the club at present," he added.

"At the end of the day I simply could not walk away from a club that I have a real affection for, and one that I believe has a bright future under Alan."

The Addicks have also revealed that the Terriers had offered Parkinson a deal that wouldn't start until the summer - allowing him to aid their battle against Premiership relegation - but that it was not enough to tempt him away from the Valley.

And Charlton plc chairman Richard Murray said: "While Alan Pardew has done a fantastic job and grabbed most of the headlines, the role played by Phil since he joined the club in January shouldn't be under-estimated.

"He's played a key role in our recent good form, and I know he is determined to see that job through and ensure we remain in the Premiership."