Parkinson in frame after Pardew axed

CHARLTON will hand Phil Parkinson the chance to stake his claim for the manager’s position after Alan Pardew was sacked following Saturday’s 5-2 home defeat to Sheffield United.

The south London club acted after a dismal start to the season which had seen them fall into the relegation places. The latest capitulation to United was the last straw and Parkinson has been placed in charge for tomorrow’s trip to Queens Park Rangers.

Charlton’s precarious financial position — the club was forced to sell players during the summer and to take a cash injection from directors to stave off administration — are in no position to appoint a big-money replacement, although there will be no shortage of applicants.