Parky ready to take on Terriers
After a 'good week of training', Phil Parkinson is looking forward to Saturday's clash with Huddersfield Town at The Valley (3pm).
Charlton couldn't break down a resolute Oldham Athletic defence in SE7 last week, but Parkinson was pleased with the Addicks' second-half display when only the crossbar, on two occasions, prevented his men from taking all three points.
And he believes if his side can start the Huddersfield game in the same vein in which they finished against the Latics, then Charlton can get back to winning ways this weekend.
"We were a bit flat in the first half against Oldham, but I knew before the game we were taking a few gambles with some players having missed training,” said Parkinson. "We probably had one too many players out there who weren't up to speed. We still passed the ball well, but we didn't have that desire and intensity to get into the box. We upped the ante in the second half, though.
"We've had a good week of training and everyone has come through it. We needed a week without a game because we've got a small squad."
Huddersfield got back on the winning trail themselves last weekend with a thumping 4-0 home win over Exeter City, with Jordan Rhodes bagging a hat-trick of headers.
Unlike Oldham, Parkinson is expecting the Terriers to have a real go at Charlton on Saturday - something he feels could work in the Addicks' favour.
"They're an open, attacking team and that's probably their strength," mused Parkinson. "They had a good start and then had a dip, but they've come back and had a great win on Saturday. Rhodes has got a lot of goals this season and makes decent runs into the box, while Anthony Pilkington has done well from outside the box.
"They're a decent side and we know all about them. Our fans will be important and we have to make sure we give them something to shout about."
There has been a lot of talk about tactics and formations in recent weeks but Parkinson, who has favoured a 4-4-1-1 line-up this term, was giving nothing away ahead of the game with the Terriers.
He stated: "We've had a look at a couple of different scenarios this week, but I think it is important to remember where we are in the league and how we've done over 12 games. We've had a look at a couple of things and we'll make a decision on Friday.
"It's good to have an alternative up our sleeve, like we did with half an hour to go against Oldham. That's what training is for, to look at tweaks in the way we play."
The Addicks will go into the game with the Terriers sitting in second place in the League One table and, while Charlton may have only picked up one win in their last six matches, Parkinson admits he is delighted with his outfit's start to life in the third tier.
"Our start has been great. I'm delighted," he declared. "The supporters stayed with us on Saturday, even though it wasn't our best performance. They've got an understanding of what went on over the summer and they know we need to stick together. You could class Saturday as a dip, but it's important we don't get carried away.
"We were one finish away from it being a decent performance against Oldham. Our one poor game was at Colchester, but after 12 games I think we can say 'well done' and move forwards.
"People were frustrated after Saturday but, at the start of the season, everyone would have taken our current position. But we have to go again and we've got a hungry group of lads who want to be successful."
If things had gone differently, Parkinson could have been sitting in the opposition dugout on Saturday, having turned down the managerial position at Huddersfield in April 2007.
Reflecting on his decision, Parkinson said: "I decided it wasn't for me at the time. I didn't think the infrastructure of the club was ready to take Huddersfield forward. They've had three managers since then and it's only now that they've had a takeover that they're pushing forward. Huddersfield is a terrific club with a great fanbase, but what I said at the time has been proved right."
Places are available in person from the Valley commercial centre. They are also available by calling the ticket hotline on 0871 226 1905, and online, but must now be collected from the Valley commercial centre. Due to the recent postal strikes, no further tickets will be mailed out.
Fans can also book £7-per-head Valley Express return travel to the stadium from more than 70 pick-up points. Get more details about the pick-up points and times here.
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