Phil Parkinson: Why I had to stay

Caretaker boss Phil Parkinson said he could not leave Charlton with the club stuck in the Championship relegation zone.

Alan Pardew quit after Saturday's 5-2 home defeat against Sheffield United left Charlton 22nd in the table.

Parkinson was Pardew's assistant and the board have now turned to the former Colchester and Hull City manager.

The 40-year-old, who begins his reign at Queens Park Rangers tonight, said: "I'm sad for what happened to Alan but also willing to take on the responsibility of turning this around. I never wanted to stay as No2 and give someone else the opportunity because I feel someone had to turn this around and I did not want to walk away. I see myself as a manager. I have to make sure I can get that extra bit out of the players. They have to take on the responsibility and look forward."

Loan signing Keith Gillespie is expected to be handed his debut after joining from Sheffield United while Jonathan Fortune could also return from a knee injury.

Rangers will be without suspended defender Fitz Hall while Matthew Connolly is struggling with a back injury.

Martin Rowlands faces a late fitness test on his thigh but should be passed fit.