Parkinson's relief at win

Addicks boss pleased to end dismal streak

Last updated: 13th January 2009  

Parkinson's relief at win

Parkinson: Relieved at win

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Charlton Athletic manager Phil Parkinson was relieved to finally win a game as Addicks boss following their FA Cup triumph over Norwich City.

Parkinson was named permanent manager at the Valley despite failing to win a match as caretaker. Charlton's run without a win stood at 18 prior to victory at Carrow Road.

The Addicks' reward for winning at Norwich is a fourth round clash against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, but getting back to winning ways was at the front of Parkinson's mind on Tuesday - not FA Cup glory.

The visitors scored what proved to be the winning goal through Darren Ambrose from their very first attack on six minutes.

"Ending the long run without a win was the most important thing tonight," said Parkinson. "It's a mixture of relief and it's great to have that monkey off our backs.

"We just needed something to go for us after the run we've been having. We managed to lose to Forest when we had 24 efforts on goal and before that drew with Derby live on Sky after conceding a goal with just about the last kick.

"But the lads have kept going and they've shown tonight just what you can achieve if you put in the hard work and get the physical side of the game right."

Charlton now travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday looking for a first league win since October and Parkinson feels they will have a chance of doing just that if they follow the example they set tonight.

"The league is so close with everybody capable of beating everybody else and what you need when you're in a position like us is a strong mentality and a fighting spirit," Parkinson continued.

"That's exactly what my players gave me today and it was especially pleasing that there were eight players who came through our academy showing those qualities out there over the course of the game."