JEROME Thomas has revealed how former managerial flop Les Reed wanted to boot him out of The Valley.

The 23-year-old marked his return to the fold under new boss Alan Pardew with two goals against West Ham, but he could have been playing for Fulham if Reed had had his way.

Thomas said: ""Les basically told me I was not needed at the club, which was disappointing because he was my manager at England youth level.

"I think Charlton and Fulham had got as far as agreeing a fee but for some reason the deal did not go through.

"I am glad because I never wanted to leave and feel I can be a big success at Charlton."

Now the fans' favourite is repaying Pardew's faith.

He said: "When Alan arrived, he told me to get fitter, work hard and improve on the defensive side of my game and that if I did, he would put me in the side - and he has kept his word.

"He saw me putting in extra running and training from the day he arrived at the club and I was glad to start repaying that faith, for him and the team."

And Thomas is in no doubt life is far better at The Valley under Pardew's leadership.

The former Arsenal man said: "It is a far happier club now under Pardew - if we had had him in charge from the start of the season we would not be where we are now.

"Things are looking up. It is tight now because the games are running out - but we have to try and get our fate back in our own hands - we cannot rely on other teams' results."