Phil Parkinson is looking forward to returning to Charlton for the first time since leaving the club in 2011.

The former Addicks boss will bring his table-topping Bolton side to the Valley on Saturday as he looks to maintain his 100 per cent record in League One at his new club.

But, Parkinson, who worked as an assistant and a manager for four years at Charlton, is looking forward to catching up with old faces in SE7.

The 48-year-old told News Shopper: “I’m looking forward to coming back to the Valley, I haven’t been back since I left. I got along with everyone when I was there - it’s a great, family club.

News Shopper: Phil Parkinson

Phil Parkinson was sacked by Charlton in January 2011

“There are still people working there from when I was there so I’m looking forward to catching up with them.”

After Alan Pardew’s departure in November 2008, Parkinson took over as caretaker manager, and was given the reigns permanently a month later on New Year’s Eve.

He was unlucky at the end of the 2009/10 season to see his side lose a League One play-off semi-final penalty shootout to Swindon.

Despite Charlton sitting in fifth place, just three points off an automatic spot, Parkinson was sacked in January 2011 after a 4-2 home defeat against Swindon.

When asked about his spell as Addicks boss, which lasted just over two years, he said: “I think I helped stabilise the club – it was very difficult financially as everyone else knows.

“I was fortunate to work with a great chairman in Richard Murray, I’ve got a lot of respect for him and the way he kept the club going.

News Shopper:

Richard Murray (far right) with CEO Katrien Meire

“I worked very, very hard along with the chairman to do the absolute best and I left the club in a decent position to go forward.”

Most Charlton fans will applaud Parkinson when he walks out of the Valley tunnel on Saturday, but what reaction is he expecting?

The former Bradford boss joked: “I haven’t got a clue - I’ve got my wife and kids there so they’ll clap!”

Don’t miss tomorrow’s exclusive when Parkinson talks about Johnnie Jackson – the first player he ever signed as a manager.