Phil Parkinson has revealed Charlton skipper Johnnie Jackson was his first ever signing as a manager.

After taking over at Colchester in February 2003, the current Bolton boss signed Jackson on-loan a month later, and played him as a left-back.

Parkinson was “very keen” to bring the 34-year-old to the Valley and did so in January 2010 on a six-month loan, which was made permanent in the summer.

News Shopper: Phil Parkinson accepts that very few deals get done at this stage of the off season

Phil Parkinson 

Jackson has since captained Charlton to League One promotion and scored many vital goals over the past six years - earning hero status along the way from Charlton fans.

Parkinson told News Shopper: “Well, Johnnie was my first ever signing as a manager when I was in charge at Colchester. I was very keen to get him to Charlton.

“He’s a terrific professional with character - and that’s why I made him captain.

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“But, he's a very good player, as well. He deserves the accolades which have come his way over the years.”

Jackson has made over 200 league appearances for the Addicks, but found his first-team chances limited under Guy Luzon and Jose Riga last season.

However, Parkinson insists Jackson is important to Charlton’s promotion hopes in their League One campaign.

“Johnnie knows what it takes [to go up] and you need leadership out on the pitch and John’s got that,” the former Hull and Bradford boss said.

“A lot of managers say it’s difficult to find those leaders, but Johnnie is a good influence around the dressing room and on the pitch for the younger players.”

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The 48-year-old added: “One thing I always spoke about during my time at Charlton, despite the problems financially, was that Richard Murray always kept the academy going.

“Now, years later, the benefits have shown with the players they’ve been able to sell and players which have got in the team.

“When you've got a lot of good, young players coming through, you need good senior professionals and Johnnie’s one of those.”

Parkinson will be hoping his players keep Jackson quiet tomorrow when his table-topping Bolton side visit the Valley.