New Boy To Curb War Of Words

Parker said: "I don't want to get into a war of words with Alan - I can't speak too highly of Alan, he gave me the chance, I took it and haven't looked back. I can understand some people at Charlton won't be happy, but in life there are some opportunities you can't turn down - and this is one of them.

"I know I'm not going to play as many games as I did at Charlton, but I want that challenge. I've been in the Premier League for four years with Charlton, but I wanted a new challenge - and now I've got it."

"I have heard different things but I can understand Charlton. I have been there for 12 years. Since I broke into the team four years ago I have given 100% and not let them down. If I have I have given 200% in the next game.

"But in life sometimes opportunities come along, and this was a chance I could not let slip by. Alan Curbishley has given me the chance and been my driving force. I'd been there so long I felt part of it. But now it is a new start, and this is where I want to prove myself."