Alan Pardew sacking is 'strange' - Phil Parkinson

Parkinson has previously spent spells managing at Colchester and Hull City

Charlton manager Phil Parkinson believes Southampton's sacking of Alan Pardew was a 'strange' decision.

The Addicks boss worked with Pardew at Reading, and was assistant to him during a spell at Charlton Athletic.

Pardew left the Saints on Monday, only 48 hours after his side had won 4-0 at Bristol Rovers in League One.

Parkinson told BBC London 94.9: "What's gone on behind the scenes I'm not quite sure - everyone thinks it was a bit of a strange decision."

He added: "But Pardew is a good manager, I'm sure he will be back in the game sooner rather than later."

I will speak to him over the next few days though, I think he'll want to get straight back in Phil Parkinson

Parkinson played under Pardew at Reading, and began his Charlton Athletic career in January 2007, as assistant manager to the former West Ham boss.

He then took over as caretaker, and subsequently as manager, after Pardew left the Valley in November 2008.

And Parkinson remains close to his former boss: "I've text him a few times, but I haven't spoken to him yet, I've just left him to it.

"I will speak to him over the next few days though, I think he'll want to get straight back in [to management]."