Parkin looks to help Huddersfield stretch unbeaten run

The 29-year-old has not played below Championship level since the start of 2006 when he joined Hull City from Macclesfield.

That exile from the lower divisions will end tonight when Parkin takes his place in Town’s attack in place of suspended Alan Lee as they take on League One leaders Charlton Athletic.

Parkin, who has joined the Terriers on loan until January 23, said: “I haven’t been in League One for a while but it wasn’t a hard decision, mainly because the club is doing so well.

“Huddersfield are one of only a couple of clubs I would have come to in this division.

“Location-wise it is also perfect as it means I can get back home. And football-wise, this is a club really on the up and I want to be part of it.

“The run the team is on is ridiculous, to be fair. But what a great achievement and I just hope we can take it to 50 and above.”

Barnsley-born Parkin has joined Town after an unhappy 10 months or so at Cardiff City.

He made just two starts and nine appearances from the bench for the Bluebirds last season following his January switch from Preston North End.

This season, Parkin has started just two Carling Cup games for Cardiff – though he made four appearances for Doncaster Rovers on loan when Sean O’Driscoll was in charge.

Town’s new signing said: “The past year has been frustrating. I have only started a few games in almost 12 months, which is not enough and not what I want.

“A new manager came in (Malky Mackay replaced Dave Jones last summer) and brought his own players in and I wasn’t part of his plans.

“Joining Cardiff earlier this year was a very good move but it has not worked out too well. I did get a few games at Doncaster, which was good. But then I went back to Cardiff, which wasn’t very good.”

Lee Clark moved for Parkin after Alan Lee failed in his attempt to overturn the red card he received in the 2-1 victory over Notts County nine days ago that saw Town take their unbeaten league run to 43 games, a Football League record.

Lee is facing three games on the sidelines, meaning Parkin has a chance to earn an extended stay at the Galpharm beyond the end of his current loan deal.

Parkin said: “I didn’t know Huddersfield had been watching me. But I am delighted to be here. They looked a good team against Cardiff in the Carling Cup.

“The game was a good one and went to extra-time (before Cardiff won 5-3). It was one of my rare starts and I enjoyed it.

“I would love to stay here. I have come on loan until January 23 and the aim is to play as many games as possible. If I do that and do well then I might be able to get a contract.”

As for tonight’s televised game, Parkin added: “It is not a bad game to come into. I am looking forward to it and, hopefully, we can go there and get three points.

“Huddersfield are on a great run and seem a great bunch of lads. I went to school with Antony Kay, he was in the year above, and I also know of a couple others. But they have all been welcoming and that should help me settle.”

Alex Bruce has gone straight into the Town squad following last week’s deadline-day loan switch from Leeds United.

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Last six games: Charlton Town WWWWWW, Huddersfield Town WDWDLW.

Last time: Charlton Town 0 Huddersfield Town 1; April 16, 2011; League One.

Referee: R East (Wiltshire).