New Bradford City boss Parkinson 'impressed' with club
Last updated on .From the section Football
New Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson says taking the Valley Parade job was an easy decision.
The 43-year-old agreed a two-year deal on Monday following the departure of Peter Jackson and told BBC Radio Leeds that he did not hesitate to sign.
"I've had six or seven months out of the game and I've enjoyed that time," Parkinson said.
"But equally as the months wore on I've been wanting to get back in, and what a great opportunity this is."
Parkinson was described by joint chairman Mark Lawn as the club's "number one choice" for the position.
He said: "I was very impressed with everything they had to say, their plans for the club, the youth set-up, the structure they've put in place to take the club forward."
The former Charlton boss has already set his sights on new additions after completing the signing of Kyel Reid on a free transfer.
"The board assured me there's money in terms of wages to bring players in.
"The board have already backed me with bringing Kyel Reid, so we've got some good players, but it would be nice to add to it and improve it and really give these supporters something to cheer about."
The appointment of Parkinson comes after the shock resignation of Peter Jackson last week.
"At some point I will give Peter [Jackson] a call and pick his brains because you can never get enough information on the club and players.
"I haven't really found out the reasons why he decided his time was up here but it was his decision and obviously I wish him all the best because I've come across him many times and he's a terrific fellow."
Parkinson was a player at Bury and Reading, before moving into management with Colchester in 2003.
In 2006 he guided the U's to promotion to the Championship.
Following an unsuccessfull six-month spell at Hull, he became Alan Pardew's assistant at Charlton before taking over as manager in 2008. He left the Valley in January this year and has been working as a scout for Arsenal.
