Charlton Athletic are delighted to confirm the arrival of Antigua and Barbuda international Josh Parker on a permanent deal from Gillingham.
The 28-year-old striker has put pen to paper on a six-month contract at The Valley and becomes Lee Bowyer’s fourth signing of the January transfer window following the arrivals of Jonny Williams, Chris Maxwell and Ben Purrington.
Slough-born Parker started his career at Queens Park Rangers and has played 213 games including stints in Slovenia and in Serbia with Red Star Belgrade.
He joined Gillingham in 2016/17 and last season netted 10 goals for Steve Lovell’s men.
Speaking of his new signing Bowyer said: "We’re pleased to get someone with his experience who knows the league inside out. He’s scored goals in this division. It was important to bring someone in who actually knows the league. He’s physical, a good strong lad. I think he’s a good all-around player.
"I can see him playing alongside Lyle, he’s got pace, he’s strong, he’s physical. He’s got that pace to be a threat in-behind and hurt teams on the break."
Parker explained what the Charlton fans can expect from him: “They can expect to see a winner, someone that likes to work hard. Coming into this team you have to work hard because of how the team is doing and their aspirations. So for me they can just expect me to help the team in any way I can.
“I’ve played at The Valley with Gillingham. The fans here at the stadium, the atmosphere, when you are growing and you want to be a professional footballer, it’s the kind of environment you imagine.”
Head of Recruitment Steve Gallen signed Parker as a youngster at QPR and is excited to be reunited with him. He said: "When I heard there might be the potential for something to happen I was keen. He’s a player I’ve know for a long time, for more than 10 years. I remember him as a youth team player at QPR.
"I always knew Josh as a number 9, running in behind. He’s been playing as a 10 at times for Gillingham, in the whole at the top of the diamond and also a left winger. We’ve looked for someone who is a bit versatile and we’ll continue to look for another attacking player to complement that."
