SAM PARKIN returns to Sixfields tomorrow on a mission to shoot down the club that made him feel 'unwanted'.

The goals have flowed for the former Chelsea striker since his summer switch from Stamford Bridge but life was altogether less rosy as a Northampton Town player 12 months ago.

Although Parkin still has friends among the playing staff at Sixfields, his memories of life at the struggling club are largely unhappy ones.

He managed just four goals in 31 starts (plus nine as substitute) before returning to Chelsea.

He said: "I just didn't feel wanted to be honest and something wasn't right.

"You need the respect of the management from day one and I didn't think I got that.

"It started badly in that I was taken off at half time in the first match.

"We were losing 2-0 and were down to 10 men but I thought I'd done okay.

"After that, I was in and out of the team and it's hard to get goals in that situation.

"The first goal proved to be elusive, although it got a bit better towards the end of the season.

"But it certainly wasn't the campaign I'd hoped for."

However, one move and 20 goals later, life is much sweeter for Parkin.

And where he felt unwanted at Sixfields, the youngster knows how Town's manager, his playing colleagues and the supporters feel about him.

He said: "The gaffer spoke to me on the pre-season trip to Southport and told me that I would be one of the first names on the team sheet if I did the business for him.

"It was wonderful to hear a manager say that.

"I got off to a great start and he's been as good as his word. Hopefully I've made it difficult for him to leave me out.

"It felt right here from the start, I'm enjoying my football and the fans have been great to me."

As for tomorrow's match, Parkin would love to complete a memorable 'double', having scored against the Cobblers at the County Ground in September.

He said: "I'm really up for the game.

"Northampton had a tough game at Colchester on Tuesday night and I'm hoping we will be fresher as a result.

"They won't make it easy for us though. People like Marco Gabbiadini and Derek Asamoah will cause any team problems but if we are positive in the same way as we were against Queens Park Rangers, then I'm sure we can get a result.

"As for their fans, I'm sure there'll be a few boos for me but I'd like to think some of their fans would recognise that I tried to do a decent job for them."

Town have confirmed the match with Cheltenham has been rearranged for Wednesday March 12 (7.45pm).

Tickets purchased for the original date are still valid. Refunds can be obtained up until 24 hours before kick-off.