Parent menu link

Hi,
I would like to have a menu item navigate to an article page as well as show the sub menu items below it. I can only seem to be able to get it to do one or the other.
I have tried to use the 'image only' option which seems to function the way I want but it isn't as user friendly and looks quite messy on the site.
Is there a way I can have it function the way I want and keep the 'link and image' selection.
Thanks,
Tony

Hi
yes, then don't use the accordeon menu
the native joomla menu allows you to click on the item, then redirect the page and show the child items
CEd