Phil Parkinson Hopeful Bolton Wanderers Have Stopped The Rot

Bolton Wanderers head coach Phil Parkinson is hoping that the Trotters have stopped the rot after picking up a valuable point against Barnsley. Four successive defeats had put the Trotters on the cusp of the relegation zone but they managed to cease the run with a 2-2 draw against Barnsley on the road.

Speaking after the game, Parkinson was pleased with the team picking up a point, and he has urged the side to maintain the focus in the remaining three league games, he said:“It was just important we reversed that run of form. It can really have a draining effect on you. We live to fight another day, we are still very much in the mix. I thought we’d lost our way a bit after Millwall. The spirit had drained out of us but now it’s back. That is the kind of thing we need to maintain. We’ve got experienced players, good characters and we expect it. We want more, starting with Wolves.”

Comparing their close rivals, Bolton probably have the easier fixture list with games against Nottingham Forest and Burton Albion, but prior to this, they have to contend with a Championship meeting against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The west Midlands outfit have already assured themselves of promotion to the Premier League but Bolton may not receive any favours with the table-toppers still needing another point to lift the league title.

The departure of Gary Madine has witnessed Bolton place their expectations on Adam Le Fondre upfront, and the 31-year-old has not disappointed by chipping in with four goals over the past month. Parkinson has done a credible job at Bolton with literally no transfer budget to spend and preserving their Championship status would undoubtedly improve the squad next term, considering they have had their transfer embargo lifted.