Home
Phil Parkinson says his January activity is to be driven by a single aim – ensuring Wanderers come out of the window in better shape than they entered it.
The Whites manager has once again been fielding queries about the future of leading lights such as Josh Vela and Gary Madine – as much a seasonal tradition as turkey or carols these days – but Parkinson says he and chairman Ken Anderson are singing from the same song sheet as the opening of the window looms large.
“First of all, we don’t want to lose key players – that is so important,” he said.
“We sat down and had a good chat about what we need to improve in the second half of the season.
“We have already spoken to clubs and agents leading up to the meeting but it gave us a chance to put everything on the table.
“We really can’t afford to weaken this squad at this stage and in January we have to make sure that, of all the teams in that bottom group, we come out of January in better shape than when we started it.”
As for speculation on his leading scorer and his main creative midfielder, Parkinson is steeling himself to bat away interest for the pair but feels the fact they are likely transfer targets is a plus for the club.
“It can be two-fold,” he added. “I’m glad Gaz is getting recognition because he’s made a lot of improvements this season.
“But, as I always say about him, I only feel he’s at the start of realising his potential and where he can get to.
“He knows that and he’s not getting carried away with himself. He’s out on the training ground working on things he can improve, staying out there.
“And Josh has been working on his set-play delivery. They are both really focused.
“I haven’t discussed getting any assurances but we have discussed making sure we’re strong going forward. I think it’s good there’s interest in those players, it shows they’ve been doing something right.
“They have both been on a journey at the club since I have been here, been through some tough times, but they are two lads I can rely on at 3pm on Saturday.”
Source
The Whites manager has once again been fielding queries about the future of leading lights such as Josh Vela and Gary Madine – as much a seasonal tradition as turkey or carols these days – but Parkinson says he and chairman Ken Anderson are singing from the same song sheet as the opening of the window looms large.
“First of all, we don’t want to lose key players – that is so important,” he said.
“We sat down and had a good chat about what we need to improve in the second half of the season.
“We have already spoken to clubs and agents leading up to the meeting but it gave us a chance to put everything on the table.
“We really can’t afford to weaken this squad at this stage and in January we have to make sure that, of all the teams in that bottom group, we come out of January in better shape than when we started it.”
As for speculation on his leading scorer and his main creative midfielder, Parkinson is steeling himself to bat away interest for the pair but feels the fact they are likely transfer targets is a plus for the club.
“It can be two-fold,” he added. “I’m glad Gaz is getting recognition because he’s made a lot of improvements this season.
“But, as I always say about him, I only feel he’s at the start of realising his potential and where he can get to.
“He knows that and he’s not getting carried away with himself. He’s out on the training ground working on things he can improve, staying out there.
“And Josh has been working on his set-play delivery. They are both really focused.
“I haven’t discussed getting any assurances but we have discussed making sure we’re strong going forward. I think it’s good there’s interest in those players, it shows they’ve been doing something right.
“They have both been on a journey at the club since I have been here, been through some tough times, but they are two lads I can rely on at 3pm on Saturday.”
Source
