CLAYTON Donaldson believes Wanderers should be aiming at the top half of the Championship table this season.

The new striker signing is confident a wave of fresh faces at the Macron Stadium can have an energising effect on the squad.

Phil Parkinson wants eight new players by the end of the transfer window and Donaldson is impressed by what he has seen so far.

“I think it’s a similar situation to when I went in at Birmingham City a few years ago – we had stayed up on the last day of the season at Bolton, strangely enough, but the next season we kicked on, strengthened the squad, and finished 10th in the league,” he told The Bolton News. “You get a few new faces in and it’s a different kind of team. There’s a different belief.

“From what I have seen, everyone wants to set their standards high in pre-season and finish in the top half of the table, if possible.”

On the transfer front, Wanderers have been made aware of centre-back Bakary Kone’s availability but are unlikely to move quickly to secure the 30-year-old Burkina Faso international.

Kone played on loan at Strasbourg in France last season but still has one year remaining on his contract at Spanish outfit Malaga.

He is currently available for loan and has also spoken to Turkish side Trabzonspor but Spanish reports suggest his contract could be terminated.

Wanderers are likely to wait and see how the situation develops before making a move.

Meanwhile, Atherton Colls have confirmed their friendly against Wanderers on Tuesday, July 10, will not be all-ticket, and that pay-on-the-day will be available.

Club chairman Paul Gregory explained: “A ticket will guarantee you entry but I’d say it’s unlikely we will hit capacity, so fans can come and pay at the gate.”

Tickets can be purchased at the Rope and Anchor, Punch Bowl and Atherton Arms pubs in Atherton along with the club itself. In Bolton, tickets are available at The Vulcan (Deane) and The Morris Dancers pub, and Future Fitness in Farnworth priced at £8 and £4.