PHIL Parkinson has wasted no time putting his own stamp on Wanderers and has already met with a handful of potential signings.

The new boss has pressed ahead with recruitment plans, meeting with players who are coming out of contract at their respective clubs.

Buoyed by co-owner Ken Anderson’s claim that the transfer embargo is on course to be lifted, with a meeting pencilled in at the Football League next week, Parkinson has spent most of his first few days in the job on the road in an effort to steal a march on rival bidders.

“There are a group of players who are coming out of contract who we feel could add something to what we have already got,” he told The Bolton News. “I have already met with a few and it’s important we take that next step quickly with others.

“Right now we are looking at that market but as time goes on we will target some younger players that we may be able to buy – but that is a little down the road at the moment.”

Parkinson knows he is pitching Wanderers into a crowded marketplace this summer, with quality free transfers at a premium.

“Good players will have plenty of options,” he said. “I think they will take time to meet with potential managers and they are confident in their ability to get decent offers.

“We need to be competitive. That is what I am aiming to be.”

Back at base, Parkinson’s right-hand men Steve Parkin and Nick Allenby have also been hard at work fine-tuning the training ground.

Players report back for official pre-season on the 27th and the new coaching staff have suggested a few changes to the squad’s daily routine which involve less to-ing and fro-ing between the stadium and nearby Lostock.

Parkinson has also been impressed with what he has seen behind the scenes at Wanderers, praising the attitude of staff he has met at the club so far.

“I’ve been able to meet with some of the people behind the scenes and been able to quickly identify how much goodwill there is and how dedicated people are to moving the club forwards,” he said.

“I have really enjoyed that aspect because I can see straight away it’s a club close to people’s hearts.”