Whites' focus is firmly on cup match

The Whites host Sheffield United tomorrow after a week in which Ken Anderson’s battle to buy out business partner Dean Holdsworth has grabbed almost all the headlines.

Parkinson says his squad’s preparations for the game have been unaffected but the manager is wary of allowing any negativity to creep into the camp, having watched what happened from afar as Bolton slid towards relegation from the Championship earlier this year.

“When the situation came out in the newspaper last week we pulled the lads to one side and had a meeting before the Northampton game,” he told The Bolton News. “Obviously there has been more this week but we’ve nipped it in the bud and concentrated on training and preparation for this week’s game.

“My concern is that there is a good spirit among the players – not just them, but also everyone who works behind the scenes. We don’t want it to go back to how it was last year.

“We want to keep the spirit which has helped move the club forward. That is the key.”

Parkinson has been kept well abreast of the latest news on Anderson’s share buy-out, which has yet to be confirmed by the club.

“I have spoken to Ken and Dean several times this week,” he said. “I spoke to Dean on Monday voicing my concerns, all the good work which has been done we want to keep things moving forward. Both Ken and Dean are very confident the situation will be resolved.”

Wanderers could welcome David Wheater back for the second-round clash but Liam Trotter faces a scan to determine how long he will be sidelined with a groin injury.

“It’s good to have Wheats back and around the place and he’s had a great week’s training,” he added.

Parkinson expects the Blades to have improved as a side from the one beaten at the Macron on the opening day of the season.

“I think both sides have evolved,” he said. “They have been through a little dip but there’s no question they will be in and around the promotion places at the end of the season.”