PHIL Parkinson says his old pros are helping him keep things stable at Wanderers.

An unbeaten October could hardly have been predicted after a winless August and September – yet the Whites are still to lift themselves off the foot of the Championship with a third of the season gone.

They could do just that with victory over Norwich City tomorrow, depending on the results for Sunderland and Burton Albion. Despite the Whites’ perilous position, the manager says the mood around his camp has not been one of desperation.

“We have got some great experience in the squad,” he told The Bolton News. “That helps because myself and Steve (Parkin) can only do so much.

“Before the Sunderland game we went round and spoke to players, had meetings as we’d generally do on an overnight trip.

“But when you look out and see players keeping on top of things it does help as a manager.”

Henry’s influence in midfield since arriving on a free transfer has brought out a different side of club captain Pratley, says the Wanderers boss.

“Darren seems to be getting better for us with every single week in that holding role, which is a bit different to the more attacking, forward-running one he’s played most of his career.

“The amount of attacks he broke up at Sunderland and his ball retention was excellent.

“They are both keeping on top of the Ameobis and the Armstrongs to make sure they keep doing the horrible side of the game as well and knowing when they win the ball back they will create for us as well.”