PHIL Parkinson is happy that the topic of discussion in Bolton tonight is a comprehensive victory over Walsall.

The Wanderers boss was determined to shift the focus back on to football after a week in which the boardroom battle between Ken Anderson and Dean Holdsworth dominated the agenda.

And thanks to a stunning team display, fans can reflect on a first win of the calendar year which closes the gap on second placed Scunthorpe United to four points.

Goals from Gary Madine, an own goal from James O’Connor and two stunners from Liam Trotter and Chris Long sealed a memorable victory, all after Erzun Oztumer had opened the scoring with a brilliant 40-yard effort.

The early Walsall goal had threatened to send things sour for the Whites but Parkinson was delighted to see his side produce a performance to set tongues wagging around the town again.

“I have to thank the fans because I needed them to stick with us and they were brilliant,” he told The Bolton News. “I know the supporters have had a turbulent time but I needed people to come here and focus on the game. I hope they will be driving away and thinking about football.

“We are a good team, we have some exciting players. The new players have given everyone a lift.

“It has been a difficult week at the club and we’ve put a smile on everyone’s face with the result and the effort.

“It was very good and especially after going a goal down. There was always going to be an edginess after losing the last two home games but we kept playing and got our rewards.

“We kept playing and got our rewards. Trotter’s goal was outstanding and then Longy’s goal broke the back of the net. I have been saying all week that I have never seen anyone strike the ball as hard as he does.

“I’m not sure what he did with the second chance – I think he should have put the keeper in the back of the net as well as the ball.

“But I can’t help but be pleased with the performance from the lads and it sets us up really well for Tuesday.”

Wanderers played a new 3-5-2 formation after losing their only recognised right-back Lawrie Wilson to injury.

And while Parkinson admitted there had been some teething problems with the new system through the week, he was pleased with the end result.

“Going a goal down, how do we respond? Do we show bravery and show for the ball? Yes, we did,” he said.

“We were ahead at half time and Walsall had played that system a lot longer than we had played it. The three centre-backs were stepping in and giving us a few problems but as the half wore on we dealt with it better and ultimately got some chances of our own, which led to the fourth goal.”