PHIL Parkinson insists the current Wanderers squad is better-equipped to avoid relegation than the doomed class of 2015/16.

Comparisons are already being drawn to the club’s ill-fated previous campaign, which ended in relegation and a record low points total over 46 games, albeit amidst some major financial problems.

Only two other teams in the club’s history have had to wait longer than Parkinson’s side for their first win and their current stretch was taken to eight matches after last weekend’s defeat at Ipswich.

But the Bolton boss believes his pool of players is stronger than those Neil Lennon, and later Jimmy Phillips and Peter Reid could select from two years ago, and he is confident the club will not be consigned to the same fate.

“If you look at the squad that played in the Championship before – I accept Mark Davies and Zach Clough were two quality players at this level but the strength in depth and cover for each position just wasn’t there,” he told The Bolton News. “This is a better squad. I have got better options.

“When all my players are back fit we will win games.

“Everyone is desperate to get that first win but all we can do is make sure our preparation is right and the process towards gaining that three points is right.”

One major fillip for Parkinson is the return to full training of Sammy Ameobi, who could feature on the bench this weekend against the Bees.

The former Newcastle United winger has not kicked a ball in a competitive match since signing permanently in the summer, picking up a knee cartilage injury in the final pre-season warm-up against Stoke City.

“He has quality on the ball and that ability to take us up the pitch with it, and we really have missed that,” Parkinson said. “It’s great to have him back out there six-and-a-half weeks after his operation, so he’s on schedule.

“He did a tough week with the fitness guys and is ready to join in fully now, he’s ready to go.”

Josh Vela has also resumed lighter training duties after ankle ligament damage, which gives Parkinson reason for optimism his best squad will soon be available.

“Josh might be a while, even though he’s running and back involved,” he said.