PHIL Parkinson has sent out a reminder at Wanderers to keep this season’s Championship struggles in perspective.

The Whites are currently second bottom and a point from safety as they prepare to take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in their final game of 2017.

Victory could take them out of the bottom three for only the second time since August but a campaign of struggle has eaten away at Parkinson’s popularity on the terraces.

The Wanderers boss reckons his side will be on target if they can stay within touching distance of 21st position – but asked fans to bear in mind what spending power they have had compared with their rivals in the division before reflecting on the table.

“There has to be a reality check from everyone of what we are competing against financially in this division,” he told The Bolton News. “I think sometimes people forget that.

“It doesn’t mean we go anywhere not expecting to get a result, we always have the mentality to pick up points, regardless of the opposition.

“But teams around us have had access to much more spending. Birmingham spent £12million in the summer and paid £1m loan fees, Barnsley have brought five or six players in for money, Burton broke their transfer record twice.

“We have been in a situation where we haven’t spent a single penny.

“I laugh when I hear about managers in the Premier League needing an extra £300m to spend.

“I just feel like I need to remind people and try to galvanise the supporters, especially over these next two games because I want to be in a better position when we go into January.

“I am not being critical of Ken (Anderson) or the board, I totally understand he’s done a great job trying to get the club in a stable financial positon.

“He has always explained his aim and I know he is working hard with Paul Aldridge and the others in the background to do that – but sometimes I wonder if people realise, or if they need reminding, what money is being spent elsewhere.”