Steve Parkin shrugs off pressure ahead of Bolton v Swansea

The Wanderers assistant took on press duties yesterday in what could be a crucial weekend at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Ken Anderson gave some backing to Parkinson and his staff after last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa – but talk of a change of manager has refused to die down.

Wanderers could find themselves in the bottom three of the Championship over the international break if they fail to get a result against Swansea City.

But Parkin responded bullishly when quizzed about pressure on tomorrow’s result.

“You have to be professional and try to put it to one side,” he said. “Social media these days and all media, you tend to find out what’s happening. When you get through the gates of the training ground you have to make sure the lads are prepared properly for the weekend, and we have always done when I’ve worked with Phil, here and Bradford, and we’ll continue to do so.”

Asked what he read into Anderson’s backing, which came via his web column last Saturday, the experienced coach added: “I don’t pay much attention. If the chairman wants to do that fine, great, but the key thing is we need to get people onside by putting on a performance on the pitch.”

Wanderers have come in for criticism as much for their style of play this season as they have for results on home turf. Parkin insists the management team can survive the storm.

“You can’t win, can you? If you good football and don’t win then you should have knocked it long but it you play direct, you should play more football,” he said.

“It’s all about winning matches. No matter what you system, you have to play it well enough to win football matches.

“It’s never changed. The only time we come under pressure as a manager or staff is when results are not good enough.

“People aren’t quick to pat you on the back when it goes well but they’ll happily knock you when it isn’t going well.

“You grow a thick skin. We’re a good staff. We’re united. We have a very good manager.”