PHIL Parkinson has wiped the slate clean at Wanderers in an effort to give his players fresh impetus in the Championship.

The Bolton boss granted his squad a few days off over the weekend but warned his charges they must leave all the stresses and strains of the last two months behind them.

Parkinson is desperate to rediscover a winning formula and ease some of the pressure building around his own shoulders after a dreadful run.

Wanderers went into the international break having won just once in 13 games yet it is hoped some time to reflect and repair can prove beneficial as Parkinson takes his side to Millwall this weekend.

“There is no use complaining about international breaks, they come along when they do, but I do think you need to use them in the best way possible,” he told The Bolton News.

“I thought it was a good time to give them a little rest and make sure they are recharged mentally as well as physically because when you are on a run like this, it can take a hell of a lot out of you.

“Let’s wipe the slate clean. If you have been in the team, forget about any kind of negativity, if you have not been in the team, I want those players to come back in with renewed hope to get back in for these forthcoming fixtures.”

Parkinson’s rhetoric hints at fresh starts for players who have been on the periphery in the first few months of the season, including Luke Murphy, Josh Vela, Mark Little and Christian Doidge.

Though points and goals have been scarce of late, the manager has drawn some encouragement from performances – and that has also been echoed from above in statements released by owner Ken Anderson.

“I genuinely don’t think we’re far off getting up and running again, it’s just been hugely frustrating for everybody involved,” Parkinson said, looking ahead to the Millwall game.

“You can’t fault the application of the lads but we need to work towards that moment which gets us going again. I’m sure it will come.”