WITH a potential takeover at Wanderers nearing completion, Phil Parkinson is issuing a call to arms for today’s all-Lancashire clash.

As his team prepare to take on Preston North End at the University of Bolton Stadium today, off-field talks between chairman Ken Anderson and possible investors are ongoing and are believed to be at an advanced stage.

And Parkinson is hopeful everyone connected with the club – players and supporters – can show the very best of Bolton and offer some indication of what it could once again become.

“I think it’s great that there is the potential for someone to buy the club, and those people might be in the stands watching tomorrow so let’s put on a good show on the pitch and in the stands as well,” he told The Bolton News.

“Let’s make sure the atmosphere is one we’ve seen before, with the supporters right behind the team.

“If you are a potential investor in the stand we want them to say ‘wow, there is a real passion and drive in these supporters and there’s a real commitment among the players as well’.

“That might be something which helps get the deal over the line, I’m sure everybody would be happy with that.

“We understand that’s down to the manner of our performance on the pitch but this is the supporters’ team and we need them to do everything they can to help the players play at their very best – stay right with them, like they have done in general throughout my time at the club.

“This is a great project for someone to come into. People look at reasons for us struggling, but there has been a lack of investment in the team over the last four or five years.

“That’s not Ken’s fault because he’s openly said he hasn’t got the money to do that.

“So someone has got the opportunity to come in, they don’t need millions but they need the ability to go and invest in some good young players to help the club progress.”

Parkinson’s defence will have at least two changes from the back four that started last weekend at Sheffield United, with Jack Hobbs and Andy Taylor both ruled out.

“Hobbsy is out for four or five weeks, and unfortunately Andy Taylor’s calf tightened up in the game against Sheffield United and he’s damaged the tendon again,” he added. “Mark Beevers is making good progress but this game will probably come too soon for him. Ben Alnwick has made good progress so we’ll make a late call on that one.”