Wanderers' manager previews his side's Emirates FA Cup first round tie
Manager Phil Parkinson spoke to the local press ahead of Wanderers' Emirates FA Cup first round clash with Grimsby Town on Thursday.
Quizzed on topics such as Jay Spearing's fitness, his thoughts on the Mariners and the Whites' recent form, here is what the gaffer had to say…
On Jay Spearing's fitness...
It’s a bit unfortunate for Jay. It was an innocuous incident in training where he’s over-stretched and it didn’t appear too bad.
We’ve had the scan and that’s come back showing it is worse than we thought.
We’re going to get it re-scanned on Monday because Jay himself doesn’t feel too bad, but we’ve got to listen to the specialist who has looked at the scan picture.
On his midfield options...
We’re short in that department. Josh Vela is suspended while Derik Osede has felt a slight problem with his back.
If you add Tom Thorpe, Darren Pratley and Mark Davies to that, that is quite a few players missing from the midfield.
We're still working with the loan players, whether they can play or not.
The team is going to have a different look about it. People who come into the team have the opportunity to take a claim and do their best to stay in the team.
I’ve said all along that we’re a tight group in terms of numbers but I firmly believe that everyone is capable of playing a part.
On Wanderers' winning run...
We’re taking this competition very seriously. We want to keep our run of results going and we’ll need to give everything.
On opponents Grimsby Town…
Grimsby did fantastically to win promotion last season. They should be in the Football League, the size of the club they are, and they’ve had a good start.
They’ve lost their manager to Shrewsbury. They look a decent side from the games I’ve watched this week but you’d expect that from a team playing with confidence.
It’s going to be fast and furious at the weekend, a real old-fashioned cup tie.
On the threat of an upset…
Any team who comes here in our league are bringing double the normal number of supporters so we're getting used to that.
We keep talking to the players about teams coming here and raising their game.
Our stadium is a great arena if you haven't been here before and the Grimsby lads will be up for it.
As a manager I've been both the favourites and the underdogs so I know what messages to pass on to my players and we'll got to be ready for a full-blooded cup tie.
And finally, on The Emirates FA Cup itself...
For me, the FA Cup is the biggest competition domestically in world football. The exposure you can get is tremendous.
We want to make sure no-one really talks about this game come Monday morning. We want to continue to be a part of the competition with a regulation victory at the weekend.
Wanderers will be chasing a seventh successive win as they look to progress to the second round of the Emirates FA Cup at the expense of Grimsby Town on Saturday.
Whites season ticket holders can purchase tickets for the game for just £10, though these must be bought before 5.30pm on Friday if fans wish to take advantage of the special discount price!
To purchase tickets for this game, please visit Bolton Central in person, phone 0844 871 2932 or click HERE to secure your seat online right now.
Be the 12th man and show your tremendous support to Phil Parkinson and his Super White Army this Saturday as they begin their Emirates FA Cup quest. Visit www.eticketing.co.uk/bwfc now or call 0844 871 2932.
Why not consider upgrading your match day experience and treat yourself to some corporate hospitality for just £30 per person in the Platinum Suite?
This price includes a one-course meal, match day programme and cushioned seating on the halfway line. But please hurry, there is only limited availability left on these packages!
Hospitality packages can bought directly from the Club's Sales Team by phoning 01204 673761, emailing sales@bwfc.co.uk or by purchasing online HERE.