PHIL Parkinson is thrilled to see Wanderers are finally thriving at the Macron.

Although the Whites missed out on a record-equalling 11th consecutive home win in all competitions when they were held to a goalless draw by Premier League Crystal Palace in the FA Cup on Saturday, they once again sent fans home happy with a hard-working performance.

Parkinson reckons success on home turf has been made possible by a transformed work ethic within his squad, and that the effort is helping to win back fans’ trust on the terraces.

“Since day one we’ve worked on building back the relationship between the supporters and the club because it’s vital,” he told The Bolton News.

“But as I said to the lads back then, and as I still say to them now, all you can do on the pitch is show commitment and honesty, and the fans will identify with it.

“The supporters respond. Gary Madine closing down a defender and blocking the ball can get as big a cheer as a bit of skill because our fans want to see honesty and effort, first and foremost.”

Wanderers get back to league action this weekend when they welcome Swindon Town, and Parkinson hopes fans can help his side keep up their momentum before travelling back down to Selhurst Park for the FA Cup replay.

“It’s going to be a tough run because there is Southend after that as well but our focus will be on Saturday and we’ll need every single one of those fans who cheered us against Palace to get behind us again, right until the end of the season,” he said.

“You can feel the atmosphere is getting better each week. There is nothing better as a player than when you can’t wait to get out there and play in front of your own fans.

“I like to think the Bolton fans have seen that this season.”

Wanderers have appointed Patricia Anderson, wife of chairman Ken, to the board of directors at Bolton Wanderers Football and Athletic Company - the football arm of Burnden Leisure Ltd.

The club has also confirmed the arrival of former Northampton Town and Stockport County winger Ali Gibb as their new senior academy physiotherapist. The 40-year-old had been working with Shrewsbury Town.