Parky Denies Oxford Link

Last updated : 01 October 2002 By Rob Cooper

Phil Parkinson
Parkinson (right) battles for the ball
After ten years at Reading Football Club captain Phil Parkinson has found it hard to get into the side this year and appears ready to bring the curtain down on a successful career.

Rumours had suggested that Parky, who has been doing ever-increasing ammounts of coaching in recent years, was set to join Division Three side Oxford United in order to gain first team football in the twlight years of his career.

However the legend himself claims that the rumours are purely speculation.

Parkinson told Teamtalk.com: "I'm not looking for a move I'm happy being part of the squad here and fighting for a place.

"Every player whether they are 18 or 19, or 34 or 35, wants to play every week. But if I am not in the side that is something I have to accept.

"I knew I had to be realistic at the start of the season, keep myself as fit as possible and see what happens."

Last week Parky took charge of the reserves for their friendly at home to Portsmouth. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile, Adi Viveash is expected to return to Reading when his loan spell at Oxford finishes at the weekend.