R's target set to sign new deal with Robins

Last updated : 18 November 2003 By Mark O' Haire
Swindon Town chief executive Mark Devlin is confident Sam Parkin will sign a new deal with the club this week. The news that after further talks between Devlin and the striker's agent a new deal is edging ever closer should be the perfect tonic for Town fans ahead of Saturday's clash with league leaders Queens Park Rangers.

While Devlin remains guarded about the exact time frame he insists that a new contract is now just a phone call away.

"We are not far apart in terms of an agreement to extend Sam Parkin's contract with Swindon Town and we would love to sort it out before the visit of the second division leaders," said Devlin.

"I have had some very meaningful discussions with Sam's agent and I'm fairly confident Sam will extend his contract. Of course nothing is ever guaranteed in football but I can see no reason why it can't be tied up by the end of the week and a new deal could now be agreed on the phone."

Concerned fans have been worried that the signing of Rory Fallon from Barnsley suggests the club may cash in on Parkin now rather that take the risk of talks dragging on to the summer when his current deal will run out.

But Devlin refuted those fears and said the club wants to keep Parkin to maintain their challenge for promotion.

"I can understand how people might jump to that conclusion but it is simply not true," added Devlin.

"We are not actively looking to sell Sam Parkin. We want to keep him and that is why we have offered him a new contract."