PHIL Parkinson should take any flak from City fans as a compliment, according to Jamie Proctor.

A travelling army of more than 4,300 are heading for Bolton next weekend for the first showdown with the former Bantams boss since he quit the club in June.

With both sides currently well placed in League One's top four, it is building up to be a huge occasion and the number of connections will add spice on and off the pitch.

Proctor followed Parkinson to the Macron Stadium – a move that did not go down well with City after the club had offered a new deal to keep him.

The striker is hoping the travelling support will recognise Parkinson's efforts in nearly five years at Valley Parade but insists the Bolton boss will not be fazed by any stick.

"I think you've always got the odd few fans who won't see the big picture and just see in the short term that he has left the club," said Proctor.

"Ultimately it's a compliment if they boo him because it shows they were disappointed to see him go.

"I think if they didn't care about him or have any feelings for him, they'd laugh it off themselves.

"It's the same for me. I think I did well in my short time there – but I've coped with that sort of thing in the past and I'm sure the manager has as well."

Proctor scored six times in 21 appearances for City during the second half of last season after arriving as part of the Devante Cole deal with Fleetwood in January.

He also netted the final goal of Parkinson's reign in the play-off exit to Millwall.

Proctor said: "I was only there a relatively short time but I know the history of what he did. It's very hard to miss.

"I'm hoping he gets a great reception from their fans because he did a massive amount for that club, in league position and cup runs as well.

"He brought a lot of success. But knowing him he'll keep calm and be professional about it, only looking to win three points."

Proctor can appreciate the hype around Saturday but insists Bolton's preparations will not change as they look to bounce straight back from a first loss of the season at Walsall – a defeat which cost them top spot.

"They're all big games but this one stands out a bit," he said.

"Bradford are still unbeaten so we'll have to take what we can out of the Walsall game, freshen up during the week and put everything we can into it. We need a big performance.

"We won't treat the game any differently but I can completely understand why the fans and people outside the club will see this as a special game because it is.

"It'll be close to a sell-out crowd, two teams right up there in the league, and it would be wrong if it wasn't built up.

"In terms of preparation it won't change what we do, though. For me, it won't make any difference. The gaffer and his staff will prepare as they always do."

City will be wary that Proctor is still looking to break his league duck. His only Bolton goal so far came in their EFL Cup exit at Blackpool.

He said: "I'd like to think my luck can change a bit. I've had a couple of good chances in the last couple of games and the keepers are making some great saves at the moment.

"I've been there before. You have to keep putting yourself in there, keep hitting the target and one will come sooner rather than later."