TONY Parkes insisted today that he does not want to manage Blackburn Rovers on a permanent basis despite mounting speculation linking him with the post.

Dave Bassett's decision to commit himself to Barnsley has forced the Ewood board back to the drawing board, triggering the possibility of an attempt to persaude Parkes to change his mind.

Norwich boss Bruce Rioch is the new big name in the frame but he has refused point blank to discuss the possibility of a move to Ewood, although he fits the board's bill in many respects.

Howard Wilkinson, who has not been offered a contract extension in his post as FA technical director, is another name being touted.

Popular caretaker Parkes, however, is adamant he does not want his fifth stint in charge to become permanent.

And he believes it's vital that they appoint a new man who could bring some fresh ideas to the club.

"As I've said before, caretaker managers are usually short term solutions," said Parkes.

"I've been fortunate enough to get winning starts in the past and then managed to pick up a few points after that.

"But, gradually, there's a levelling out period and that's when you need a new manager in.

"He can then come in with a few new ideas and perhaps a couple of new faces as well.

"So, as far as I'm concerned, the situation hasn't changed from my point of view.

"I don't want the job permanently."

That won't stop some sections of the Ewood faithful pushing for Parkes to be appointed.

And as long as he keeps getting the results, he will become an increasingly attractive prospect to Jack Walker and his board. Meanwhile, Rovers are currently unbeaten in three under Parkes as they prepare for the visit of Stockport County tomorrow.

But the caretaker boss is warning his troops to be on their guard against the men from Edgeley Park.

"I've seen them a few times this season and Andy Kilner seems to be getting the best out of his players," said Parkes.

"They work hard, they've no frills and everything they do is very basic so they'll be a tough side to beat.

"There aren't any household names in their line-up so when people see the team-sheet they will probably be wondering who they are.

"But they have got players who are obviously doing jobs for the team.

"I wouldn't call them a footballing side.

"But you don't stay in the top six in the First Division for most of the season so far for nothing."

Rovers problems in front of goal came back to haunt them again on Tuesday night when they drew a blank against lowly Crewe.

But Parkes is not unduly worried by his side's current lack of firepower and he is backing his front men to come good, sooner rather than later.

"We haven't got too many goals this season but teams have been successful in the past without scoring bagfuls, provided they keep it tight at the back.

"If we can keep it tight at the back ourselves we don't need to score many. "Our strikers have hit lean times, to be honest, this season but things haven't gone for them in front of goal at times.

"But they are continuing to work hard and, as long as they do that, the chances will come."

Parkes has injury worries over defensive duo Darren Peacock and Jeff Kenna ahead of the clash.

Peacock injured a heel against Fulham last weekend which forced him out of the game against Crewe in midweek while Kenna has picked up a slight knock in training.

"Hopefully, Darren will train today and we'll have to look at how he is," said Parkes.

"Jeff also picked up a bit of a knock in training the other day but he should be okay."

Jason McAteer and Craig Short have also complained of slight twinges since the Crewe game but they should be okay.

Rovers will choose from: Kelly, Grayson, Harkness, Davidson, Kenna, Short, Peacock, Dailly, Taylor, Carsley, McAteer, Duff, Dunn, Wilcox, Jansen, Frandsen, Ostenstad, Ward, Blake, Filan.

Meanwhile, Stockport boss Andy Kilner is hoping star striker Laurent D'Jaffo will be back from injury for the clash.

County's eight-goal top scorer picked up a knock last weekend which forced him to miss the 2-0 defeat against WBA in midweek.

Fellow striker Aaron Wilbraham seems certain to be missing, however, due to personal problems.

And Chris Byrne starts a three-game suspension.

But on-loan winger Chris Allen - who had a trial spell with Burnley earlier this season - should be fit to return.

Kilner will choose from: Nash, Connelly, Nicholson, Flynn, McIntosh, Smith, Dinning, Gannon, Allen, Cooper, Moore, D'Jaffo, Bergersen, Bailey, Briggs, Gray.

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