Andy King, Sam Parkin's previous boss, has been telling the local media of his reluctance to let his former frontman leave. King says that Town in Parkin have signed "a wonderful human being".

King said: "I have told their chairman that I think he's got a wonderful signing and it will give Joe Royle the push he needs to get promotion this year.

"I'll be very happy to see Parkin where he deserves to be, playing in the Premiership.

"I've got no doubt he should play in the Premiership. I can name you players now at that level who aren't as good as Parkin. I hope Joe Royle agrees with me in 12 months time."

He continued: "Once he spoke to Ipswich, that was the end of it for me. I felt he would sign for them. It is a real football club. Last year I thought they were the best team not to get promoted.

"Joe Royle has been at the top of the tree as a player and as a manager.

"Everything's right about the place. It is an exciting time for the kid.

"The only sad part in it is that I'm left here without him. It's a very sad day for Swindon Town. With my manager's hat on there's a massive void.

"But what people have to understand was that in 12 months time he was walking away from this football club for nothing.

"The other thing was he wanted that challenge at that next level as we've said. So he's gone but he leaves us with some very, very fond memories."

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