ANDY KING has not completely given up on 'the miracle' of automatic promotion but accepts that anything less than a play-off place will signal a disappointing campaign as he prepares for the visit of Bournemouth tomorrow.

The Town boss admits there is a sense of frustration that his team are not sitting where he expected them to be at this stage.

However, with 66 points still to be played for, King remains positive that 2003-04 could still be a campaign to remember.

He said: "I think the two strongest sides are at the top in Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth Argyle. They've got away from the rest.

"Maybe we are now fighting for a play-off place, although I haven't given up all hope of a miracle and a little bit more.

"Sixty-eight points or so would be required for the play-offs perhaps.

"I think there is still a belief in the town and among the supporters that we can reach the play-offs.

"The numbers through the gate tell you that.

"We can still put a run of results together. We are certainly one of the teams capable of doing so.

"Pace, physique and organisation will get you out of this division.

"Consistency is the other key thing and that's what we need to find.

"Let's have the passion, commitment and tempo that marked the Brighton match in our remaining games. So yes, the play-offs have to be the target.

"If not, I have to say that it will be a disappointing season for me if we don't achieve that."

Securing a play-off place could depend on the club's ability to hang on to key players - specifically striker Sam Parkin.

With the transfer window now open, speculation surrounding the striker will only grow more intense.

But King is not concerned in the slightest.

He said: "Why should I be surprised there have been inquiries?

"What I'm shocked about is that they're not Premiership inquiries.

"Sunderland are one of those who've been mentioned.

"They put in a £700,000 bid for Jon Stead of Huddersfield.

"But Parkin is better in my opinion.

"Stead hasn't scored 26 goals in a season in this league. Parkin's on his way to doing it twice.

"But I don't want to lose Sam Parkin. I'd turn down every bid I had if I could.

"But it's not my money and I have to answer to a board of directors and it's their choice eventually.

"If it was up to me I wouldn't sell Sam Parkin for all the gold in China."

Parkin continues to be linked with moves elsewhere with Sunderland, Sheffield United and Reading among those rumoured to be interested.