"There's one thing of which there is no doubt - he will be back," said Parry.
"I think it will be within the time frame that we have consistently spelt out from day one, and I'm not going to be more specific.
"He was wholly involved in the signing of Abel Xavier and Nicolas Anelka, we talk every day, normally several times a day.
"His presence is felt even if he is not physically with us."