Dougie Freedman: Never say die!

Bolton's away loss to Ispwich Town this last weekend was definitely a blow to Wanderers' playoff hopes but it wasn't the knockout punch that many are making it out to be. Following the match, Twitter exploded in its typical ferver with some (frankly ridiculous) shouts of "not good enough, Dougie" or criticizing the team selection. That, however, is neither here nor there as that sort of behavior is really as you were.

Anyway, following the match, Dougie spoke in the Bolton News and refused to write off Bolton Wanderers' chances:

"I am a football fan and if you are asking sensible questions of me and have seen us play for the last 10 games, then again today, you'll know there is still an opportunity to get into that position.

"Of course, this is not the result we wanted but it's not the end of us.

"We are more than capable of going and getting four or five wins again."

Dougie also shared his thoughts on the match with the club's official website. It took an 88th minute goal from Ispwich Town captain Carlos Edwards (after it fell kindly to him following his blocked first attempt) to beat Bolton. The manager said:

"We are obviously disappointed with the result. The lads in the dressing at full time were upset that we didn't win the game.

"I felt we were dominant in possession throughout, but that we could have possibly worked the goalkeeper a little more when we were going forward.

"We did make chances and created the opportunities in the final third, but that final decision as to whether to shoot or pass wasn't quite right.

"The commitment was certainly there from both sets of players and I thought it was a tough Championship game, with two sides going all out for the win.

"Ipswich are a difficult side to play against. Mick has got them working hard and they, like us, fought for every loose ball.

"I've been in this game a long time and know that there's still a long way to go.

Bolton now have a two week lay-off thanks to a FIFA international break. There will be a few Wanderers in action over that period, including: Craig Dawson, Marvin Sordell, Adam Bogdan, Chung-Yong Lee, and Sam Ricketts. The Trotters' next match is a journey south to the Valley on 30 March.

"The important thing is that we don't look back. We'll now go away and regroup over the international break and come back fresh for our next away trip to Charlton.

"There's no doubt in my mind that we can go on another unbeaten run if we play the way we are at the moment."