Dougie Freedman admits Bolton Wanderers face a tough task to get back into the Premier League but is refusing to give up on promotion.
The Trotters embarked on an eight-game unbeaten run in February that has brought them to within two points of the Championship play-offs.
But despite winning their last seven league games at the Reebok Stadium, Freedman believes his side still need to give everything they have to gain promotion.
“To bounce straight back is more beneficial,” he told BBC Late Kick-Off North West. “Everybody wants to play, manage and support their team in the Premier League.
“My worry is the games are running out. If you gave me another dozen games I’d be very confident about getting into the play-offs.
“We need to make sure we perform at a good level from now until the end of the season. We’ll keep on winning and we’ll see what happens.”
Having been relegated after 11 seasons in the Premier League, the Whites were expected to be contenders for automatic promotion.
However Wanderers sat in 18th after ten games, prompting the board to sack then-boss Owen Coyle last October and appoint Freedman.
With only one in four teams returning to the Premier League at the first attempt, Freedman hopes Bolton can be in the minority who manage the feat.
“We’re going to give it everything we’ve got and try to buck the trend,” said the Glaswegian.
“Many teams in this division have played in the Premier League and are trying to get back there.
“We’re working very hard at keeping our feet on the ground, making sure we’re doing the simple things very well and everybody’s facing the right direction.”
Bolton’s next game is this Saturday against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Image courtesy of BWFC Official, via YouTube, with thanks.
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