Neil Lennon has called on his Bolton side to bring some relief in a tough time for the club with a win at playoff contenders Reading.
During a testing week at the Macron Stadium, chairman Phil Gartside has stood aside due to poor health, with experienced chief executive Trevor Birch brought in to try and help sell the club.
With Lennon also told he cannot bring in players until that deal has gone through, the Whites boss has urged his current crop to step up on the field and elevate themselves from 23rd place.
“Trevor’s in to try and accelerate the process of selling the club now and I think time is of the essence because obviously the club is in a bit of difficulty at the moment,” Lennon explained.
“It should act as an extra bit of motivation for the players – can they perform in difficult times and galvanise the club and try and use that siege mentality to get some results now from here on in?”
Lennon’s bid to bring players in during the international break was thwarted when a move for Wolves winger Rajiv Van La Parra fell through, leaving the Whites, who have scored just six goals in eight away games, short on attacking options.
Gary Madine looks set to miss out at the Madejski Stadium with Shola Ameobi set to lead the line against Reading, who too have had a turbulent week, with rumours abound of manager Steve Clarke leaving for Fulham.
“We’ve missed opportunities to win games when we’ve drawn, home and away, so it’s putting the ball in the net that’s going to make the difference,” Lennon said.
“All teams have their inconsistencies in the Championship and Reading are no different to anyone else really.
“You never know which way it will go – if the manager does go, maybe the players get a bit pumped up on the rebound.
“They are a good team, they have got some very good players, and our away form has been poor.
“We’ve not won since April so it’s as good a time as any to rectify that.”
Image courtesy of BWFC via YouTube, with thanks.
