Monday 29 September 2014 10:58, UK
Bolton defender Kevin McNaughton has insisted the players are to blame for the club’s poor start to the season, not boss Dougie Freedman.
After a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Derby County on Saturday, the Trotters dropped into the bottom three after slumping to their sixth Sky Bet Championship defeat of the season.
And fans made their feelings clear throughout the match with several chants directed at the former Crystal Palace boss, with protests also continuing after the match.
However, McNaughton believes that it is the players who must stand up and be counted, and it is down to them to turn things around.
“The manager sends you out with instructions and if you don’t follow those instructions it falls on the players' heads," Freedman told the Daily Mirror.
“There will be players that are hurting, there will be players that are not.
“Frustrations have heightened, and that is understandable.”
Freedman himself has admitted he has made some mistakes this season, but is focused on the task at hand.
“I expect to be in charge for the Fulham game on Wednesday,” Freedman added.
“Right now we are getting it wrong. But that just makes me more determined.
“I fully understand fans’ frustrations. They pay good money and have their opinions.
“I am disappointed myself.”
