AFTER returning from his first pre-season tour as manager of Bolton Wanderers, Sammy Lee feels his education as manager of the Whites is helping him come to terms of the stresses and strains of being a top Premier League manager.

Lee saw his experienced squad reach the prestigious Peace Cup Final in South Korea on Saturday only to see his team fall at the final hurdle against top European club side Lyon.

Lee was pleased with his preparations during the 14 day trip to South East Asia.

"It has been a gruelling trip but the lads have coped well during the heat and humidity. The Koreans were most hospital able throughout our stay. It was a well organised competition featuring some best teams in the world and nit was a great honour to be part of the Peace Cup. We came very close to winning the tournament but it was more about our preparation going into the Barclays Premier League season.

"The Koreans love their football and they have shown a great affinity to Bolton Wanderers and the Premier league. This is an area we would love to tap into and we are looking at ways of increasing our awareness going forward in this part of the world."

Lee is also happy with the way he is trying to assert his authority at the club and hopes the changes he makes will have a positive impact on the Club.

He added:

"I knew what I was letting myself in for. I wanted the job and now I have got it, I am not going to shy away from it. I know what a great job Sam did at this club, alongside Phil Gartside and Eddie Davies, the owner. But I also know who has done a great job here and that is the players. More should be made of that than it has been. I have no illusions about the task I have taken on. But I have always wanted it. Rather than be afraid or scared of it, I am looking forward to it.

I" hope being a good coach can translate into being a good manager. That is what I have always wanted. If people make the mistake of me being nice for being weak, they are in for a very rude awakening.

"I don't think it is a case of imposing anything. For me, it is about a team

- and I have a team behind the team. If we can gel we will be very successful. It is not a case of imposing anything. It is about having a natural bond and empathy.

"It is a team game. I am not going to give bullet points or soundbites. You have individuals within the team. You have to adhere to the team ethic. I am very big on teamwork, team ethic and team respect. I don't think you can do it just on individuals alone. You must have a team bond, a team unity, a team plan and a team ethic."