Manager believes the side will soon reap the rewards of their recent positive performances
Dougie Freedman is confident that Wanderers will start to pick up the wins that their performances deserve, as the Whites continued their preparations for Saturday’s visit of Charlton Athletic to the Reebok.
James Vaughan’s 87th-minute strike snatched a late point for the Terriers last weekend, after second-half goals from Mark Davies and Chris Eagles had initially set the Trotters up for victory.
Despite the result, Freedman was happy with the Whites’ performance at the John Smith’s Stadium, but has voiced the importance of turning their matchday dominance into three points.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Freedman said: “We have certainly shown in the last few weeks in our performances that we are more than capable of winning matches in this division and now we have to go and show our fans that.
“I am proud with the way things are going and the way the players have embraced the coaching. As I have said, the performances are there for everyone to see and in most games we have outperformed the opposition. Now I feel that the results have to try and match that.
“I think we have been a lot smarter in the way we go about our business and the way we have been pressing people at the right time and in the right areas. That certainly has been a factor in our performances of late and that is all credit to the lads for taking that on board.
“I like to play with a team that understand each other and I think we are starting to see that. We are working hard with each other and we are playing a style of football that I think can create a lot of opportunities. We now need to be stronger defensively , and we know that. We are working towards that and if we get that right we will start putting the wins together.”
Freedman has expressed his joy after Jacob Butterfield’s loan deal was extended into the New Year, and he believes the 22-year-old can play an integral part as the Whites head into a busy Christmas schedule, beginning with Charlton on Saturday.
“I think Jacob is an important player for us,” Freedman added. “I have felt that his match fitness is getting better and I think in the games he has played he has shown great confidence on the ball. With the games coming up he can help us. He has offered a lot since he arrived here and he is a good young lad who wants to work hard and get better.
“Saturday will be another difficult game against a promoted side that will be playing with confidence. Chris Powell has done a fantastic job down there and we have to take the game to them and make sure we apply ourselves properly. I feel that the way we are performing right now and the way we prepare for each game is good.
“Chris Powell has recruited players from the Premier League and experienced Championship players that understand what their roles and responsibilities are, so it will be a tough match for us. But we need to concentrate on our own game and I feel if we can do that then we have enough to win.”