"Getting this result, it definitely puts me in a good place. But as long as we are picking up points then I will be happy," says Tim Ream
Tim Ream is confident that his return to the Bolton Wanderers defence can coincide with a good run of form for the team.The American international was restored to the team against Bristol City – his first competitive match in nearly two months following on from his last appearance at the KC Stadium against Hull City on September 1.
Ream says that finding himself out of favour was tough to accept, but he is determined to make the most of this opportunity after being rewarded for an admirable attitude in recent weeks.
He said: “I found out that I would be playing on Friday when we went through a few things. It was nice to be out there, back playing with the guys and contributing in any way that I can.
“Getting this result, it definitely puts me in a good place. But as long as we are picking up points then I will be happy.
“Every player goes through a stage in their career when they have to take a step back and put in the dirty work off the field and not play in the first team games.
“Over the last few weeks I’ve really tried to work on the things that I struggled with early on. Hopefully that’s all behind me and I can get regular 90 minutes from now on in.”
Admittedly, Ream’s outing on Saturday didn’t start in the best way. With Bristol City already a goal up early on, he then upended Martyn Woolford in the penalty area allowing for Steven Davies to double the lead from the resulting spot kick.
Though an assured defensive showing from there on in saw the visitors limited to speculative pot shots from distance, as the Trotters eventually turned the game on its head.
“We don’t have time to dwell on things,” Ream continued. “You have to look forward to the next game. When you are winning, you want the games to come thick and fast and this week they definitely are.
“Last season I remember us starting poorly at Wolves and we can’t afford that this time. The skipper (Kevin Davies) scored to put the nail in their coffin, although we did give up another goal late on.
“It doesn’t matter who we are playing – we have to go out there and put in the same effort that we did on Saturday. If you do that, everything else will fall into place and that is something that the coaching staff have been preaching.
“If we stay solid defensively and move the ball around as team, we will create chances and be good to go.”