Dougie Freedman reveals he is still on the lookout for players to add to his squad ahead of the season opener at Burnley next month.
The Whites played their penultimate pre-season friendly at Carlisle United on Tuesday night, losing 1-0 to the League One side following Lee Miller’s goal in the 13th minute.
Speaking after the game, the Bolton boss explained he was happy to see Jermaine Beckford make his Wanderers bow at Brunton Park.
“It was good to see Jermaine Beckford and Chung-Yong Lee come on in the second half,” said the manager.
“I am currently analysing what we need ahead of the first game against Burnley.
“We are doing our very best to give people opportunities to play and that is what pre-season is all about.
“We went on a fantastic run at the end of the season and three or four players frankly didn’t play for us, so I am giving them opportunities to see if they can take us to the right level. That is what games like tonight are for.
“We are trying to play a certain way, we are trying to play through the middle of the park and that has to be worked on.
“We need the personnel and we are still having a look to see who is available and I am sure we will get there in the end.
“The reason we played against Carlisle tonight is to help the players get fitter, get organised and see if one or two players will help us going forward.
“Chris Eagles is a fantastic footballer, if I play Chris in the number ten position I feel I am taking away his crossing qualities.
“I have to be very mindful what I can take away from Chris rather than put into him and he can play three or four different roles. Chris creates and scores goals and it is somebody I am trying to work the team around and hopefully we can keep on working and getting better.”
Speaking after the game, the Bolton boss explained he was happy to see Jermaine Beckford make his Wanderers bow at Brunton Park.
“It was good to see Jermaine Beckford and Chung-Yong Lee come on in the second half,” said the manager.
“I am currently analysing what we need ahead of the first game against Burnley.
“We are doing our very best to give people opportunities to play and that is what pre-season is all about.
“We went on a fantastic run at the end of the season and three or four players frankly didn’t play for us, so I am giving them opportunities to see if they can take us to the right level. That is what games like tonight are for.
“We are trying to play a certain way, we are trying to play through the middle of the park and that has to be worked on.
“We need the personnel and we are still having a look to see who is available and I am sure we will get there in the end.
“The reason we played against Carlisle tonight is to help the players get fitter, get organised and see if one or two players will help us going forward.
“Chris Eagles is a fantastic footballer, if I play Chris in the number ten position I feel I am taking away his crossing qualities.
“I have to be very mindful what I can take away from Chris rather than put into him and he can play three or four different roles. Chris creates and scores goals and it is somebody I am trying to work the team around and hopefully we can keep on working and getting better.”