American international admits his disappointment following Wanderers' final game of the 2014/15 season
Despite picking up his second consecutive Player of the Year award prior to Saturday’s final game of the season against Birmingham City, Tim Ream admitted that defeat to Gary Rowett’s men undoubtedly took some of the shine off his achievement.
With Robert Tesche’s first half strike proving decisive in a game of few chances at Macron Stadium, the American international was left rueing the chance to end the season on a high against the Blues.
“Whenever you lose a game it’s disappointing, but Saturday was just one of those end-of-season games where both teams didn’t have much to play for,” said Ream following the final whistle.
“You never want to lose and drop three points, especially at home, but against Birmingham we just didn’t play up to our abilities.
“There wasn’t much between the two sides really. I felt as though we had a lot of possession and saw a lot of the ball which is all fine and dandy, but if you don’t do anything with it then it can hurt you and it did.”
He continued: “Without a doubt, it will leave a bit of a sour taste in the mouth as we head into the summer, but especially the supporters who have come out all year long.
“That said though, it’s something we have to swallow in the off-season and come back raring to go in August.”
Having been presented with his trophy prior to kick-off against Birmingham, Ream reiterated his thanks to the club’s supporters whose votes ensured that the defender was awarded the accolade for the second year in succession.
“It’s a great feeling – it’s definitely one that gives you a couple of goosebumps whenever you hear people talking about it,” he said.
“When you have the fans voting on that award and for it to happen two years in a row, it’s something special. I mentioned in the matchday programme that it’s something that I’ll always cherish and it’s because of the fans that I’m able to win the award.”
With Saturday’s season finale also seeing the inclusion of youngster Quade Taylor in the heart of the Bolton defence for his senior debut, Ream paid tribute to the 21-year-old for his efforts during the clash whilst also touching on the impact of youth in the squad during the season as a whole.
“Quade did very well, especially with it being his debut,” said the 27-year-old. “He really stepped in and was talking a lot which you find that the younger players don’t do as much to begin with when they first come into the team.
“We had a lot of good communication and he was in the right spots when he needed to be alongside recovering when he wasn’t.
“Overall, he can be really pleased with his performance and he’s definitely going to be one for the future – you look at the guys like Tom Walker, Oscar Threlkeld, Zach Clough and Josh Vela coming in, and I’m sure Quade will be one to watch next season.
“Whenever you get the younger players coming through, it’s exciting as one of the more experienced guys.
“To see them all come through, this year alone, has been fun – to train with them and to watch them grow, it can only bring them great pride in themselves that they’ve been able to step in and really contribute.
“Without a doubt though, next season we’ll be looking to kick on and start next year as we mean to go on,” he continued.
“It’s something that’s been discussed in the changing room following the game and it’s the goal – the ultimate goal for us.
“We want to be up there challenging for promotion and fighting for a place in the top flight. There’s no ifs or buts about it - that is where we want to be.”