Striker offers his thoughts to the club's official website after late reverse to Middlesbrough
Speaking to the club’s official website following Saturday's late defeat to Middlesbrough at Macron Stadium, Emile Heskey called for Wanderers to take inspiration from their ultimately fruitless efforts against the Teessiders.
Despite leaving the clash with Aitor Karanka’s men empty handed, the Whites more than matched their top-of-the-table opponents for much of the game, even taking the lead through Josh Vela before Jordan Rhodes’ late double denied them a share of the spoils.
And reflecting upon the final result in the aftermath of the game, Heskey said, “It was tough. The lads gave so much today and it’s massively disappointing.
“If you look at the amount of times we’ve conceded and lost games in the 90th minute this season though, we’d be a lot further up the table than we are now. It wasn’t to be though.
“I think we’ve shown the same desire and determination for much of the season, but we haven’t really had the rub of the green.
“We’ve got to carry on doing that though into next season where we need to show character to push onwards and upwards.”
He continued, “I think there’s a lot to show for next season, especially with the younger lads who are going to have a good opportunity to play some regular football.
“They can show that they are able to compete for games too inside these final weeks of the season.
“On the other side of it, I don’t think the club will have a problem in attracting players in the summer because Bolton is a big club and an attractive one, but you always want to go out on a high.
“It’s not been a season to smile about, but we want to go out on as much of a high as we can for ourselves and more importantly, the fans.”
Touching upon his own future, the 38-year-old said, “I’m not sure what will happen for me personally – I’m going to have a rest in the summer and properly have a think about what I will do next.
“I’m doing my coaching badges now but I still feel as though I’ve got a lot to offer, although what capacity that will be in remains to be seen.”