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Neil Lennon has served notice to Wanderers that failure will not be tolerated again next season.
The Whites boss read the riot act to his side after they slumped to defeat in the final game of the campaign against Birmingham City and did not join in with the lap of appreciation after the final whistle.
Instead the Northern Irishman delivered a final verdict to the press, promising to improve on the inconsistent results which have dogged his side since the turn of the year.
“There are going to be changes, we need to make them if we are going to improve as a football club,” he told The Bolton News.
“We know what we have to do, we need to bring in players who are hungrier but also we need to get more out of the players who will stay with us.
“It is a huge challenge. Thankfully we kept our Championship position a few weeks ago but it’s been a disappointing season, no question about it.”
Lennon is expected to name his retained list this week, the first step in what will be a thorough rebuilding effort over the off-season.
And Tim Ream, who finished Saturday’s game as captain, knows there is an onus on the players to improve.
“He’s made it absolutely clear,” said the American defender. “The gaffer is not going to allow this up-and-down rollercoaster next year.
“He did what he was brought into do and that was to keep us in the Championship. He has done a fantastic job in turning this team around but the fact of the matter he is not going to allow us to sit back and not win games.
“He is a born winner and comes from that background. That is what he is trying to instil in us.
“We have to accept it is open season if you are not doing what you are supposed to do. You deserve to get a rollocking, but you take the criticism and move on to the next game.”
Ream admits it comes as a slight relief to have finished the season – even though he faces a potentially busy summer on the international front.
The centre-half played 49 games in all competitions this term, one of few players to have avoided injury problems throughout.
Nevertheless the 27-year-old concedes defeat against Birmingham was a sad way to bow out in front of the Wanderers fans.
“It’s not the way we wanted to finish but now we will regroup and get ready for the next season,” he said.
“It is a bit of an unspoken thing but we’re glad to put the season behind us. Mentally and physically the guys need a break.
“There are very few positives from the season. Certainly no one can be pleased with first part of season but as it has gone on more consistency has been there.”
Ream was also delighted on a personal note to be named the club’s player of the year for the second year running.
“To be voted by the fans, there is no better feeling. It is very special and I will always cherish it,” he said.
“I have played 49 games this year, so must be doing something right.”
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The Whites boss read the riot act to his side after they slumped to defeat in the final game of the campaign against Birmingham City and did not join in with the lap of appreciation after the final whistle.
Instead the Northern Irishman delivered a final verdict to the press, promising to improve on the inconsistent results which have dogged his side since the turn of the year.
“There are going to be changes, we need to make them if we are going to improve as a football club,” he told The Bolton News.
“We know what we have to do, we need to bring in players who are hungrier but also we need to get more out of the players who will stay with us.
“It is a huge challenge. Thankfully we kept our Championship position a few weeks ago but it’s been a disappointing season, no question about it.”
Lennon is expected to name his retained list this week, the first step in what will be a thorough rebuilding effort over the off-season.
And Tim Ream, who finished Saturday’s game as captain, knows there is an onus on the players to improve.
“He’s made it absolutely clear,” said the American defender. “The gaffer is not going to allow this up-and-down rollercoaster next year.
“He did what he was brought into do and that was to keep us in the Championship. He has done a fantastic job in turning this team around but the fact of the matter he is not going to allow us to sit back and not win games.
“He is a born winner and comes from that background. That is what he is trying to instil in us.
“We have to accept it is open season if you are not doing what you are supposed to do. You deserve to get a rollocking, but you take the criticism and move on to the next game.”
Ream admits it comes as a slight relief to have finished the season – even though he faces a potentially busy summer on the international front.
The centre-half played 49 games in all competitions this term, one of few players to have avoided injury problems throughout.
Nevertheless the 27-year-old concedes defeat against Birmingham was a sad way to bow out in front of the Wanderers fans.
“It’s not the way we wanted to finish but now we will regroup and get ready for the next season,” he said.
“It is a bit of an unspoken thing but we’re glad to put the season behind us. Mentally and physically the guys need a break.
“There are very few positives from the season. Certainly no one can be pleased with first part of season but as it has gone on more consistency has been there.”
Ream was also delighted on a personal note to be named the club’s player of the year for the second year running.
“To be voted by the fans, there is no better feeling. It is very special and I will always cherish it,” he said.
“I have played 49 games this year, so must be doing something right.”
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