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The league table has made grim viewing for Wanderers this week, yet Neil Lennon remains convinced the slump is a temporary one.
Pick your statistic – a club record six competitive games without a goal, one point from a possible nine, or if you take last season into consideration just one win in 12; it’s hardly cheery reading material.
Yet the Whites boss refuses to be downbeat. The cautious optimism felt after a draw against Derby County has ebbed away on the terraces but Lennon insists spirit is nothing to worry about in his camp.
“We are not struggling in terms of performances; we are struggling in terms of results,” he told The Bolton News. “Confidence is there in the way we have played. We are just not taking our opportunities. It can’t go on forever; it has to change, hopefully sooner rather than later.
“Looking at Tuesday’s performance (at MK Dons) in the cold light of day, we actually played well. I would be more concerned if we weren’t creating chances. We are not just creating one or two but four, five, six. It was the same against Burton.
“The only disappointing aspect of the season so far has been the first half against Middlesbrough. It will turn. It has to turn. We must make it turn.
“In terms of willingness to play, there is belief within the squad they will get it right. You can’t dwell on it too long. The more you talk about it, the more anxious some people might get. We have said just keep playing the way you are and your luck will change.
“We’ve got one point, we’re bottom of the league, that’s the reality of it. I don’t think there’s a lot wrong and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the spirit.”
Lennon has not ordered extra shooting practice but hinted that some of his strikers have taken it on their own initiative to stay behind in training this week.
Zach Clough and Gary Madine both had chances to open their account for the season at Stadium:MK in midweek and the manager is confident it is only a matter of time before they are celebrating a goal.
“Maybe it’s a wee bit of luck that we need or a bit more composure in front of goal because our build-up play has been fantastic,” he said.
“We could be sitting here talking about two goal-of-the-season contenders. Zach Clough’s mazy dribble and a last-ditch tackle and Gary Madine taking the ball on the chest, chipping the ball over the defender but it wouldn’t sit right for him to get a shot away
“The play is there, the quality is there, and I don’t think the finish is far away.”
Dougie Freedman and Matt Mills' return to the Macron with Forest has provided a welcome distraction for Lennon and supporters this week – although Lennon refused to add any extra fuel to the fire in what is likely to be a hot reception for the former manager and captain.
“Personally, I like Dougie and I’ve got on well with him over the years,” he said. “This is his first time back but I’m only going to concentrate on what I want to do, and that’s beat Nottingham Forest.
“The performance down there last season was poor, no question. Some players will want to rectify that.
“Millsy will be there. We know him inside out and we’ll welcome him back. I don’t know what the fans will make of it but he did a good job in the short time he was playing under us.”
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Pick your statistic – a club record six competitive games without a goal, one point from a possible nine, or if you take last season into consideration just one win in 12; it’s hardly cheery reading material.
Yet the Whites boss refuses to be downbeat. The cautious optimism felt after a draw against Derby County has ebbed away on the terraces but Lennon insists spirit is nothing to worry about in his camp.
“We are not struggling in terms of performances; we are struggling in terms of results,” he told The Bolton News. “Confidence is there in the way we have played. We are just not taking our opportunities. It can’t go on forever; it has to change, hopefully sooner rather than later.
“Looking at Tuesday’s performance (at MK Dons) in the cold light of day, we actually played well. I would be more concerned if we weren’t creating chances. We are not just creating one or two but four, five, six. It was the same against Burton.
“The only disappointing aspect of the season so far has been the first half against Middlesbrough. It will turn. It has to turn. We must make it turn.
“In terms of willingness to play, there is belief within the squad they will get it right. You can’t dwell on it too long. The more you talk about it, the more anxious some people might get. We have said just keep playing the way you are and your luck will change.
“We’ve got one point, we’re bottom of the league, that’s the reality of it. I don’t think there’s a lot wrong and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the spirit.”
Lennon has not ordered extra shooting practice but hinted that some of his strikers have taken it on their own initiative to stay behind in training this week.
Zach Clough and Gary Madine both had chances to open their account for the season at Stadium:MK in midweek and the manager is confident it is only a matter of time before they are celebrating a goal.
“Maybe it’s a wee bit of luck that we need or a bit more composure in front of goal because our build-up play has been fantastic,” he said.
“We could be sitting here talking about two goal-of-the-season contenders. Zach Clough’s mazy dribble and a last-ditch tackle and Gary Madine taking the ball on the chest, chipping the ball over the defender but it wouldn’t sit right for him to get a shot away
“The play is there, the quality is there, and I don’t think the finish is far away.”
Dougie Freedman and Matt Mills' return to the Macron with Forest has provided a welcome distraction for Lennon and supporters this week – although Lennon refused to add any extra fuel to the fire in what is likely to be a hot reception for the former manager and captain.
“Personally, I like Dougie and I’ve got on well with him over the years,” he said. “This is his first time back but I’m only going to concentrate on what I want to do, and that’s beat Nottingham Forest.
“The performance down there last season was poor, no question. Some players will want to rectify that.
“Millsy will be there. We know him inside out and we’ll welcome him back. I don’t know what the fans will make of it but he did a good job in the short time he was playing under us.”
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