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Phil Parkinson could offer no defence for Wanderers’ latest failure, which put them on the verge of a return to League One.
A 2-0 defeat at Burton Albion means even a win against Nottingham Forest might not be good enough to avoid relegation on the final day of the season.
A disconsolate Bolton boss apologised to supporters, who had voiced their displeasure in no uncertain terms at the Pirelli Stadium, chanting to the players: “You’re not fit to wear the shirt.”
A small group of fans also tried to confront Parkinson and his staff in the dugout before stewards intervened, while several people were also escorted from the stadium after fighting broke out moments after Burton’s second goal.
Parkinson, whose own position may now come under serious examination, told The Bolton News: “I always defend the lads but I can’t here.
“We had spoken about conceding goals, and if we did we had to show more than we have in this run. But what we just saw was not good enough and I can only apologise to the supporters.
“Every challenge they went in for the sparks were flying. They did all the horrible things to make sure they won the game. We have had some disappointing performances but with so much at stake, and knowing what kind of game it was going to be, I can’t explain it.
“It wasn’t pretty and it never was going to be on a heavy pitch. It was always going to be the basic things that had to be done right – defending set plays, making sure we were strong for first and second balls. They were going to be the key deciding factors. Once they got the goals they were first to everything. We looked like a team that had the stuffing knocked out of us.”
Wanderers have one last chance to escape and victory against Forest, coupled with defeat for Barnsley and Burton at Derby and Preston, respectively, would be enough. Birmingham could also get dragged in should they fail to beat Fulham, with Reading – who face Cardiff but have a better goal difference - also an outside shot.
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A 2-0 defeat at Burton Albion means even a win against Nottingham Forest might not be good enough to avoid relegation on the final day of the season.
A disconsolate Bolton boss apologised to supporters, who had voiced their displeasure in no uncertain terms at the Pirelli Stadium, chanting to the players: “You’re not fit to wear the shirt.”
A small group of fans also tried to confront Parkinson and his staff in the dugout before stewards intervened, while several people were also escorted from the stadium after fighting broke out moments after Burton’s second goal.
Parkinson, whose own position may now come under serious examination, told The Bolton News: “I always defend the lads but I can’t here.
“We had spoken about conceding goals, and if we did we had to show more than we have in this run. But what we just saw was not good enough and I can only apologise to the supporters.
“Every challenge they went in for the sparks were flying. They did all the horrible things to make sure they won the game. We have had some disappointing performances but with so much at stake, and knowing what kind of game it was going to be, I can’t explain it.
“It wasn’t pretty and it never was going to be on a heavy pitch. It was always going to be the basic things that had to be done right – defending set plays, making sure we were strong for first and second balls. They were going to be the key deciding factors. Once they got the goals they were first to everything. We looked like a team that had the stuffing knocked out of us.”
Wanderers have one last chance to escape and victory against Forest, coupled with defeat for Barnsley and Burton at Derby and Preston, respectively, would be enough. Birmingham could also get dragged in should they fail to beat Fulham, with Reading – who face Cardiff but have a better goal difference - also an outside shot.
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