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Remi Matthews secured a point for Bolton Wanderers with a last-minute save against Accrington Stanley – then admitted he did not know what his future has in store.
The Whites keeper is one of 15 out-of-contract senior professionals at the University of Bolton Stadium this summer and is currently unsure whether he will be staying with the club.
Now 21 points from safety with a game in hand on 20th placed Rochdale, it seems inevitable that Wanderers will be playing League Two football next season.
But Matthews believes there are still personal goals to be played for, whether players intend to remain at Bolton, or not.
“You have a lot of players out of contract – and I have said to the lads that sometimes you have to play for yourself, your career, and that will be the case of the final 12 games,” he told The Bolton News. “Whether that is another contract here or elsewhere.
“I think this is the first year I will be out of contract. Every other year I have had an extension.
“It is in the back of my head. Anything could happen. I can’t sit here and say I’ll be playing here, or signing for whoever, it’s a case of taking it game by game.
“I came to Bolton because I wanted to play games, and I’ve done exactly that.”
Saturday’s result, which ended a run of five consecutive defeats, was marred by a slight hamstring injury which forced Jack Hobbs off at half time.
But the first half performance in particular may have eased some of the pressure which had been building on the shoulders of manager, Keith Hill.
“It has been a tough few months,” Matthews reflected. “We started well when the new manager came in and I think we have done okay. We’ve had some bad results but you look at some of the struggles we have had – even today when Hobbsy pulled up – has there been much luck?
“People may say Bolton is the place not to come if you want good luck but that will soon change. I hope next season will be a lot different. The gaffer can come in early doors for pre-season, bring in the players he wants, and get things the way he really wants them.
“It was tough for anyone coming in. He’s done it during the course of the season where the lads have been mentally all over the place.
“I think he has done well – and I have to be careful because I am sure people will jump all over me again – people don’t see how much hard work goes on behind the scenes, him, Flicker and Polly, they work their butt off.
“Sometimes it isn’t down to them, simple as that. Individuals errors like conceding that goal at Blackpool with the last kick of the game, he can only prepare and pick a team. And as I said from the start, on paper I think this team is a very good League One side.
“Things have happened with injuries but that is what happens with football, you just have to keep on going, and not let the negativity get to you. If you do, you might as well give up.”
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The Whites keeper is one of 15 out-of-contract senior professionals at the University of Bolton Stadium this summer and is currently unsure whether he will be staying with the club.
Now 21 points from safety with a game in hand on 20th placed Rochdale, it seems inevitable that Wanderers will be playing League Two football next season.
But Matthews believes there are still personal goals to be played for, whether players intend to remain at Bolton, or not.
“You have a lot of players out of contract – and I have said to the lads that sometimes you have to play for yourself, your career, and that will be the case of the final 12 games,” he told The Bolton News. “Whether that is another contract here or elsewhere.
“I think this is the first year I will be out of contract. Every other year I have had an extension.
“It is in the back of my head. Anything could happen. I can’t sit here and say I’ll be playing here, or signing for whoever, it’s a case of taking it game by game.
“I came to Bolton because I wanted to play games, and I’ve done exactly that.”
Saturday’s result, which ended a run of five consecutive defeats, was marred by a slight hamstring injury which forced Jack Hobbs off at half time.
But the first half performance in particular may have eased some of the pressure which had been building on the shoulders of manager, Keith Hill.
“It has been a tough few months,” Matthews reflected. “We started well when the new manager came in and I think we have done okay. We’ve had some bad results but you look at some of the struggles we have had – even today when Hobbsy pulled up – has there been much luck?
“People may say Bolton is the place not to come if you want good luck but that will soon change. I hope next season will be a lot different. The gaffer can come in early doors for pre-season, bring in the players he wants, and get things the way he really wants them.
“It was tough for anyone coming in. He’s done it during the course of the season where the lads have been mentally all over the place.
“I think he has done well – and I have to be careful because I am sure people will jump all over me again – people don’t see how much hard work goes on behind the scenes, him, Flicker and Polly, they work their butt off.
“Sometimes it isn’t down to them, simple as that. Individuals errors like conceding that goal at Blackpool with the last kick of the game, he can only prepare and pick a team. And as I said from the start, on paper I think this team is a very good League One side.
“Things have happened with injuries but that is what happens with football, you just have to keep on going, and not let the negativity get to you. If you do, you might as well give up.”
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