Kieran Lee admits Wanderers needed a kick up the backside at Charlton.
Ian Evatt told his players in no uncertain terms that their performance had not been up to scratch at The Valley, even though Dapo Afolayan had got them back on level terms just before the break.
Bolton responded, with Lee scoring two of three second-half goals which piled more pressure on Charlton’s embattled boss Nigel Adkins.
“We started quite slowly and there were a few changes in the team. It isn’t an excuse but that might have played a part,” Lee reflected after the final whistle.
“Charlton started well and pressed strongly and it took us a while to get going but in the end we got the goals we needed, so that was all that matters.
“I think we needed and deserved (the rollocking). He gave us a bit and we got the win.
“But Dapo’s goal coming along when it did, we needed that just before half time to give us a lift.
“First half we struggled a bit and weren’t ourselves for some reason. But second half we stepped it up and you can see by the scoreline, we got what we deserved.”
Lee had only once before scored twice in a game, for Sheffield Wednesday against Nottingham Forest in 2016.
And having had one goal controversially ruled out against Burton Albion a few weeks ago, he was only too happy to recall the details of his brace on the night.
“The first one I saw everyone running in and I held my position, it came straight to me and luckily got a little deflection which took it past the keeper,” he said.
“The second one fell perfectly. You couldn’t miss, and I’ll take that.”
Lee had started only one other league game for Wanderers this season, losing his place to summer arrival Josh Sheehan.
But he hopes that his performance and goals at Charlton has given Evatt something to think about.
“It’s how it is,” he said. “We have been doing well. I know the last couple of results haven’t been what we wanted but the performances have been good, so I have had to take my time and a couple of goals today means I can stake a claim.”
Both of Lee’s goals were scored in front of the travelling supporters in the Jimmy Seed Stand – and the former Sheffield Wednesday man was delighted to send them home happy.
“It is brilliant, and it is what you play for,” he said. “We missed it last season but having them back is a massive bonus.”
Source