Dougie Freedman is confident he can turn the tide of criticism

Dougie Freedman is adamant he can still win over his critics and have a long-term future at Wanderers.

Calls for the Scot to be sacked intensified at the weekend following the 2-0 home defeat to Derby.

Tonight’s trip to Fulham may come as blessed relief from the stormy scenes that were witnessed at the Macron Stadium but Freedman is certain he can find a way out of the mire.

Speaking about the torrid atmosphere that may well resurface on Saturday when Wanderers return to host Bournemouth, the Whites boss said he believed he still had support at the club.

“It won’t go away quickly but there’s only one way it will disappear and that’s by getting results, we know that,” he told The Bolton News.

“I’ve been in this situation before as a player and as a manager and I’ve come out the other side. The only way you do it is by putting points on the board. I’m confident I will do that.

“Let’s get it very straight, it isn’t every single fan. I have people come up to me after the game that understand what’s going on.

“It’s sections of the crowd who might not completely understand where we are and where the club is at just now.

“There are sections who do understand, and want a bit better, and I understand them because I’m the same.

“Over the last couple of years the Bolton fans have been very supportive towards me but there are bound to be sections who are unhappy. I am unhappy right now.”

Crucially, Freedman believes he has the support of owner Eddie Davies and chairman Phil Gartside – even though he won’t be pursuing the dreaded vote of confidence.

“We don't get that anymore,” he said. “Managers don't seek that anymore. We try and stay as positive as we can and communicate as much as we can.”

Freedman confirmed he has spoken with Davies and Gartside about the current poor run and how it will be addressed.

But the manager insists the dialogue between the Fulham game and the defeat against Derby has been nothing out of the ordinary.

“We speak about all sorts,” he said. “We are all disappointed but I am probably more guilty of having moments with Phil than he is with me. We haven’t got any secrets.

“Eddie has been here a long time and he’s been fantastic for the football club. He’s spent a lot of money and it’s difficult for everyone, there’s no doubt about it.

“Being and owner, a chairman, a manager, a player or a fan, there are going to be ups and downs.

“Over the last 10-12 years there have been a lot of ups but right now we’re on a down.

“We want to make sure we get through it quickly.” 

Source

all this crap about some fans not understanding the siutuation is desperation talk now. What next, calling us idiots? There are only so many times he can keep blaming everything  and everyone else for all the problems.

And if he thinks he's in for a quiet night tonight he best think again, i can bet there will be banners and lots of Freedman out chants from the hardy few going tonight.

To turn the tide would be simple: Resign and the criticism ends. 

I never want a Bolton Wanderers manager to be sacked because it means he failed and most of the time his failure is not down to a lack of effort or desire simply an inherent lack of ability. This is absolutely a case of that here in my opinion. 

Dougie Freedman not having the ability to succeed as a manager here is not the man's fault, he's done his best and his best isn't good enough. For his sake I would prefer to see him admit that to himself, resign and leave with his dignity intact. 

I would love to see Phil Gartside admit his lack of judgement in choosing four failures on the trot (no pun intended) means he should carefully consider whether or not he really has the ability to be a chairman of a football club. I don't believe he does and that he should also resign for the same reasons. 

However, if they refuse to admit that to themselves then I feel Edwin must bite the bullet and axe them both because their presence is causing more and more damage to this club, particularly in the relationship between it and the fans.