Megson looks at big picture

Megson: Happy with level of performances

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Gary Megson has been pleased with Bolton's performances over the past few weeks, despite the Trotters winning just once in five matches.

The sole victory against Everton at the Reebok Stadium came after Bolton drew 2-2 with Tottenham and fell to a narrow defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However, since the 3-2 success over the Toffees, Megson's men have suffered two heavy 4-0 defeats to Chelsea - first in the Carling Cup and then in the Premier League last weekend.

Despite a return of just four points from a possible 12, Megson has been happy with his side's level of performance - ignoring the cup defeat at Stamford Bridge which he described as one of the worst displays of his tenure.

"We liked the result against Everton, we hadn't beaten them for quite some time, it was a great result for us," he said.

"The performance against Chelsea at home was very good until we went down to 10 men and even then it was very good in terms of the honesty and the work-rate that the players put in against probably one of the best teams in the world."

Financial position

Meanwhile, despite reporting an increase in their average attendances at home this term, the club's parent company Burnden Leisure announced an increase of £5.2million in losses on last year's figure of £8million.

However, Megson is not worrying himself about the club's financial position, saying: "When those reports come out it is nothing to do with us, we don't have an input into it.

"I don't particularly read it, although I listen to what people tell me. You don't want to see your company losing money, it's not a nice thing to see.

"I don't know the whole gamut of what goes on at Bolton and it's not my job to know. But I do know on the football side of it, we have taken a side from the bottom of the table to mid-table and not spent a huge amount of money."

Opportunity

Megson has also called for Paul Robinson to seize his chance in the absence of the suspended Jlloyd Samuel against Aston Villa at the weekend.

The left-back has played just three times since signing from West Brom in the summer but looks likely to replace Samuel for the clash with Villa.

"He has been frustrated because he has come in and wants to play first-team football," Megson highlighted.

"No-one can expect to play. Just because they come from another club, they can't just expect to go straight into the team and stay there. Jlloyd has done particularly well and has played the best stuff since I have been here.

"But now he is suspended, Paul will get that opportunity."