Megson rues lack of ideas

Megson - Disappointed.

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Bolton boss Gary Megson said his side's one-dimensional brand of football cost them three points at home to West Brom on Saturday.

His team battled to a 0-0 draw at the Reebok Stadium despite not playing their best, and Megson said there is definitely better to come.

Bolton moved into the top six of the Premier League and the Trotters' manager said goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen played a key role in keeping West Brom at bay.

Megson said: "I think it was lively and both teams did everything in their power - apart from a bit of luck, both sides could have scored.

"From our own point of view I think we played a little bit one-dimensional in the first half. In the second half it was entirely different.

"We did a lot of things well today, but there are things we felt we have to get better at if we want to improve our results."

Megson said the match was a game of inches, and he said there were key decisions which could have gone either way.

He said the two late goals rules out for offside could have gone Bolton's way, and he thought at least one of the free kicks given right on the edge of the West Brom penalty box could have been inside.

"With the three free kicks that were given on the edge of the 18-yard box there are varying opinions about whether they were in and whether the fella was the last man, but that is what makes the game what it is."

Megson said Jaaskelainen, who made a memorable fingertip save to deny James Morrison in the first half, would play a big part in Bolton's success this season.

"It was important for us to get Jussi to stay at the football club," Megson said.

"I think he has always wanted to do so and we are delighted with that. I think that with goalkeepers in the Premiership we are right up there."

Despite only picking up one point against West Brom, Megson said his side played well considering the players they were missing.

With Johan Elmander and Matty Taylor both picking up injuries against Newcastle last week and Gary Cahill serving the first of a three-match suspension for his Carling Cup sending off mid-week, Megson said it was always going to be difficult.

"I have heard other managers say this and I am sure we are all in the same boat," Megson said. "But we have got a small squad - with the amount of money the players earn, unless you are one of the huge football clubs in this country you are always going to be running with a small squad.

"You have your fingers crossed that you don't have too many injuries or suspensions.

"Unfortunately for ourselves, we had four today and it is better off if you have a full squad to be able to choose from."

But the Bolton boss said he is not keen on the transfer window deadline, and he said he preferred being able to make moves throughout the entire campaign.

He added: "I don't think the window should ever be open or closed, it should be right the way through the season. People are maybe trying to create a market that doesn't exist, and from my viewpoint it is a real nonsense and the sooner we get back to how it used to be, the better.

"We'd like to bring one more player in, but if not we'll just have to go with what we've got which I'm really pleased with."