Emile Heskey believes Bolton have been "fairly unlucky" this season and thinks the only way is up after a turbulent campaign.
The Trotters' relegation from the Championship was confirmed in early April following a 4-1 defeat to Derby.
They will now look ahead to life in League One after a campaign plagued by off-field issues, including financial troubles and a change of ownership.
At the age of 38, Heskey is the most experienced player in the squad, and he told the FL72 Podcast: "It's been difficult. I am emotionally attached to this team and this club, just like the fans.
"We are all in it together, I have been able to help some of the young lads on and off the pitch which has been good, but it's been a learning curve for me too because I haven't been in this position before."
Bolton have won just four league games this season and have only picked up four points away from home.
However, Heskey said: "We have dominated some games and been fairly unlucky, if you looked at some of the games we have conceded in the 90th minute, so we could have a lot more points than we do, but it wasn't to be.
"We have some bright young players, new owners who are going to put their money where their mouth is hopefully, so the only way is up. "
As for Heskey, whose contract is up at the end of the season, he says he is undecided whether he will continue playing.
"I don't know, I will have to wait and see how these bones feel at the end of the season and after a break."