Lee: Defeat not the end

Sammy Lee insisted that Bolton's Uefa Cup exit was not the end of The Trotters' journey.

With Sam Allardyce suffering from illness it was down to Lee to speak for his side after they let an advantageous situation slip to lose 2-1 at Stade Velodrome.

Bolton's first ever European adventure came to an end but they started brightly enough, however Marseille showed their resilience as they overturned Stelios Giannakopoulos's away goal.

Lee spoke of Bolton's disappointment at the final result, but insisted that The Trotters season is not over despite their European disappointment.

"We controlled the first 44 minutes and quietened the crowd," Lee told Five.

"To concede the goal right on half-time was disappointing. To the lads' credit they kept at it and it was unfortunate we conceded another goal.

"We are disappointed, after being in a winning position, to lose the game.

"But this isn't the end of the journey, this is the start.

"We still have a lot of football to play, starting with Fulham at the weekend."

Kevin Nolan was distraught at the result after Franck Ribery pulled Marseille back into contention and Tal Ben Haim scored a disastrous own goal, and the Trotters skipper focused on the performance of the referee as he searched for reasons for his side's exit.

"It just wasn't to be on the night," said Nolan. "We switched off for a split second and when playing quality sides this is what happens.

"I'm absolutely devastated, I feel like crying to be honest.

"I thought the referee was very poor and gave some bad decisions.

"It was a great run, we have done fantastically well for our first season.

"We have to put it behind us now, look forward to Fulham, and make sure we have these nights again next season."