DOUGIE Freedman has assured supporters that Wanderers’ season is about to take a turn for the better.
Despite James Vaughan stealing a late point for Huddersfield – a fifth draw in seven games under the new manager’s stewardship – Freedman was complimentary about the way his side had played at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Mark Davies and Chris Eagles had put the Whites ahead with 10 minutes to go but, for the eighth time this campaign, they failed to hold on to all three points.
That did not deter Freedman from praising their performance, however, or dent his confidence that draws will soon be turned into victories.
“I’m very proud to be a part of that team,” he said. “I hope the 2,000 fans who came along liked what they saw.
“I know the result wasn’t there but you can’t keep on despairing about the result, that will come, you have to worry about your performances.
“And to have put in such a wonderful performance, to have shown the fans exactly the way football should be played, the desire and the effort, I’m disappointed for the players really.
“But if we continue to play like that, the season will turn.”
Freedman vowed to stick by his principles with his side sitting in 18th position, seven points off the play-offs and 15 behind his former club Crystal Palace in second place.
Had Wanderers managed to hold on to the leads they have earned in games this season, they would be top of the Championship and 21 points better off.
But the manager is confident a corner will soon be turned.
“The way football goes – and I have been involved in it a long time now – if you carry on playing like that, we’ll be fine,” he said.
“Even though we lost the Ipswich game, for 70 minutes I don’t mind saying we were outstanding.
“Maybe getting over the line and saying to to the lads we’ve got to see games out, that is the thing I have got to work on.
“I think we are playing wonderfully well at times. We look fit, we look organised, we are creating opportunities. Can we defend better? Yes, we can.
“But I hope the Bolton fans can see there is a change in the team's efforts. That will eventually see us win football matches and I think we're going the right way.”
One blot on the afternoon was a late hamstring injury picked up by Matt Mills which is likely to keep the centre-back out for two to three weeks.
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