Wanderers' supremo Phil Gartside has praised the club's fans for showing loyalty and vocal support in the face of adversity.

The Bolton chairman paid a glowing tribute to the supporters who raised the Reebok roof on Saturday, despite their team crashing to their heaviest defeat of the season.

"They were magnificent, exactly what we need," he said, commenting on the atmosphere generated during the Newcastle game, which ended in a 4-0 defeat.

Mr Gartside has been determined to keep a sense of perspective during the early weeks of the season, despite Wanderers heading the Premiership after kicking off with three successive wins.

He was anxious supporters did not have their hopes raised beyond what was realistic and achieveable.

"It was always going to be hard and we shouldn't allow the fantastic start to create any false impressions," he insisted.

"The pressures of the Premiership are heavy enough without adding the weight of expectation."

Mr Gartside has delighted in seeing the team bank 12 precious Premiership points and has been proud to see the name of Bolton Wanderers on top of the table. But, despite the euphoria that led some to revise their forecasts for Sam Allardyce's Surprise Guys, he always remained focused on the target set when promotion was secured at Cardiff in May ... survival!

Wanderers are currently in a respectable ninth place in the Premiership but they have had a reality check with successive home defeats by Southampton, Sunderland and Newcastle and the chairman knows that without a concerted effort from players, staff and supporters, hopes of top flight consolidation could quickly diminish.

"We have to keep our feet on the ground," he warned. "At the start of the season I made it perfectly clear that our aim was to secure an extended stay in the Premiership and nothing that has happened up to now has made me change my view.

"The challenge remains the same. We have to strengthen our resolve, work hard, keep the team spirit high and be there for each other.

"All of us - the players, management, staff, directors and supporters - want success for Bolton Wanderers and we all have a responsibility and a part to play."