DEAN Holdsworth admitted today that it would not be easy for the Bolton players to react positively to the dramatic events that led to Colin Todd's resignation. The striker Todd made Wanderers' all-time record signing when he paid Wimbledon £3.5 million for his services two years ago says the team has been hit badly by the sale of Per Frandsen to Blackburn and the manager's subsequent decision to walk out.

But he says the players left behind do not reproach the manager for calling it a day or the player for moving on.

"We've all wished the gaffer well," Holdsworth said. "The players all know this is not a footballing matter. He hasn't fallen out with any of the playing staff. We don't blame him for making a stand for what he believes in but we're all gutted.

"It's a big blow losing the manager and Per. We've been hit badly but we've got to roll our sleeves up and get on with the job. It's not going to be easy but, when you're in trouble, you find out who your friends are.

"There will be people who will want to put the knives in but we've got to get on with it, play our football and enjoy it."

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