COLIN Todd reminded his Bolton players of the agony of relegation as he called for a full-blooded promotion push today. "We had a big let-down last season," the manager recalled, "don't let's have another let down this time."

Wanderers go to Oxford tomorrow hoping to start a run that will confound their critics and secure a return to the top flight.

Nine points adrift of second-placed Ipswich with only nine games to play, the odds are stacked heavily against them joining Sunderland on the automatic route back to the Premiership. One win in their last six games suggests they are heading for the play-offs . . . at best.

But Todd insists: "We still have everything to play for!

"The incentive is still there for us, if we want it badly enough."

Wanderers were sitting pretty six weeks ago, second in the table, brimming with confidence and hot favourites to go straight back up without having to endure the dreaded play-offs. But it's all gone sour, confidence has been rocked by poor defensive displays that have seen them concede three goals in five of their last six games and there's a shake-up on the cards at the Manor Ground. The manager hasn't backtracked on his pledge to make changes following the Sunderland defeat and was no less scathing in his criticism today when he said: "They worked hard to get into second place with that 15-match unbeaten run but the same players have let themselves down.

"I've given them six games to put it right. They've had every opportunity. There's been continuity and that hasn't worked so it's down to me as manager to look for something different to get us a result tomorrow.

"And, even if we get the win we want, it doesn't mean to say the same players will play against Stockport on Monday. We'll approach every game on its merits from now on and aim to finish with nine wins."

Scott Sellars and Claus Jensen, who have been under treatment for ankle and thigh injuries respectively, are unlikely to be risked at Oxford, who are unbeaten in six home games and breathing easier after winning 2-1 at Sheffield United last Friday night.

Deadline-day signings goalkeeper Steve Banks, a £50,000 'steal' from Blackpool, and midfielder Jamie Fullarton, on loan from Crystal Palace, are set to be given debuts. Fullarton has been signed to put some bite into midfield, which could also be strengthened by the addition of Andy Todd.

Nothing can be ruled out! Keith Branagan, Jimmy Phillips and Gudni Bergsson will provide defensive options while Eidur Gudjohnsen, whose appearance as a late substitute was the only plus to come out of the Sunderland game, is in the running for his first start with Bo Hansen also challenging the Taylor-Holdsworth front-line partnership.

Oxford will be without star midfielder Joey Beauchamp, who completes a three-match suspension, while Paul Gerrard's return to Everton after a three-month loan, means a change in goal where Sweden's No 2, Paul Lundin, makes his debut two months after his transfer from Osters.

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