MARK Fish has underlined his commitment to Wanderers, angrily denying rumours that he is threatening to quit if the club doesn't win promotion back to the Premiership.

The South African international, who earlier this week launched a Reebok rallying call, has been upset by tabloid speculation that he is ready to jump ship.

Despite Wanderers' recent slump, which has seen them slip from second to fifth in the table, the fans' favourite insists he is fully committed to the cause. He was so disturbed by suggestions that he is looking for a move to a European club that he issued a statement underlining his determination to help the club regain top flight status.

Fish said: "There's nine games to go and there's no way I want to leave.

"I want to help Bolton get back into the Premiership. I certainly feel we are a good enough side to be up there.

"But I've never said I want to leave, and that's what I've told the manager. My only aim is to help the club win promotion - it's important the coach, my team-mates and the supporters know this.

"I know we are making things difficult for ourselves with promotion, but we are confident we can still go up automatically.

"I know if we all work hard and play as a team then we will get the results to get us up there."

Colin Todd, anxious to keep morale high with a united front in the promotion run-in, angrily slammed the tabloid rumour-machine.

"It's the same source of speculation again," the Wanderers boss said. "There is no substance in what was written. Mark was shocked and perturbed when he heard about it.

"He has made it clear to me and to the club that he is committed and he will continue in the same vein. As his manager, I'd be very disappointed if he didn't.

"It's just annoying that somebody once again is trying to make a situation worse."

Keith Branagan, Gudni Bergsson, Andy Todd and Jimmy Phillips are all expected to play in the Reserves at Barnsley tonight.

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