BRUCE Rioch wants Wanderers to go from strength to strength in the Premiership.

The former Bolton boss disguised his disappointment after his unhappy Burnden return last night to wish his old club well for the future.

Rioch was given a hero's reception on his return to the scene of his greatest triumphs then saw favourite old boys John McGinlay and Keith Branagan spoil the party. But he was magnanimous in defeat and said: "I'd like to think I will be coming back here for a Premiership game next season.

"It's hard in a few words to describe the three marvellous years I had here. It was sensational. Naturally I hope they do really well in the Premiership.

"This was Bolton's night to celebrate and they deserve it. But they've got to raise the tempo for every game, not just for one, high profile game. That's the hallmark of a good side.

"I didn't expect anything less than the good reception I got. If you look after people, deal with them honestly and give them what they want - success - then the likelihood is that they'll respond accordingly. The reception from the Bolton supporters was tremendous.

"But, once the reception for me was over, they were looking for their team to win and they got what they wanted and what they deserved."

John McGinlay, whose 35th minute matchwinner was the stuff of which fairy tales are made, admitted: "I've been praying for a chance like that and to get one in a game like this was a bit special.

"It was a bit spicy out there. Nobody needed motivating with the old boss coming back. The crowd knew the night was going to be hard and it was. But they gave us tremendous support.

"Points are like gold dust at the moment and the confidence this win has given us is something we can build on."

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