WANDERERS will stand by under-fire boss Dougie Freedman despite pressure intensifying on his position after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Leeds United.

It is understood the Scot will remain in charge of the club through the forthcoming international break, and plans are in place to secure two new signings when the loan window reopens in a fortnight.

Freedman is unlikely to do any business before today’s transfer deadline unless an offer is made for one of his squad.

But the Whites boss is still planning for the future despite a result on Saturday that leaves the club three points adrift in the Championship relegation zone after five games.

Owner Eddie Davies and chairman Phil Gartside watched on at Elland Road as Stephen Warnock sunk his former side with a 16th minute strike.

The defeat signalled an outpouring of discontent from readers of The Bolton News, demanding action be taken to arrest the worst start to a campaign since 1984.

Freedman spoke confidently about his position after the final whistle and believes he has the backing of Davies and Gartside to turn round the poor start.

“I completely understand that people have got their own opinions,” he said. “We’re in one thinking process at the top. They understand where we are and what we’re trying to do.

“I have been asked to do a job and that’s to lower the wage bill but also try and keep the football club moving forward. It’s very difficult.”

Wanderers missed a clutch of chances at Leeds, dominating much of the game but emerged empty handed for the fourth time in five matches.

A desperately disappointed Freedman conceded the hard-luck tales are starting to wear thin.

“We can’t keep on saying we should have won, or maybe, or could have,” he said.

“The reality is one point from 15 but looking at that game, I don’t think there is a lot wrong.

“I’m disappointed with the goal but we didn’t go into our shell, we responded.

“There was enough energy there, desire in our approach play, the energy was very good.

“There were chances around the box but we didn’t take them.

“The flip side of that reality is that we’re not a team that is going to sit back and accept a defeat.”

Meanwhile, Freedman has been asked by the Scottish Football Association to lend a hand in Tuesday’s Under-19s friendly against the Czech Republic.