SAMMY Lee left no one in any doubt over where his priorities lie when he reacted almost dismissively to yesterday's UEFA Cup draw.
Describing Wanderers' first round opponents, FK Rabotnicki of Macedonia, as an "unknown quantity", he made no more than a passing reference to the European campaign which kicks off in Skopje on Thursday, September 20.
"I'm sure it will start to sink in when we do our homework nearer the time," was the gist.
And he paid no more than lip service to the fact that the Reebok Stadium is celebrating its 10th birthday: "That's a great one for the fans."
All Lee is concerned about today is ensuring Wanderers carry on against Everton where they left off against Reading last weekend.
His sole objective is to fulfil the ambitions he has for himself and Bolton Wanderers, and he hasn't had the best of starts: just one point from his first five games; kicking off the new season with three successive defeats and eight goals conceded; and enough distractions to have put his head into a permanent spin - not least hearing he has been installed as favourite to be the first Premiership manager to be sacked.
But the last seven days have put a whole new complexion on things: the impressive victory over Reading lifted the gloom; key players practically queued up to sing the new manager's praises; then Nicolas Anelka raised confidence levels even higher by signing a new contract.
The fact that the transfer window closed last night with El-Hadji Diouf, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Kevin Nolan still Bolton players was a bonus in itself.
Now Lee is determined to make the most of his good news week.
"We must ensure we don't get unstuck," he said. "The challenge has been set and it is up to the players and the coaching staff to continue to build and look at the season as a long term objective."
With no new injury concerns, Lee is expected to name an unchanged side with former Evertonian Gary Speed continuing in the "holding" midfield role, where he was so effective against Reading.
Lee expects a much tougher test against David Moyes' side.
But he believes Wanderers have qualities of their own and was bold enough to suggest: "I know my players can deliver and win the game."
Anelka's commitment to a new four-year contract is seen as a clear indication that the Frenchman believes Wanderers mean business.
And Lee aims to make sure that he is proved right "There has never been any doubt about our ambition," the manager said, "We see ourselves as a top club and to retain the services of our very best players will really help us progress."
Meanwhile, leaving the club yesterday was Polish defender Jaroslaw Fojut.
The 19-year-old has joined the Hatters until January.
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