‘Bolton will be great again’ vows Keith Hill after heavy defeat at Rotherham

Posted Sunday, September 15, 2019 by PA

Keith Hill thinks his Bolton side are at the start of a great journey and should shrug off their 6-1 defeat at Rotherham.

The Millers smashed troubled Wanderers after overcoming a shock start which saw Thibaud Verlinden net a fourth-minute opener.

But it was one-way traffic after that as Hill’s first game in charge could not prevent a fourth straight defeat by a five-goal margin in League One.

However, Hill said: “It’s the start of the journey. You never remember the start of a great film and this is going to be a great film. It’s going to be a great journey.

“We need the players to be in a place where they can’t get to at this moment in time, physically and technically.

“It hurts but it’s only a small embarrassment getting beaten in a game. We have not been defeated and it was magnificent that the fans stayed.

“We have to improve in every department with the players we’ve got. It’s a win because we know what we have to do.

“The players have come from a lot of different clubs and we’ve had to bring them up to speed.

“It’s going to be a long process but one thing I do know is Bolton Wanderers will be great again.

“I am optimistic and I am not defeated by a long chalk. I am proud and there is no embarrassment. The group of players gave everything they could.”

Ben Wiles, Freddie Ladapo and Carlton Morris all netted before the break to put Rotherham into control.

The rout continued in the second half with Ladapo and Morris both getting another before Jake Hastie rounded off the scoring with a tap in.

Rotherham manager Paul Warne said: “I did warn the lads that I thought the first 20 minutes they would have a right go at us, and rightfully so because the fans and the club would be euphoric.

“We switched off on the set-piece. They deservedly took the lead. To go from that to winning the game is pretty satisfying.

“The belief from the lads was really good. I think we could have taken another few chances. I thought the lads moved the ball really well and looked fit and strong. We’re pleased.

“I think that Bolton will go on from strength to strength. Those two (Hill and assistant David Flitcroft) are really good football coaches and they’re Bolton lads so it will mean a lot to them.

“Hopefully they will get the results they deserve.

“They kindly said after the match that we were a good team. It’s nice for someone to flatter our team because not many people do.”