Hill hits out at detractors as Bolton go down to defeat at Rochdale

Posted Sunday, January 12, 2020 by PA

Bolton manager Keith Hill criticised his detractors following his side’s 2-0 defeat at Rochdale.

Hill made his name at Dale and is trying to build Bolton in a similar way he twice built the home side into promotion-winning outfits.

But the manager admitted he was growing “sick and tired” of the constant criticism and comparisons with Bolton bosses of yesteryear.

Hill said: “Nobody is on the same page, whether it’s the press, the football club, the staff, the players, the academy.

“Nobody at this club is on the same page, one hundred per cent committed to creating a new Bolton.

“There are still people living in the past, going on about what they did and they haven’t done.

“I’m sick to death of hearing about what they did last time they were in League One, I’m sick to death of being criticised for trying to put a new team together and putting my future at risk and no one else’s.

“Don’t compare me with Sam Allardyce, don’t compare me to Phil Parkinson the last time they were in League One because I haven’t got his budget. Nowhere near! I am on a rebuild mission here within the financial restrictions of the club.

“Everybody’s comparing stats and facts from the last time Bolton were in League One – get some reality and perspective, start supporting this team!

“We are not overspending, we are trying to create a new team with a new identity. If I went tomorrow a new manager would come in and it would be the same problems, exactly the same. Support the rebuild and it will be something worthwhile, something special.”

Bolton played their part in an entertaining contest at Spotland, debutant Ethan Hamilton twice hitting the woodwork early in both halves. Hamilton was also denied on three occasions by Dale goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Teenage full-back Luke Matheson bolstered his growing reputation in the game with a 43rd-minute opening goal, rifling into the roof of the net after a pass from Kwadwo Baah.

And Jimmy Ryan’s 20-yard drive made the result safe after 80 minutes.

Rochdale assistant boss Lee Riley was delighted with side’s display.

He said: “It’s very much a happy dressing room, we’re all very pleased with the performance levels from start to finish.

“We did come under pressure at times, as we knew we would – it’s very rare that you see a team leading 1-0 and not coming under pressure at some point.

“The key is often the second goal and we got it today. There have been other occasions where it’s just not happened for us but today it helped us see the game through.

“The opening goal was a really good team goal and the two youngsters linked up really well and it was a great time to score, just before the break.

“I was delighted for Jimmy Ryan, scoring his first goal for the club.”