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Neil Lennon believes a mediocre season in the Championship has not hurt some of his players enough.
The Wanderers boss delivered a frank assessment of his squad after the club recorded their lowest league finish for 22 years.
Finishing with just one win in nine games, the Whites’ poor form over the last couple of months has convinced Lennon that major changes are needed this summer.
And while he accepts that his rebuilding job may have to be done on a shoestring budget unless talk of outside investment becomes a reality, he refuses to accept the attitude he saw creeping into performances towards the end of the campaign.
It is understood the signing of rock-solid Rotherham captain Craig Morgan has been made a priority with the out-of-contract Wales international currently deciding whether to stick-or-twist at the New York Stadium next season.
Lennon feels too many of his players lack empathy for the club they are representing.
“We have learned a lot as a backroom staff in the last few months,” he told The Bolton News. “We recognise there has to be a sea-change in the mentality of the squad. It isn’t good.
“I want hungrier players. I want players who this club means something to.
“Winning and losing football games has got to mean more to them. We have to change it.
“And it will matter more to the players we bring in next season.”
Lennon has reduced the wage bill during his six months in charge and could potentially trim off a lot more this summer by off-loading big earners like Jermaine Beckford, Keith Andrews, Jay Spearing and Medo Kamara.
The Wanderers boss has hinted that any funds that are made available would be channelled towards signing a striker.
But even though he currently faces the prospect of shopping around for bargains, he is still confident of finding players who can improve on this season’s disappointing show.
“At the moment we have no money to spend,” he said. “As it stands it will be Bosmans, maybe loans.
“In certain areas I’d like to spend. We’ll see what the next few weeks bring.
“I am very optimistic about the future. The wage bill has been slashed dramatically and I do feel there are players out there who would enhance us, make us better.
“We’d also like to keep hold of those core players we already have here who’ve shown us how good they can be.
“I think we can sell the club, it’s an easy sell for some players. Finances will dictate some deals but in terms of attracting players it won’t be a major problem.”
Source
The Wanderers boss delivered a frank assessment of his squad after the club recorded their lowest league finish for 22 years.
Finishing with just one win in nine games, the Whites’ poor form over the last couple of months has convinced Lennon that major changes are needed this summer.
And while he accepts that his rebuilding job may have to be done on a shoestring budget unless talk of outside investment becomes a reality, he refuses to accept the attitude he saw creeping into performances towards the end of the campaign.
It is understood the signing of rock-solid Rotherham captain Craig Morgan has been made a priority with the out-of-contract Wales international currently deciding whether to stick-or-twist at the New York Stadium next season.
Lennon feels too many of his players lack empathy for the club they are representing.
“We have learned a lot as a backroom staff in the last few months,” he told The Bolton News. “We recognise there has to be a sea-change in the mentality of the squad. It isn’t good.
“I want hungrier players. I want players who this club means something to.
“Winning and losing football games has got to mean more to them. We have to change it.
“And it will matter more to the players we bring in next season.”
Lennon has reduced the wage bill during his six months in charge and could potentially trim off a lot more this summer by off-loading big earners like Jermaine Beckford, Keith Andrews, Jay Spearing and Medo Kamara.
The Wanderers boss has hinted that any funds that are made available would be channelled towards signing a striker.
But even though he currently faces the prospect of shopping around for bargains, he is still confident of finding players who can improve on this season’s disappointing show.
“At the moment we have no money to spend,” he said. “As it stands it will be Bosmans, maybe loans.
“In certain areas I’d like to spend. We’ll see what the next few weeks bring.
“I am very optimistic about the future. The wage bill has been slashed dramatically and I do feel there are players out there who would enhance us, make us better.
“We’d also like to keep hold of those core players we already have here who’ve shown us how good they can be.
“I think we can sell the club, it’s an easy sell for some players. Finances will dictate some deals but in terms of attracting players it won’t be a major problem.”
Source
