Trotters are still playing catch-up

KEITH Hill is encouraged his Bolton players are progressing the more the season goes on but admits they are still somewhat short of being at the level required, writes CRAIG JOHNS.

After off-field struggles over the summer, Hill was left cobbling together a squad from nothing in the final week of the summer transfer window.

With a squad built largely with youngsters and unwanted free agents, the Wanderers’ side is still trying to gel and build match fitness.

There was encouragement in midweek when they picked up their second point of the season in a goalless draw with Oxford which came off the back of a 6-1 thrashing by Rotherham.

Hill admits there is still plenty of work to be done.

He said ahead of the Black Cats’ visit: “It is building blocks for us right now. We are going through a project and putting things into place mentally, tactically and technically. They have been brilliant to work with.

“You could see the progress on Tuesday. I was pleased with the intelligence of the players to put into practice what we have been working on.

“Even against Rotherham I saw genuine effort from the lads.

“We just were not good enough in that one. Sometimes you just have to admit you are not good enough compared to certain opponents- but it does not mean we change our plan.

“The fitness is improving too, but they are still in a position where they have to improve physically.

“Progressing that with the work we are doing on the training pitches, then the mental clarity will be there and we will make better decisions. It is not going to happen overnight.”