Manager happy with progress in Austria, despite defeat against Paderborn
Despite suffering defeat in the final game of Bolton’s time in Austria, Neil Lennon says his side are moving in the right direction in preparation for the season’s opener on August 8.
The Trotters were well beaten by German outfit Paderborn at Franz Fekete Stadion on Monday evening.
But despite the result, Lennon was satisfied with his players’ application over the piece.
“It was a tough exercise considering we’d also had a game two days earlier,” the manager told bwfc.co.uk after the final whistle.
“Again, we tried to use the squad the best we could. It’s never ideal when you’re making changes to the flow of what you’re trying to do.
“We came to Austria not to get results, but to get players fit. From the two games we have no fresh injuries. We have a few niggles and a lot of players to come back.
“Clough, Heskey and Trotter have niggles, and they’ll hopefully train when we get back on Wednesday.
“All in all, the trip away has been very good. The results are academic. There were good bits of play here and there, but we’re still a long way off the start of the season.
“Over the years I remember some really poor results from both my time as a player and manager, but we’re just aiming for the start of the season.
“We’ve got a lot of players to come back into the squad, and that gives me a lot of encouragement.”