Megson warns Bolton must spend to survive

BOLTON may have survived this season with something to spare, but manager Gary Megson had a pointed message for the club’s board after warning relegation is a realistic proposition next season unless major investment is made this summer.

After using just 18 players in a season that ended with a whimper here yesterday, Megson offered a stark assessment of the future.

“With the three loan players we are letting go, we are left with a squad that would get relegated,” he said. “We have to improve it. We have no choice. This season I have used 18 players, including Chris Basham, who went on loan to Rochdale and wasn’t deemed to be good enough there. Now we have to look at a slightly more expensive way forward. It has to be done.”