Neil Lennon accepted the blame for Bolton’s 3-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
No goals, a cup exit and one point from three matches highlight the problems Lennon has at Bolton with cost cutting the priority rather than chasing for a play-off spot.
Middlesbrough have signed Steve Nugent and Stewart Downing to improve on last season’s play-off defeat to Norwich and found themselves 3-0 up by half-time at the Riverside.
“I accept the blame, but I still expect my players to compete and press,” Lennon said after the match. “It’s a learning experience for me and I apologise to the supporters.
“We went with a back three, but there was a clear lack of understanding and Middlesbrough fully capitalised.”
Commenting on Bolton’s start to the season he added: “We had Derby to start with and Middlesbrough away and we have one point more than a lot of people might have thought.
“We have games coming up where I like to think that we will pick up a few points.”
Boro boss Aitor Karanka said:”It could be the best half we’ve played in my time in charge. It was an amazing first half. We played the way I want to play always.
“We have very good players and I have a very good squad. I told them before the game that last week was an example of us entering the game thinking it would be easy.
“We have to have the same attitude as this game, and we have to forget the final and last season.”
Tomorrow night Bolton travel to face promoted MK Dons before hosting Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
After two matches Brighton are the only Championship side with six points with Beram Kayal playing in their 2-1 win at Fulham on Saturday.