
Dougie Freedman: Will not be ‘held to ransom’ in the transfer market
Dougie Freedman has vowed to take a tough stance in his efforts to bring new recruits into Bolton Wanderers this summer.
As he prepares to lose the experience of Zat Knight, Tyrone Mears and Chris Eagles from within his ranks, Freedman knows he will have to rebuild when the transfer window re-opens.
He also acknowledges that he has had some ‘tough decisions’ to make, but has been around long enough to know that such calls often have to be made for the greater good.
Freedman told the Bolton News: “I have had to make some tough decisions this summer to move on four or five players.
“Some big wages have left and they were tough calls to make, but that’s what I have to do to balance the books.
“You have to do that to start building a team, and that’s what we are in the process of doing.”
The Scot is also planning on standing his ground when it comes to discussing additions, with his acquisition of Liam Feeney on a free transfer after previously being quoted £250,000 by Millwall proving that he will not be pushed around.
Freedman added: “When we first brought Liam in on loan, he was not in the first team picture at Millwall.
“After a month with us they recalled him and said if we wanted to sign him in January we had to fork out £250,000.
“I refuse to get bullied on fees or wages. I will always put the club first and wasn’t prepared to put that at risk.
“We had patience and now we have got Liam here on a free transfer, which is good business.
“Because we are Bolton and it is a great club, our name will be thrown in there sometimes by agents.
“But I want to do things properly and not put the club at risk financially. We should not be held to ransom.