Megson dismayed with critical Bolton fans

(GETTY IMAGES)

Bolton manager Gary Megson knows he is fighting a battle he cannot win with critical fans, but is determined not to be cowed by dissenting voices.

Having led 2-0 with 19 minutes to go at home to Hull through Ivan Klasnic's 20th-minute strike and Kevin Davies' second-half header, things began to unravel.

Stephen Hunt nodded in Hull's first and Megson responded by replacing on-loan Nantes striker Klasnic with midfielder Gavin McCann to a chorus of jeers.

Four minutes later the Tigers were level through Hunt's cross-shot and boos rang round the Reebok Stadium at the final whistle.

Struggling Bolton are still unbeaten in four matches but Megson knows nothing will ever be enough for the supporters who objected to his appointment back in October 2007.

Asked if he thought he could not win over the fans Megson replied: "Yes.

"I make the decision (to take off Klasnic) and it goes down like the Bismarck.

"But I would make exactly the same decision I did to try to keep hold of the game and keep that momentum.

"I made it against Burnley in a game I felt was slipping away from us and we got a point and no-one says a word.

"I made exactly the same decision against West Ham at 2-1 and we went on to win that one 3-1. No-one says a word.

"Yesterday it went the other way and it was 2-2. I don't understand the reaction at all. Their reaction is one of 'This would happen, that would happen'.

"Everyone has an opinion but mine has consequences, therefore it becomes a decision.

"When Klas scores - it is a fantastic goal and we knew what we were getting with Ivan - even then you are getting 'Megson, Megson, sign him up'.

"Who do they think brought him here in the first place?"

Megson felt his side deserved more from the game, adding: "It ended up frustrating but it wasn't frustrating at 2-0, it wasn't frustrating at the start, although I thought we should have done better after taking a one-goal lead.

"It is disappointing we didn't go on to become comfortable winners.

"We became nervy and anxious and with the first goal Hull got the anxiety increased."

Hull boss Phil Brown was delighted with his side's fighting spirit.

"At 2-0 down you are not staring into the abyss, you are staring at ways and means of getting back into the game," he said.

"The team spirit and commitment of these players has been epitomised by the performance after the second goal went in and the boys deserved to get something from the game.

"On another day we would have got three points but I'm pleased with a point."