Bolton boss Gary Megson has jumped to the defence of chairman Phil Gartside and owner Eddie Davies.

"I find it really strange they get such stick," insisted the Bolton chief. "When they took over the club was at Burnden Park, now it's at the Reebok.

"The most successful manager this club has ever had, Sam Allardyce, they brought to the club.

"There was criticism for selling Nicolas Anelka but we had no choice and, besides, he was only there because of Eddie Davies.

"Because of their position it's hard for them to do anything about the criticism but I find it hard on their behalf.

"On my part, I didn't expect the red carpet to be rolled out. You have to take such things on the chin. I went from the pariah no-one wanted to Ginger Mourinho, back to the pariah again before things picked up at the end."