Winning start for Bolton Wanderers is crucial, says Robinson (From Leigh Journal)

Winning start for Bolton Wanderers is crucial, says Robinson

8:30am Friday 9th July 2010 in

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PAUL Robinson insists Wanderers must make a flying start if they are to avoid another relegation battle.

Bolton have skirted with the drop in each of the past three seasons before pulling clear to safety.

The full-back believes last term’s problems stemmed from losing the opening three matches.

Owen Coyle’s men begin their campaign with a home clash with Fulham on August 14, followed by two more winnable games against West Ham at Upton Park and Birmingham at the Reebok.

And Robinson, reckons a top-10 finish is possible – but only if Wanderers put points on the board early on.

“You need that momentum at the start otherwise you’re trying to claw things back,” said the 31-year-old.

“We don’t want to be doing that this year. We want to be getting those important points from the start and push on even more.

“Last year the start of the season was a bit disappointing but we got a lot stronger.

“This season we want a good start and push on and look to get in the top 10.

“We’ve got to look at the fixtures and look at the games when we can pick up points in.

“They’re all tough games but being at home [on the opening day] is a great plus for us. If we can win our home games it’s a great platform for us to push on.

“We’ve got the right squad and I’m sure the gaffer will add to that and make us a better as a group of players. We can only get better.”

Zat Knight agrees the first three games are crucial to Wanderers’ success.

The defender said: “We are looking to improve and an achievement can be finishing in the top half – for me that has to be our aim.

“We avoided relegation by a few positions last year and we don't want to be in that pool of teams again.

"To do that then we will need to start as we finished last season and I think we have a chance to pick up a fair few points in our first three games.”