Bolton boss Freedman touched by ‘fantastic’ Crystal Palace reception

Freedman caused uproar among Eagles fans when he took the Bolton job back in October but he was greeted with applause when he emerged from the tunnel at the start of today’s match.

The 38-year-old was pleased with his Bolton side’s performance as they shut out promotion-chasing Palace, and delighted to be warmly welcomed back by a club he says he still holds great affection for.

“I thought it was a fantastic reception,” he said.

“I worked for this club for a long, long time. It’s very close to my heart, I can’t sit here and deny that.

“I had some wonderful times and they can never be taken away from me.

“The fans gave me a fantastic reception and it certainly made me very proud.”

He added: “I enjoyed the game. We had a gameplan and we defended very well today.

“I’m very satisfied with today’s performance and very satisfied with the reception I got from the fans.”