Source: Team_Talk
Lee overwhelmed by warm welcome
Chung-yong Lee has been overwhelmed by the level of support he has received during his first season at Bolton.[LNB] An iconic figure back home in South Korea, he is now starting to develop cult status in a small corner of England.[LNB]Just nine months after arriving from FC Seoul the 21-year-old won a hat-trick of top club awards. He was named player of the year, players' player of the year and best newcomer.[LNB]Lee came on the second half on Sunday as Bolton finished their campaign on a high with a 2-1 home victory against Birmingham.[LNB]"This season I have had to adjust. Next season will be better," he said through an interpreter.[LNB]"At first I was worried because it was my first time playing in a European league. But I was so surprised that everyone was welcoming, my team-mates and the fans.[LNB]"My ambition was to play as many games as I could. Now I have done that, I am proud of what I have achieved.[LNB]"The pressure was not on me as there was no expectation as I was unknown here. I like a quiet life so living in England suits me as player."[LNB]Even though Lee is mobbed back home, at Bolton he is treated like any other professional - and that sometimes entails a little bit of ridicule.[LNB]Lee was handed a bib by manager Owen Coyle at the awards dinner and told to wear it over his suit for a few minutes, his "prize" for coming last in the sprints on Friday.[LNB]There is mutual respect, however, with Lee adding: "I understand what winning the player-of-the-year award means but it means more winning the players' player-of-the- year award. That is more important than anything else."[LNB]Meanwhile Birmingham manager Alex McLeish, whose side finished a highly respectable ninth in the table, is expecting more of the same from his players next season.[LNB]He said: "I am sure they will come back bursting to go again. I think I have got that type of character in my dressing room.[LNB]"However, we could do with someone with a presence as we need to retain the ball in forward areas and keep it alive. That is very important in this league.[LNB]"It is going to be a busy time. But it is all about preparation and being ready to take on the challenge of the Premier League again come August."[LNB]
