Source: Eurosport
We must strengthen to survive - Megson
Gary Megson has reiterated his fears that Bolton face another season of struggle if they fail to bolster their squad significantly in the summer.[LNB] After four successive top-eight finishes between 2004 and 2007, the Trotters have languished in the lower half of the Barclays Premier League for the past two years. Safety was assured after a fraught battle with relegation last term but Megson's side head to Wigan on Saturday still seeking to cement their top-flight status for a ninth successive year.[LNB] "We haven't got one of the smallest squads in the Premier League - it's THE smallest squad," Megson claimed. "I think Liverpool have got 62 professionals on their books and we have 27, although I had a head count and couldn't get it up to 27. I think three or four got slipped in there."[LNB] He added: "It's important that we make sure we're safe first and then we'll assess the season and look at what needs to be done.[LNB] "Player recruitment will certainly be one of the issues that will be addressed."[LNB] Megson has generally impressed with his spending since replacing the hapless Sammy Lee in October 2007.[LNB] Gary Cahill and Matt Taylor - both tipped to win full England international honours - and Gretar Steinsson were bought in January 2008 and played a key role in the club's survival last term.[LNB] In the summer Megson persuaded the club to spend £10million on Sweden striker Johan Elmander and pay £5million for Birmingham midfielder Fabrice Muamba.[LNB] The jury remains out on those two but Megson said: "I've been pleased with all of my signings because they joined a club that wasn't on the up. It was going the other way to be perfectly honest.[LNB] "A lot of change has happened in the past 18 months but we still need more change because the squad still isn't strong enough."
