Keith Hill believes Bolton have to copy Portsmouth if they are to enjoy success

Keith Hill believes Pompey offer the blueprint for his club’s recovery from their woes.
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And the Bolton boss pointed to the fact the Blues have the likes of Ellis Harrison, John Marquis and Marcus Harness in their ranks as evidence his club can find their feet again.

Wanderers find themselves adrift at the foot of the table after their 12-point deduction for going into administration.

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It’s a similar plight to while Pompey faced as they slipped down the leagues, but Hill noted how the club has now recovered and is on the way up once again.

Hill told the Bolton News: ‘It was a good performance, there was plenty of courage and it gives me plenty of optimism.

‘The lads recovered (from Lincoln) well and showed bravery to play in front of their home supporters against one of the best teams in the league.

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‘They are on an upward curve, Portsmouth. They are on a rebuild. And I think we have got to use them as an example.

Bolton Wanderers manager Keith Hill. Photo by Daniel ChestertonBolton Wanderers manager Keith Hill. Photo by Daniel Chesterton
Bolton Wanderers manager Keith Hill. Photo by Daniel Chesterton

‘When you look at the players they have out there on the pitch, the squad they have got, and I think it shows what you can do when you are in a similar position to the one we are in.

‘When they go out and spend a lot of money on John Marquis, Ellis Harrison, Marcus Harness, it shows you there is life after administration.’

Hill also Pompey should have been down to 10 men as they snaffled victory.

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He believes Sean Raggett should’ve walked in a key decision which cost them dear.

Raggett was cautioned for a first-half foul on Joe Dodoo as he broke clear, with replays suggesting it was unlikely last defender James Bolton would get across to the striker.

That meant a red card should’ve been produced for a professional foul, but referee Tom Neild opted to produce a yellow.

The home side’s sense of frustration was compounded when Raggett played a part in Christian Burgess scoring the only goal of the game.

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When asked if Pompey should’ve finished the game with 11 men, Hill added: ‘Probably not. I just think it was a strange refereeing performance. Not every contact is a foul, and it seemed that way in the first half.

‘I will have to have a look at it back, a few of the staff have already seen it, but potentially there should have been a sending off.

‘We have had three sending offs since I have been at the club and, I don’t know. It certainly could have been, couldn’t it?’

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