Megson issues wake-up call

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Trotters remain in the bottom three following a 1-0 defeat to a Wigan side that battled with 10 men for 86 minutes after Jason Koumas was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Gary Cahill.

A worried Megson said: "We have to stop talking about what we can do, and what we have done, and start doing more."

He added: "We've lost a game to one or our near rivals after they went down to 10 men after a few minutes, and the problem was we didn't set off right.

"We rested a lot of players in midweek (for the UEFA Cup clash with Sporting Lisbon) because of the magnitude of the game, but I didn't expect the approach we got from some of them.

"We have to wake up very, very quickly and hopefully now they will recognise we're in the bottom three, despite being positive about wanting to do this and that. But if we keep doing what we did in this game, then we will stay in the bottom three.

"So we have to roll our sleeves up and start doing what everybody else is doing around us, which is battling, scrapping, putting in a good shift and accepting our position because nobody is going to give us anything to get out of this."

Referee Steve Tanner is to review his dismissal of Koumas after being asked to do so by Bruce who is to appeal in the hope the midfielder will avoid a three-match ban.

"The big thing is he (Koumas) has tried to go for the ball and not gone over it, so in my opinion it is a challenge that deserved a yellow card," assessed Bruce. "We've asked the referee and he has very kindly said he would look at it because for me I think it is harsh."

A delighted Bruce added: "Given the circumstances, it was a magnificent result. I don't think there's been a team that has worked so hard for a win. They were terrific. They've run a million miles for one another to get the result, and with a bit of ability as well."