NEIL LENNON rejected the opportunity to sign veteran Shola Ameobi – and then thanked him for earning Bolton a point in the 1-1 draw with Leeds.
The former Celtic boss wasn’t impressed by the 34-year-old striker, who was freed by Newcastle, when he watched him a few weeks ago.
However, after only one win in the last 18 games, three straight defeats and the worst goals-for record in the Championship, Lennon changed his mind and sent an SOS to the frontman to face the Elland Road outfit.
With the team anchored at the foot of the table, the pressure is building on the Irishman who only took over from Dougie Freedman just over a year ago.
But Lennon said defiantly: “I thought we were unfortunate. We aren’t playing like a side at the bottom of the league right now. For me, the game was there for us to win, so it is a little frustrating.
“Shola Ameobi scored with a great finish to put us a goal up. He did really well when he came on as a sub for Gary Madine who had to go off with a bit of concussion.
“People raised their eyebrows when we brought in Shola, but he’s shown today that’ll he make us better. That was his first game for a long time and I thought he contributed a lot.”
Struggling Wanderers had Prince-Desir Gouano sent off when he brought down Mirco Antenucci to give away the 71st minute spot-kick from which the Italian slammed home the equaliser.
Lennon added: “We can have no complaints about the red card and it was a penalty. We just have to concentrate a little bit more and cut out the individual errors.
“That’s the way our luck has been going for us recently. I thought after the red card we did well and held out comfortably with 10 men.
“The fans continue to be tremendous. There wasn’t one negative voice during the game and we’re really appreciative of that given our league position.
“All in all, it’s a point in our favour and we move on. We know we have to start winning games and turning draws into wins.”
Scot Steve Evans, who only took over as boss of Leeds during the week, is determined to stop the rot at the Yorkshire giants.
He said: “I’m a bit disappointed because we dominated for long spells, had chances and should have been awarded a second penalty-kick when Tom Adeyemi’s shot was handled.
“Now we will work hard to beat Blackburn Rovers at home in our next game.
“I think it is an absolute disgrace that we have not won at Elland Road for seven months.”
