IAN Marshall needed no explanation when Sam Allardyce suggested Wanderers will need to adopt the "Dogs of War" approach if they are to survive in the Premiership writes Gordon Sharrock

"I was one of the originals," says the seasoned campaigner, drawing back his shoulders and sticking out his chest, military-style, recalling his Everton days when he was one of Joe Royle's shock troops.

"I've always been tagged with that "Dogs of War" thing - just like a lot of teams who haven't had the big stars and have to be workmanlike to compete at the top level.

"There's nothing wrong with it."

Allardyce had made no bones about it. Wanderers are going to have to snap, scrap, spoil, ruffle feathers and stand united if they are to have any chance of proving the so-called experts wrong by staving off relegation. But he knows he can rely on old warriors like Marshall to have the nous to understand what is required.

The straight-talking Scouser brings it down to basics when he suggests: "Ask any Bolton fan which he would rather see - us winning 1-0 in an ugly game or getting beat 6-2 in a good game to watch ... I know what they'll say.

"We'll be going out to get points, by hook or by crook.

Discarded

"It doesn't need to be pretty, just as long as we get results.

"We'd love to be able to take on Manchester United and play attractive football but, in reality, we're going to have to stop them from playing. They are possibly the best team in the world and we are not.

"When we come up against teams like that we have to nullify their ability. And we'll make no excuses for doing that."

Marshall, who joined Wanderers on a week to week contract after being discarded by Leicester City a year ago, proved a valuable member of Allardyce's promotion squad, whether in defence or attack, and was rewarded with a new deal in the summer which takes him into his 18th season as a professional - "the best job in the world!" as he puts it. He also had his prayers answered when the fixture computer gave Wanderers a Premiership opener at Filbert Street.

He has fond memories of his time with the Foxes, although he is sore at the way he was treated in the end by Peter Taylor, who refused to allow him to train at the club.

He savoured success with Leicester as Martin O'Neill turned one of the less fashionable clubs into a force in the top flight - a feat he believes gives Wanderers' hope as they attempt to establish themselves among the elite.

"We won cups and played in Europe," he recalls. "They were great times to be a Leicester City player.

"And that's what we are hoping for here.

"We are realistic here ... our aim is to consolidate in the Premiership then, maybe five or 10 years down the line, we can have the finances to compete with the Manchester Uniteds.

"But in the meantime we have to rely on that team spirit that worked for us last season with everybody working for each other."