CLAUS Jensen responded to the warmest of receptions from the Reebok fans today when he assured them "Bolton will be fine!"

The dashing Dane, applauded at almost every touch by the supporters who took him to their hearts in his two season Wanderers' stint, says his old club has the talent and the spirit to get over their poor start to the season.

"The quality players are here, no doubt about that," Jensen said after helping Charlton take their first points at the expense of his former teammates.

"But I think the spirit that has always been here with Sam (Allardyce) and Phil (Brown) and the players together is something that will help in tough times."

Jensen, signed from Lyngby in a £1.8 million deal in the Summer of 98, delighted Bolton fans with his midfield performances in a 109-game stretch before moving to Charlton for £4m in July 2000. He has always been grateful to Wanderers for bringing him to England and to the fans who supported him when he was here and have shown their appreciation on each occasion he has been back.

"I really appreciate the welcome I get from the fans," he said, responding to the generous applause. "It warms you when things like that happen in football.

"Yes, I love coming back here. Everybody knows I still follow the club. I had two great years here and I'll never forget that.

"I'm sure Bolton will be fine this year. We had a good game out there. Both teams knew how important it was for each other and, thankfully, we managed to turn in a 2-1 victory.

"Bolton came out at 180 miles per hour and everybody was brushed aside. They got the goal they deserved but, after we got our goal, I think it settled us a little bit and we did well getting back into the game.

"After that it was really open and could have gone either way."

There have been considerable personnel changes since Jensen left the Reebok but he saw enough familiar faces - on and off the field - and recognised the same dressing room atmosphere that was a feature when he was involved, to know that there is still a special ingredient which will stand the team in good stead this season.

"Every club changes," he added. "New players come in, some go out but the spirit is still here. the same people are around the stadium. I think it is a brilliant place still and, from all the friends and fans I've still got at the club, I know there is still something special here.

"Don't forget, it's still only the second game."