DOUGIE Freedman is asking for patience from supporters as his striker search continues at Wanderers.

With just 12 days remaining before the start of the Championship season, the Whites boss admits his squad is still lacking a cutting edge.

Last season’s problems in front of goal have spilled over into the summer where senior front men Jermaine Beckford and Craig Davies have just one goal apiece in half a dozen outings.

Freedman lost out on his top target Lukas Jutkiewicz to Premier League Burnley but remains confident he can find at least one replacement.

Ideally, the Scot wants three new attacking options on board by the time his side kick-off their campaign at Watford on August 9.

But he has picked up on the growing concern from the terraces, and sent a message to the fans asking them to trust his judgement.

“I’m not saying I know everything – but I have a good idea what I need to strengthen before the start of the season, and I’d imagine the fans have got a pretty good idea too,” he told The Bolton News.

“Wishing, guessing, blaming or pointing fingers isn’t any good to us at the moment, we need strikers but we’ve only got ‘x’ amount of money.

“I think the players I’ve brought to the football club have always been of a good standard. They are not necessarily players fans know right away, so don’t be surprised if that’s the case, but I’ve always brought in players who can improve the team.

“I’m still trying to add three attacking options to the squad that can finish off some of these chances and then I think we’ll be okay.”