CHRIS Eagles has launched a verbal attack on former boss Dougie Freedman, accusing him of forcing him out of Wanderers last summer.

The midfielder, who could make his debut for Blackpool against Neil Lennon’s on-song Whites at Bloomfield Road this weekend, has chosen to break his silence after signing a two-month deal with the Seasiders.

In a pointed statement released on Blackpool’s official website, the former Manchester United youth product claimed he turned down the chance to stay with Bolton because of his deteriorating relationship with the manager.

“Now I can say my piece about what happened at Bolton,” he said yesterday. “I believe Dougie Freedman was saying I was a disruptive influence and they never offered me a contract.

“They offered me a number of contracts but I felt it wasn’t worth signing. I didn’t like him and I didn’t like the way he managed.

“He showed me no respect, which is a shame as I loved it at Bolton. I would like to thank Bolton and their fans. I’ve had to keep my mouth shut.”

Freedman, who parted company with Wanderers on October 3, declined to comment extensively when approached by The Bolton News – stating simply that to publicly criticise individual players was “not my style.”

But the timing of Eagles’ comeback has certainly cranked up the excitement as Lennon’s side go to the home of their old Lancashire rivals in search of their third successive Championship victory.

The 29-year-old has trained with Millwall and Everton’s development squad in recent weeks before linking up with Blackpool.

And while his lack of football means he is far from guaranteed a starting spot, Eagles has indicated he is ready to get involved against his former club.

“It's going to be an emotional game, but it's my career and I'm nothing to do with Bolton anymore,” he said. “How long I'll last I don't know, I'll have to keep looking at the Gaffer.

“Obviously I know a lot of their lads, but for me it's just a game. I'm a Blackpool player now for the next few months, so I want to get a win for us.”

Wanderers have sold out their allocation of tickets for Saturday’s clash at Bloomfield Road, a ground where they have not won since 1977.

Frank Worthington and Neil Whatmore were on target the last time a Bolton side took three points from the Fylde Coast, a season in which Ian Greaves’ side won the old Division Two title and Blackpool were relegated.