ANDY Hughes believes the mood has been lifted at Wanderers even before a new manager walks through the doors.

Charged with keeping the home fires burning as Phil Gartside continues his search for Dougie Freedman’s replacement, Hughes insists there has been no let up in the effort stakes at Euxton.

Three senior players – Chung-Yong Lee, Medo Kamara and Chris Herd – are on duty overseas but the rest of the squad have reported daily for double sessions.

And player-coach Hughes, who also oversaw last weekend’s game against Bournemouth, is confident the new boss will inherit a group in the right frame of mind.

“I’m absolutely delighted with how the lads have responded,” he told The Bolton News.

“The lads are professionals and I think the last week or so has given everyone a kick up the backside – they know that a new manager will be in place soon.

“The attitude in training has been first class. Everyone realises that the only way the club is going to get out of the league position they are in is by working for it. And I’m really happy to say they have done everything I have asked of them.”

Wanderers expect to make an announcement on their new manager next week, with Gartside currently narrowing down the list of applicants to those he wishes to formally interview.

In the meantime, Hughes and goalkeeping coach Lee Turner have been tasked with keeping the players sharp and looking towards the next game against Birmingham City.

“The chairman asked me to keep things going, keep the lads’ spirits up, do whatever it takes, and I’ve given it my best,” he said.

“It was an absolute honour to be asked to take care of this group of players and now that I’m a few days into it, I can say I have really enjoyed it.

“There is a good set of characters here and they seem to get on with me too, so I’ll do this for as long as the chairman needs me to.”