DORIAN Dervite believes the Wanderers defence can once again be a foundation for success this season.

Just 36 goals were conceded in 46 League One games last term – a total bettered by only two clubs in the last decade.

And Dervite, who linked-up with Mark Beevers and David Wheater to make a commanding back three from February onward, says there is scope for improvement at the higher level.

“I think we showed we can play together and complement each other – and not just us three but also the wing-backs,” he told The Bolton News.

“We can get better too with some hard work in the pre-season.

“I know we will be playing against better quality players but it is a level we feel comfortable playing at and I am sure we can be just as consistent again.”

Only Wolves and Nottingham Forest managed to concede fewer goals over the course of a League One season in the last 10 years, and Wanderers’ benchmark was a club record for a 46-game campaign.

Dervite will return with the mainstay of last season’s squad for fitness testing from Monday onwards at Lostock, gearing up to a full return to training. And he believes the camaraderie among the players will ensure they hit the ground running in the Championship.

“The dynamic of the squad was very good and the confidence was passed on from player to player,” he said. “There were good bonds.

“I think it was important to keep that. The relationships between the players helped us last season in League One and I think they will do in the Championship too.”

With strong rumours suggesting Parkinson is looking to strengthen his defence further with the loan addition of West Ham’s Reece Burke, Dervite might have a fight on his hands once again for a first team place. But the Frenchman is up for the challenge.

“Competition is good and I could not complain last season because the team was doing well,” he said. “I could have left the club and gone to find football elsewhere but the manager said to be patient, work hard, and my chance would come.

“It was a relief when I did get into the team but I felt I did well to earn my place.”