BRUCE Rioch has backed Wanderers to return to the Premier League a stronger club, provided they find a proven goalscorer.

The former Burnden Park boss, who was appointed 20 years ago last week, revealed his sadness at watching the Whites lose their top-flight status on the final day of the season.

Rioch spent three glorious years with Bolton, guiding the club from the third tier to victory in the play-offs over Reading and a return to the Premier League.

And he believes one of the men who helped him get there – Owen Coyle – can emulate his success, provided he sharpens up his attack over the summer.

Speaking to The Bolton News, the 64-year-old hopes his former club can add to their attacking options.

“I’m saddened by the fact the club has gone down,” he said. “It will have an impact on the whole place and you’d have to say there is a demand to go back up right away.

“If Owen is going to do that, and he is most certainly capable, then I feel he needs people who are going to win him games. Of course, you must get your defence right, but if you haven’t got goalscorers in your team it’s an uphill struggle right away.

“Back when I was at Bolton we had Owen, Andy Walker, John McGinlay, Alan Thompson, Jason McAteer, Mixu Paatelainen, David Lee and, later, Fabian de Freitas. That was really something. We collected match winners who could snatch you a goal.

“If we lost one through injury, there would be someone else to come in right away.

“Perhaps there isn't that depth there at the moment but I'm sure it is something Owen will be looking to address. Besides, the philosophy is easy, but putting it into practice is the hard part.”

Rioch also believes there is an onus on Coyle to install a winning mentality back into the club after such an inconsistent 12 months.

Before arriving at Burnden, the former Scotland international had earned legendary status at Middlesbrough when he guided the cash-strapped club into the top flight from the old Third Division.

But Boro's stay in the First Division would be brief, and after being relegated on the final day of the season, Rioch can empathise with how Coyle is feeling at present.

“Owen will be hurting but he'll learn a lot from adversity. I remember my experience at Middlesbrough and it was a horrible feeling. But you have to get through it.

“You have to live with it, and that applies to the manager, the players, the staff and the fans.

“You get knock-backs, and it is about how you deal with them. I came to Bolton on the back of losing in the play-offs with Millwall but I didn't lose faith in my ability.

“I got back that winning mentality and that can happen with Bolton next season, too.

“I wish Owen every success. I follow the club closely and I hope they bounce back at the first attempt. The secret is to keep it a family club, and most importantly a happy club. That is Bolton's real strength.”