ADAM Le Fondre admits he nearly quit Wanderers in January but now hopes for a fresh start at the Macron Stadium.

A block-busting goal against Fulham – Le Fondre’s first since the opening day of the season – earned Phil Parkinson’s side a precious point in their survival battle.

The fan-favourite has struggled to pin down a regular starting place, leading to discussions over a loan deal last month. But the sale of target man Gary Madine and consequent shift in Wanderers’ style over the last couple of games could now give the 31-year-old the opportunity he has longed for.

“It’s frustrating for me,” he told The Bolton News. “I have been getting 10 minutes here and there and not really affecting the game.

“If you give me chances I will score you goals like that. I have done that throughout my career and I’ll do it when I retire and go and play Sunday League.

“I’ll be honest, last month I was looking to leave. The gaffer spoke to my agent and they agreed I could go if they got the right offer and could get some cover in.

“I wasted time at Wigan in a similar position and I can’t afford to do that now.

“It didn’t happen but that’s football, I have been given another chance now and hopefully I can make it count.”

After helping Phil Parkinson’s side to promotion from League One on loan from Cardiff City, Le Fondre signed a two-year deal to stay permanently in the summer.

He has started just three league games this season, however, and after spending too much time on the bench during ill-fated spells at Wigan and Wolves in the last couple of years, Le Fondre is desperate to get back into the frame at Bolton.

“I have to try and re-brand myself,” he said. “Apart from the six months I was here on loan last season I have had a torrid 18 months.

“I have to show people I am still capable. I know I can but I need to play games.”

Le Fondre also paid tribute to the Bolton fans for their backing.

“I can’t thank them enough for how they have been with me,” he said. “At the end of the game they were stood up singing my song and you can’t help but want to play for them. They have been truly brilliant.”