WANDERERS look set for a season of struggle after a night of humiliation.

The Whites are reeling from a dire 4-0 defeat at newly-promoted Portsmouth which sparked a scathing attack from manager Sam Allardyce.

The Bolton boss launched a tirade of criticism at his players after a second half capitulation which raises a question mark over their ability to cope with the Premiership pressure.

Suddenly the prospect of another relegation fight, which would have been unthinkable at the start of the season, looks a distinct possibility.

The Bolton boss faces a test of his managerial talent as he looks to lift his players for Saturday's visit of Charlton and mould them into an effective force.

Judging from the desperately poor performance at Portsmouth and ultimate surrender, he has a massive job on his hands.

Allardyce, already disappointed with his players for throwing away two points against Blackburn, was furious with them.

He accused them of falling apart when they went behind and throwing in the towel after going 2-0 down and admitted that, just three games into the season, they were already "right in the mire".

He sympathised with the hundreds of fans who made the journey to Fratton Park and who had been humiliated by the display just as he was.

"There is no point saying anything other than this makes life a struggle," he said.