Ian Evatt is told his squad he is less than impressed with their start to the League Two season, and has warned some risk the chop at Bolton if they don't get their act together.
Wanderers are languishing in 20th place after seven matches much to the frustration of manager Evatt.
With just one win to their name in the fourth tier, Evatt has warned that time is not on their side given the ongoing volatility facing a lot of EFL clubs.
After making 20 summer signings, the former Barrow boss told his new signings the onus was on them to adjust to their new surroundings rapidly or be cut loose.
“It's a bit like when I first took over at Barrow, they had two players and I had to recruit really quickly,” he told The Bolton News.
“I am not saying it will take me a year like it did there. We still had a good finish to that first season and got stronger as it went on but you do figure out who suits properly, and then who you need to get you to the next level. That's happening in a more condensed, shortened space of time here.
“The players know that. There's nothing I am saying that I don't tell them.
“They should be fighting to stay at this club. They are not protected by contract. If you are not producing the goods and where I want you to be you won't be here very long, that's the truth.
“You have to fight to be here because I'm fighting to be here. I love it here. I want to make this club a success, I will make it a success, and if you are not on board with it there's nothing personal, we'll just shake hands and move on. That's the harsh reality of football.”
Bolton face the tough task of derailing Cambridge United's strong start to the season when they travel to the Abbey Stadium on Saturday.
The U's boast the best attacking and defensive record to occupy top spot in League Two.
