Gary Megson, the new Bolton Wanderers manager, has admitted that he is not the fans' "number one choice" but has called for renewed backing from the club's supporters to help in the battle against relegation.

Megson was a surprise candidate to take over from Sammy Lee having been in charge of Coca-Cola Championship side Leicester City for only a matter of weeks, but he insists he will get the results that will win over the fans.

"All I can do is get together with the players and get some results to change that, " Megson said. "You don't turn up everywhere and get the red carpet laid out for you.

"In terms of the supporters, they are the bedrock of the football club. We need them onside. I'll give it everything to get things back on track but I have to accept that maybe I am not their number one choice."

Megson was in the crowd to witness Bolton's 1-1 Uefa Cup draw with Braga and believes despite the side's position at the bottom of the Barclays Premier League table there is reason for optimism.

"There were some good players out there," he said. "There's things they have done in the past that I will want to change a little but we have good players and an awful lot going for us at this football club."

Speaking about his departure from the Walkers Stadium, Megson conceded it was not an ideal situation but is confident he has made the right decision.

"It's not a case of regrets," he said. "These opportunities don't come along very often and it would have been nice for everyone if I'd been there two or three years, improved everything and left the club in the Premier League and then this job came along.

"But you can't dictate when these things come along. It's not ideal but I have never heard anyone in football say the decision I have made is not the right one."

Phil Gartside, the Bolton chairman, brushed aside the indifference of some fans towards Megson's appointment to insist the former West Bromwich Albion and Norwich manager is the right man for the job.

He said: "We are bottom of the league. If you are in the bottom half at any stage it is a tough battle, it is a hard league to play in. We've got to accept that and we've got to work hard to get out of it.

"We chose Gary on the basis of his credentials. A lot of people in football understand this appointment and I am happy with that."

He added: "It is part of football. It is very fickle and sometimes if you are not winning you get criticism and I am happy to take it. It is not just my decision. We have a board of directors and we came to a joint conclusion we had to make a change and equally we have seen Gary is the right man for the job."

Gartside also confirmed money would be made available for Megson to spend in the January transfer window.

Megson said: "If the opportunity arises - but the key word is strengthen. Bringing players in is easy but bringing in the right players is the trick we have got to get right. We have got a strong squad and we have got to get them into a team shape that suits them."