Jimmy Phillips believes new Bolton manager Dougie Freedman will inherit a side brimming with talent and restored confidence.
Former Wanderers defender Phillips ends a successful stint as caretaker boss with a trip to another of his old clubs Middlesbrough on Saturday, before official handing over the reins to Freedman, whose arrival from Crystal Palace was confirmed on Thursday.
A 3-2 comeback win over Bristol Rovers last weekend, followed by Mark Davies' injury-time leveller in the 2-2 midweek draw at Wolves has seen Phillips steady a squad that was floundering with 11 points from their first 10 npower Championship games when Owen Coyle was dismissed before the recent international break.
"He'll have the players in a more confident frame," said the 46-year-old. "The players' minds are much at ease.
"Going into the Wolves game they were very professional, put in a good performance and built on what they'd started against Bristol City.
"I think he's inheriting a team that like to get the ball down, pass it along the floor and create opportunities that way."
