Bolton Wanderers manager Dougie Freedman has hit out at Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish's claims that he has an "obsession" with the Premier League.

Freedman departed Selhurst Park last week to make the move to Bolton, and while Freedman admits that he is an ambitious manager, he has accused his former chairman of 'putting words in people's mouths'.

"Steve Parish puts words in people's mouths - he won't put that in my mouth," he said.

"I am a young manager in a rush, I won't hide that. I'm very ambitious and I do want to manage right to the top level.

"When I met Phil Gartside, the ambition I got from him rubbed off on me even more so. I felt 'I want some of that'. I don't think there is anything wrong with being hungry and having some desire."

Freedman suffered a 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough in his first match in charge of Bolton.