Alan Gowling

Bolton v Birmingham – Closer than you might think …Part One

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010 | Alan Gowling, BWFC Goals, BWFC News, BWFC People, Football Association, Gary Megson, Premier League | 2 Comments

Another instalment from bwfc forum’s resident Stat man – Wakey – who over the next 3 days leading up to our final premier league game this season, gives us a very interesting insight into previous encounters and shows the history and rivalry of the two clubs are closer than you would think….

On face value, Bolton and Birmingham don’t have a great deal in common. Bolton have always struggled to compete against local big-city clubs, whereas Birmingham are based in England’s second city. Birmingham have enjoyed several high-profile- and sometimes controversial – owners, whilst Bolton have been quietly run by the local bakers for much

Wakey in manny road stand watching Wanderers v Birmingham 1922

of their history.

Scratch the surface (and clutch a few straws) and you can find the odd similarity. Both were formed within a year or so of each other, initially as church sides. Both have lived largely in the shadow of more successful local rivals. Both would see their rightful place as mid-table (ish) in the Premier League, although there are probably at least twenty other clubs with similar aspirations.

Scratch even deeper, and there’s a much closer similarity between the two.

Bolton fans would probably claim that the Trotters are the more successful of the two clubs. Founder members of the Football League, they have four FA Cup wins plus three losing final appearances to Birmingham’s two losing finals. They have completed – or will have by Sunday evening – 71 seasons in the top flight to Birmingham’s 56. Of the 107 seasons both teams have been league clubs, including this season, Bolton have finished higher than Birmingham 69 times. Bolton even edge the meetings between the two, with 46 wins to Birmingham’s 39. › Continue reading

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Rooney “Close to Old Trafford Exit” – World Exclusive

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 | Alan Gowling, BWFC Goals, BWFC News, BWFC People, Gary Megson, Gary Speed, Ian Walker, Nicolas Anelka, Owen Coyle, Peter Reid, Phil Brown, Phil Gartside, Sam Allardyce, Steve Wigley, Tony Kelly | 16 Comments

Warren Obb explores the rumours that others dare not !

due to journalistic integrity (and the fact it might not be him) we have blanked out the ugly mush in this pic

(we would like to express, these are not necessarily the views of bwfcforum or manny road)

Superstar Shrek look-a-like Wayne Rooney was last night said to be close to an Old Trafford exit, according to sources.

The former Everton hitman, 24, has been in sensational form for the champions this season, netting his 33rd goal of the campaign in Sunday’s win over rivals Liverpool.

But in news certain to stun the Old Trafford faithful, Rooney was recently seen close to an Old Trafford exit. Our sources, who were allegedly close to the club at the time, also claim to have photos of Rooney in the compromising position. Negotiations to purchase the photos broke down in order to preserve our journalistic integrity. › Continue reading

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The night I found Jesus

Sunday, February 7th, 2010 | Alan Gowling, BWFC Goals, BWFC News, BWFC People, Owen Coyle | 2 Comments

Come breezeblock, let us spread harmony amongst the forumites

Come breezeblock, let us spread harmony amongst the forumites

Here’s a brilliant contribution from ‘breezeblocka prolific poster on bwfcforum

I went to the Fulham game by train. I don’t do it very often because it’s quicker to drive and no-one complains about the smell on the M60. The trains were slightly messed up because of some essential repairs in Preston…probably having electricity or running water installed. Met up with Wayne and some of the old BWFC board regulars and had a couple of Australia’s finest auburn blush hops-based beverage served in a delightful polyethylene terephthalate decanter (Fosters in a plastic bottle). Would have been nice to have a pint at half time but the queue at 3.39pm was already fourteen deep and I gave up by 4.53pm when that number was down to seven deep. Not only does the beer taste like sheep dip but you have to suffer a similar queuing process as the animals themselves do.

› Continue reading

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Everton 3-0 Bolton: The fans’ view

Sunday, February 8th, 2009 | Alan Gowling, Andy O'Brien, Ariza Makukula, BWFC News, BWFC People, Gary Megson, Gretar Steinsson, Kevin Nolan, Mario Jardel, Mark Davies, Ricardo Gardner | 1 Comment

Everton's crest

Image via Wikipedia

The Bolton Wanderers match report you won’t read in the papers (or see on Match of the Day)

Here’s what the various Bolton Wanderers message boards made of the 3-0 hammering at Goodison Park:

- “The gulf in class was embarrassing, especially considering Everton played 120 minutes in mid week.”

› Continue reading

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