Sam Ricketts fights the cold with an unusual warm up routine.

It was a disappointing result for Arsenal, but certainly not an unfair one.  Bolton are vastly improved in 2012, and they produced yet another determined display.  The home side did, however, have plenty of silk to go with their steel.  Listening to some post-match reviews, you could have been forgiven for thinking that Bolton had bullied and harassed their way to a point against an underperforming Arsenal; not a bit of it.  This was an organised and unyielding Wanderers display, but also one which displayed verve and attacking drive.  Arsenal have played worse this season and still won, and Bolton deserve full credit for keeping a clean sheet against them.

The Gunners started brightly, with Bolton failing to come to grips with the pass-and-move style for which the North London outfit have become known.  Indeed, in the early stages of the game, it seemed last year’s Wanderers had made an unwelcome return.  The Whites followed the ball around the pitch, watching Arsenal play whilst not actively trying to stop them.  As a result, the ball found its way into the box far too regularly for the home crowd’s liking, and Arsenal looked increasingly likely to take the lead.

A ball whipped in by Alex Chamberlain should have been converted, but no Arsenal player could get a touch.  Minutes later the ball dropped to Walcott, but the winger took one touch too many and found himself closed down, with Ricketts clearing the ball.  Then it was Robin Van Persie’s chance to squander an opening, cutting inside onto his right and then taking an age to shoot – the ball cannoned off Wheater to safety.  “Too easy” was the cry from the stands.

The root of the problem was Bolton’s midfield system.  Having chosen to man-mark Arsenal’s midfield trio, Bolton had surrendered the middle of the pitch to any opposition defender who decided to carry the ball forward.  As Arsenal’s defence brought the ball forward at feet, at least one midfielder was forced to move forward to make a challenge and suddenly Arsenal had a player free in 10-15 yards of space.  With time and space to turn and run, Arteta and Ramsey could pick their passes at will.  When Bolton’s midfield chose to stick to their marking responsibilities, Arsenal’s defenders were free to run right at the Bolton back line and pick passes of their own.  Bolton were lucky, in truth, that Thomas Vermaelen had been deployed at left back.  If Arsenal had had a centre half with more creativity, Bolton could have been in serious trouble.

Bolton managed to forge good chances of their own.  David N’Gog had an effort saved when played clean through, and when he flicked the rebound to Chris Eagles the winger shot just wide.  Martin Petrov, a player in fine form at the moment, was effective down the left and whipped in several dangerous crosses.  However, it was a calculated, rather than inspired, display from Wanderers in the first half – and it was generally agreed they would have to show more aggression in the second half to claim any points.

Thankfully for Wanderers fans, Bolton 2012 were back in full force for the second half; which saw the marking system in midfield modified to cut the number of free runs Arsenal had through the centre.  When faced with a defender in possession, Wanderers’ wingers started to come inside and pick up players, freeing central midfielders to close-down or intercept.  With their freedom to play openly from the back largely curtailed, Arsenal took to playing a more direct brand of football – with mixed results.  The clear height advantage of Wanderers’ back four meant that Arsenal increasingly lost possession as a result of their switch in passing styles, and Bolton’s desire to continue to play on the deck meant they came increasingly into the game.

Theo Walcott in familar pose, ie missing the goal.

With more even possession, came a more frantic game, with both sides looking to get forward and make something happen.  Bolton grew in confidence, with Mark Davies and Nigel Reo-Coker carrying the ball forward with increasing regularity.  Wanderers, in general, became more attack-minded – with the fullbacks on both flanks pushing forward to offer support as moves developed.  When Owen Coyle first arrived at Bolton, his team talks seemed to regularly inspire the side to give much improved second-half displays – fans should hope that this was a sign of that returning.

Arsenal remained dangerous.  Robin Van Persie twice struck the woodwork, and only a superb save by Adam Bogdan denied Theo Walcott when in behind the Bolton line.  The home side, however, were not to be beaten, and Bolton’s defenders were prepared to put their bodies on the line to preserve a rare clean sheet.  David Wheater was imperious throughout and Zat Knight, who had looked lumbering in the first 45, seemed more switched-on and aggressive after the break.  Arsenal could perhaps have been described as unlucky to gain only a point, were it not for Bolton’s efforts at the end of the game.

If the first 70 minutes had seen Bolton defend resiliently and counter-attack when the opportunity presented itself, the last 20 minutes of the game were dominated almost entirely by the team in White.  And it was Kevin Davies arrival which, just as it had against Swansea a few days earlier, signalled the transition from Wanderers simply matching their opponents, to Wanderers outplaying them.  Arsenal tried their own ‘heroic’ substitution, but Henry failed to have a real impact on the game – though he showed flashes of the old brilliance.

As the pressure from the home side increased, one of their more frustrating habits returned.  Why is it that Bolton’s players are so shot-shy these days?  Tuncay and Kevin Davies both had shots blocked, when if they had taken the chance to shoot early they’d have had a free effort on goal.  Mark Davies and Reo-Coker both chose to take an extra touch when in good shooting positions, allowing them to be closed down and forcing them to play more difficult angles and shoot wide.  Clearly this reticence is something which will have to be worked on in training.  Nevertheless, it was Bolton who had the run of the place come the end of the game and could have won it, especially had a late shout for a penalty on Mark Davies been granted.

Arsenal will feel they should have won the game in the first half, but should equally be relieved they didn’t lose it in the last quarter.  Bolton will be delighted with a point, and can quite rightly claim to have been the match of a side with hopes of a top four finish.  If the Wanderers play like this every game until the end of the season, they’ll be well clear of the drop come the final day.  Arsenal will have to dramatically improve to claim a Champions League spot, and both sides will agree a draw was about right.

Bolton Wanderers (4-5-1): Bogdan 8, Steinsson 7, Wheater 8, Knight 6, Ricketts 7, Muamba 7 (Pratley 6), Reo-Coker 8, M.Davies  8, Eagles 6 (Tuncay 6), Petrov 8, N’Gog 7 (Davies 7).

Man of the Match: David Wheater.  I think this might be a controversial pick, but there you go.  It was ‘Wheats’ or Reo-Coker, and Reo-Coker’s dip for the last 20 minutes of the first half meant the big centre half carried it.  Wheater was immense throughout, blocking a number of shots, clearing off the line and bringing the ball forward out of defence.  Superb display.

Coyle-Watch: Owen is becoming increasingly vocal and animated as Bolton’s revival continues.  Today’s tactics were solid and there was good use of subs.  Can’t fault the manager.

Nigel Reo-Coker: Some would argue that Reo-Coker has been our best player this season, whilst others rubbish that claim; but nobody would argue with the assertion that Nigel has been superb since he assumed the captain’s role on the pitch.  With another classy and authoritative display today, the former Villa man is quickly establishing himself as a favourite amongst the Reebok faithful.  It may be harsh not to have made him man of the match for this game, but his dip in the latter stages of the first half almost cost Wanderers their point.  In spite of that, it’s the first time in a long while that a Bolton captain has improved after gaining the armband, rather than fallen away – long may it continue.

- Azreal88

Bolton Wanderers Under 18s secured an emphatic 3-0 win over a much fancied Manchester City side, with a performance which sets a benchmark for Lee and Kelly’s youngsters to live up to.  The result shocked the decent number of City fans who had shown up, but everyone there admitted that the Wanderers deserved their win.

Is Uncle Eddie's investment starting to pay off?

City’s scholars started the game well and, as was expected, managed to retain possession and show some good touches.  Bolton’s early focus was on maintaining their shape and work rate, which served to frustrate City on their home patch.  As the hosts sought to produce something more inventive, they also began to turn the ball over and Wanderers looked to take advantage on the break.

As the game started to become scrappier, Bolton got their first couple of chances.  A decent ball saw James Caton released down the left.  The young winger took it on and got past his marker, but a slightly heavy touch allowed the ‘keeper to gather at feet.  A second opportunity came shortly after, as forward Zach Clough got his head up and found Georg Iliev.  Iliev needs to work on his mobility, but there’s no doubting his touch and ability on the ball; he turned well, and was unlucky to see his shot blocked.

City are rightly proud of their academy system, and they continued to pose a real threat to the Wanderers goal.  As Bolton pushed forward, City countered down their right and created a good opening.  Glenn Matthews failed to stay with his winger and as the ball was centred only a body-on-the-line block by Ben Dennis prevented City taking the lead.  Matthews struggled in the early stages, but as he got used to the pace of his opponent he improved and showed good defensive quality.

City, after an earful from the touchline, stepped up a gear and Wanderers were forced to become more compact.  A terrier-like performance from Dylan Wolstenholme in the middle and good work from Luke Woodland, who had impressed in the Youth Cup against Southampton, meant Wanderers were hard to break down through the middle.  City looked to create down the wings and succeeded in causing some problems, but Wanderers were getting joy on the counter.

As the ball was won back it found its way to Clough, who sent Woodland clean through with a good ball.  The young midfielder was unlucky to have his shot saved, but the opening goal came from the resultant corner.  When the ball across was poorly cleared by a City defender, centre back Oscar Threlkeld was on hand to show great technique and power it home.  Threlkeld had an impressive game, and his performance on the day deserved this reward.

City immediately sought to peg Bolton back, but their attacks lacked restraint and the visitors made them pay.  When the blues lost the ball forward a long ball down field found Clough away and clear.  The number 10 took it on and slid it past a hapless ‘keeper to make it 2-0.  The goal was a reward for Bolton’s discipline and from then on they dominated the rest of the half.  Though City showed glimpses of a threat, they found themselves well marshalled by Dennis and Threlkeld in the heart of the Whites’ defence.

The Whites had chances to extend their lead, with Caton, Lester and Clough all going close.  City, too, had chances, with a curling effort from City’s number 11 the pick of the bunch.  The last effort of the half fell to City, who sent a free kick just over the bar.  Wanderers had done well to maintain their lead, and as the home side trudged off their coaches fumed at them.

City came out for the second half determined to get on the score sheet, but Wanderers were equally determined to stop them.  This was embodied by an early moment when City’s number 11 looked to get in on goal.  A crunching tackle by centre back Dennis, taking man and ball, showed City what they could expect for the next 45 minutes.  This was the kind of tenacious and whole-hearted display that Wanderers’ first team used to be famous for.

Wanderers seemed to have adapted their system for the second half, and Caton dropped back to play almost as a left back – freeing Mathews to man-mark City’s dangerous right winger.  With Matthews dropping inside as an optional centre half, Dennis was free to push out of defence and win the ball in midfield.  The tactical switch paid off, and City struggled to break Wanderers down.

When City did get a meaningful chance, it was a problem of Wanderers’ own making.  Lewis Fielding had looked comfortable in goal for most of the game, but when he received a back pass under pressure the young ‘keeper made a decision that could have proven costly.  Fielding tried to skilfully play out from the back, when he should have somply cleared, and he gave the ball away – finding himself in no-man’s land.  Bolton scrambled to get bodies in the way, and Fielding was relieved to see the resulting shot strike Dennis in the chest.

Bolton were content to allow their rivals to have the ball in their own half, sitting back and seeking to shut down forward passing options.  When Wanderers did break, it was down the wings through Caton and Chris Lester.  Chris has ability, and if he can increase his work rate over the full 90 minutes he will become an influential player.  The number 7’s runs down the left caused City problems, as did Caton’s on the opposite flank, but Bolton’s third goal would come from a moment of brilliance in the middle.

Luke Woodland had shown decent work rate in the middle, but he had failed to impose himself when Bolton had the ball.  The midfielder is powerful and has good technical ability; if he can gain some consistency in his play you feel he’ll go from strength to strength.  Woodland had shown an ability to shoot in the game vs Southampton, but that hadn’t prepared anyone for Saturday’s effort.  Picking the ball up in the middle, he powered forward and bounced through a weak challenge.  With no runners available, and with City slow to close down, the youngster opted to shoot.  And what a shot it was; a clipped effort with his right that looped over the flailing goalkeeper from about 25 yards.  A city player summed up the general reaction: “How the **** did he do that from there?”

Bolton closed the game out comfortably, and could even have added to their lead – with efforts from Lester and Iliev going wide.  However, Lee and Kelly were in no mood to see their clean sheet lost, and The Whites maintained their composure to see the game out.  It was a convincing win for Bolton, who must be hoping they can build on the back of this result.

Final Score: Man City 0 – Bolton 3 (Threlkeld 18, Clough 23, Woodland 71).

Bolton (4-4-2): Fielding 6, Maher 7, Threlkeld 8, Dennis 8, Matthews 7, Lester 7, Wolstenholme 7, Woodland 7, Caton 8, Clough 8, Iliev 7.

Man of the Match: Oscar Threlkeld.  Wanderers’ have a quality centre back pairing at this level, and both Threlkeld and Dennis were superb at the back; but Oscar’s goal gives him the edge.

Moment of the Match: Luke Woodland’s goal, hands down.  It was a strike that would have graced a Champions League game and was worth the trip down on its own.

Overall view: Wanderers won this one because they worked harder than City, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a quality display.  The U18s have plenty of skill to go with their determination, and they really should be inspired to kick on and win more games.  All the lads have things about their games they have to improve, which is to be expected, but they also all have qualities that’ll stand them in good stead.  It’s up them how far they go and what they make of themselves.

- Azreal88

Bolton knocked Swansea out of the FA Cup to progress to the 5^th round on Saturday.  It was a deserved win for the Whites, but far from plain sailing.  Goals from Daren Pratley and Chris Eagles secured the win for Bolton, after Luke Moore had given Swansea an undeserved lead.

Luke Moore. Won't be looking quite so bloody smug now. Photo ©Getty Images

Bolton started brightly, with Eagles offering the most consistent threat – combining well down the right with Joe Riley, whose swashbuckling runs were dangerous all game.  Swansea played a second-string, and it showed from the offing.  Eagles is never shy about getting at his fullback, and he clearly meant business whenever he got the ball.  However, Eagles love of a shot is not best served on the right of midfield and his attempts to cut in onto his left usually ended in pitiful efforts on goal.

It was from a set-piece that Eagles offered his first moment of creativity, but his ball into the box was headed right at the ‘keeper.  Next, Eagles cut inside for another left-footed effort, and having had a few sighters the crowd expected him to worry the goalie – he instead worried the corner flag.  Chris isn’t a player who lacks confidence though, and he continued to try and make things happen, winning a corner shortly after.  The ball was swung in by Martin Petrov and, as the second ball dropped, Swansea were forced to throw bodies in the way to block a shot.

Wanderers were dominating the game, yet it was a subdued performance from Bolton’s central  midfielders.  Darren Pratley is still finding his feet at the club, and his advanced position meant Mark Davies had to play a deeper role.  Davies is at his best pushing up and looking to link play and, in trying to incorporate Pratley, Wanderers lost some of their recent rhythm.  Nevertheless, Swansea’s distinct lack of bite and energy in the middle meant the Whites remained comfortable for most of the game; and getting Pratley up to speed could prove vital for Bolton in the run in.

Still it was Eagles who was looking like he might force the issue, and when his dinked pass released N’Gog it brought the Reebok faithful to their feet.  N’Gog took a touch and settled himself, only to put a weak shot straight at the ‘keeper.  The French striker looks bereft of confidence in front of goal right now, and Bolton will need that to change if they are to continue their pushes in league and cup.  What N’Gog can do, as he has shown in recent games, is hold the ball and feed runners – and that’s just what he did shortly after his miss.  Pratley was released, and he in turn fed Eagles who shot just wide.

Wanderers were well on top, but their inability to put the ball away was starting to worry the crowd.  Petrov had a good shot saved and the ball was released, with Swansea building from the back – the ball was played through and only a last ditch challenge from David Wheater prevented a goal.  If Bolton needed another reminder of Swansea’s threat, a disallowed goal should have given them that – but Wanderers failed to take heed.  As Swansea played in front of the back four, Boyata lost his head and dived into an unnecessary tackle.  He failed to win the ball, and Wheater was left isolated against Luke Moore, who ran onto a simple through ball and chipped his shot over an on-rushing Bogdan.  Wanderers were stunned, but it was a wound of their own making.

Bolton would once again have to show spirit and resilience to come back from behind, and they were not found wanting.  It took Wanderers less than 5 minutes to find a breakthrough of their own, with Darren Pratley rising to head home a Martin Petrov free kick.  The sides went in level at half time, with Bolton knowing they should already have put the game to bed.

Swansea started the second half with more attacking intent than they’d shown in the first.  It took a Sam Ricketts block to keep the visitors at bay just after the restart, and the Swans then saw a long range effort go just over the bar.  But Bolton began to assert themselves and Nigel Reo-Coker, especially, began to dictate play.  Having already played one beautiful ball out wide to start an attack just minutes earlier, the Bolton captain was at it again, feeding Martin Petrov on the left flank.   Petrov ‘s powerful shot was saved by the Swansea ‘keeper, but he spilt the ball at the feet of Chris Eagles, whose shot on the turn found the bottom corner.

Eagles slots home the winner.

Swansea refused to lie down, and went on the hunt for an equaliser.  A flowing move saw Luke Moore force a smart stop out of Adam Bogdan and an attack down the Bolton left saw Ricketts have to make a great tackle to deny the Swans a shot at goal.  However, Wanderers still had the better of it and Reo-Coker’s passing was once again key as Bolton almost found a third.  Reo-Coker sprayed a pass wide to Eagles, who flicked the ball over his opponent and sent a cross over towards Petrov, but the Bulgarian’s strike went just wide.  Petrov was involved again moments later, as his cross found the head of Pratley, but the ball struck the bar and bounced clear.

Pratley was becoming more and more involved in the game, and he went close again after good work from N’Gog.  The striker closed down Swansea’s defence, and Pratley showed good anticipation to intercept a sloppy back pass and flick the ball goalwards.  Many fans thought it was in but, as the roar went up from the crowd, the ball trickled agonisingly wide.  It was hard on Pratley, and on another night he’d have been celebrating a hat-trick.

In response to Wanderers’ renewed dominance, Brendan Rogers made two changes.  On came Danny Graham and Nathan Dyer, to offer Swansea more options in attack.  Dyer was immediately involved, as he was hacked down by Ricketts as he looked to skip past the Welshman.  Ricketts was lucky not to have been booked for what looked a bad tackle, but on the whole the Swans’ changes were ineffective.  When Bolton made their own change, it proved to be far more significant.

Kevin Davies was brought in on 74 minutes, to rapturous applause from the home crowd, and set about showing the Bolton fans that he’s still got what it takes to perform at the highest level.  Davies’ first touch almost set-up another goal, as Pratley ran beyond him and received the ball from a flicked header.  The burly midfielder couldn’t quite sort out his feet, and when he tussled with a Swansea player the referee harshly gave a foul against him.

Davies next contribution was a deft pass through to find the run of Nigel Reo-Coker, as the club captain found the captain for the afternoon.  It was a decent enough shot from Reo-Coker, but his effort was saved.  ‘Big Kev’ was there again barely a minute later, as he knocked the ball on to Eagles who found substitute Fabrice Muamba in space, only for the powerful midfielder to shoot wide.  Muamba then ran onto another Davies ball, but the keeper gathered as he tried to round his marker.  It was great stuff from the hosts, and especially from Kevin Davies, but Swansea weren’t quite finished yet.

The South Wales side still had time to trouble Bolton, and they forged a couple of openings before the final whistle; including hitting the post with a low drive and seeing a free kick saved and held by Bogdan.  Swansea, however, were never the same threat they had been at the Liberty Stadium earlier in the season, and most of the home support seemed fairly confident that their side would triumph.  There was just time for one last talking point, as Mark Davies tumbled in the box.  The crowd scream for a penalty, but the referee booked the midfield dynamo for diving – it was the correct decision, as Davies had played for it.

All in all, a comfortable win for the Whites in a game they dominated.  Swansea will feel they could, and perhaps should, have done better; but they can’t complain about the result.  Let’s hope Bolton can keep up their, thus far, impressive 2012 form with a win against Arsenal.

Final Score: Bolton 2 (Pratley, Eagles) – Swansea 1 (Moore).

Bolton (4-5-1): Bogdan 7, Riley, 7, Wheater 6, Boyata 5, Ricketts 6, Eagles 8 (Tuncay n/a), M.Davies 6, Reo-Coker 7, Pratley 7 (Muamba 6), Petrov 7, N’Gog 5 (K.Davies 8).

Man of the Match: Chris Eagles.  I seriously considered giving this to Kevin Davies, but in the end decided that would be unfair to Eagles, who worked hard, created plenty of openings and eventually got the goal he’d been after all game.  A good effort from the winger, who is starting to show more consistency in a white shirt.

Player Watch: Darren Pratley.  Since coming to Bolton from Swansea in the summer, nothing has gone right for the energetic midfielder; but there were signs today that he might have something to offer.  Pratley looked lazy and frustrated until his goal, but in the second half he started to make good runs and play some neat stuff in the middle of the park.  There’s a lot of work to be done if he’s to win over the Bolton fans, but his goal and second half display were a decent start.

What was that about!: Sometimes something happens in a game and you can’t figure out why.  Today’s example was a wild challenge by Boyata that opened up Bolton’s defence for Swansea.  All the big Belgian had to do was stay on his feet, but he dived in and left his defensive partner exposed.  Boyata is young, which is sometimes forgotten by his critics, but he needs to start learning fast if he’s to have a role in the team.

- Azreal88

Members of the media, most of whom can’t think for themselves, may have dubbed it ‘not for the purist’, but Whites fans took pleasure in the reputation – and the results.

There might be a few more of these sold now.

All that ended with the arrival of Gary Megson.  The Ginger One won one, drew one and lost all the rest, against the then big four. In the 2008-9 season, he managed one point from 42 against teams that finished in the top seven.

Some will argue that points have the same value, whether they’re achieved at the expense of title contenders, or relegation fodder.  That may be mathematically correct, but it overlooks the morale boost that lesser teams get from turning over the big boys, for sport is about nothing, if not glory.

One of the criticisms levelled at Owen Coyle was that he had failed to arrest that losing trend, bar one late season win against an already demoralised Arsenal. After the way Liverpool were swept aside at the Reebok on Saturday, there is one charge less facing the man from Paisley.

A sober analysis might include the arguments that Liverpool, without Uruguay’s favourite racist are an ordinary side and that Kenny Dalglish inherited a squad some way short of Champions League potential that a summer spending spree has failed to improve.  Then there’s Steven Gerrard, who has yet to regain much of his usual game, apart from whining and bitching to the match officials.

But sod that.  The men in white were fully deserving of their victory and it should be celebrated.  Underpinning a collective effort stuffed with commitment and fighting spirit were several worthy performances.

Adam Bogdan put his Chelsea nightmare behind with a solid display of maturity.  The Hungarian international wasn’t called upon to perform heroics, but he handled his routine tasks well, some of which could have gone horribly wrong.

It has been suggested that he might have come off his line more quickly in order to prevent Craig Bellamy scoring, but such a view assumes that Bogdan can move at roughly twice the speed of Usain Bolt.

At the other end of the pitch, David N’Gog continued to progress in his role of lone front man, holding up the ball well and showing some clever touches.  The Frenchman isn’t a natural goal scorer, but that will matter less if he can play in advancing midfielders as he did for Bolton’s opener.

Nigel Reo Coker has been criticised this season, not least on these pages.  He still lacks an astuteness in reading the game, but starting with the away victory at Blackburn the former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder has played a leader’s role and exhibited the combative qualities that made Coyle give him a contract in the first place.

Game sorted. Now to do something about that hair cut.

However the stand out performer, not for the first time of late, was Mark Davies, who is at last realising his potential.  Gone, is the tendency to drift in and out of games and his tackling and tracking back have improved beyond measure.

Mini Davo’s attacking abilities have never been in doubt, but he seems lighter, fitter and faster and is starting to enjoy his first injury free season in years.  We’ll pause for a bit there, while readers find a piece of wood to touch.

Can Bolton maintain the improvement, that started at Ewood Park and has continued since? (although not without a hiccups or two)  If so, then relegation which seemed a certainty a few weeks ago, may yet be avoided.

There are difficult games still to come, but the end of season run in, seems kind compared to the other drop zone contenders.  If it’s really the hope that kills you, then Wanderers fans are once more in grave danger. No, that wasn’t a pun. Honest.

- Richard McCormick

TweetFollow @RMc2407

Kenny Dalglish waves goodbye to the chance of a top four finish.

At first, it looked as though Bolton were going to make a slow start.  Liverpool seemed relaxed and confident, whilst the men in white seemed nervous and gave the ball away far too easily.  Liverpool’s dominance lasted all of 3 minutes, and then Wanderers took control of the game.  Fabrice Muamba, whose new-found on-the-ball composure has been welcomed by all Bolton fans, fed a short ball to the feet of David N’Gog.  N’Gog’s ability with his back to goal is starting to become telling, and his deft flick, whilst holding off the challenge of Martin Skrtle, gave Mark Davies licence to run.  As Davies carried the ball forward N’Gog was off and running, forcing Agger to go with him with him and opening-up space in the heart of the Liverpool defence.  With Skirtle lumbering in his wake and Agger on the back foot, Davies took full advantage with a trademark ‘jinky’ run giving him a sight of goal.  Owen Coyle made comments in the press recently, in which he called on Davies to add goals to his game; Mark was clearly listening.  A beautifully placed finish from the midfielder gave Wanderers the lead and sent the Reebok faithful into raptures.

Liverpool were visibly shocked, as were most Bolton fans to be honest, but Wanderers immediately set out to show the early goal was no fluke.  Chris Eagles, who had a dreadful time against Utd at Old Trafford, looked like a man with a point to prove, and it was he who would worry Liverpool next.  Eagles won the ball from Jose Enrique and set-off in determined fashion.  Eagles would trouble Enrique all game with his energy and willingness to run with the ball, and he skipped away from the former Spain U21 international before drilling a shot across the face of goal.  If Liverpool fans had seen the first goal as a freak, Eagles’ effort may have knocked them down a peg or two – if nothing else, it shut the usually boisterous Liverpudlian away fans up for some time.  Maxi Rodriguez almost gave Liverpool something to sing about, as he got in behind from a long punt by Pepe Reina.  It really should have been 1-1, but Maxi somehow contrived to ‘miscontrol’ the ball and then handle, earning Wanderers a freekick.  It was a let-off for Wanderers and should have been a wake-up call for a defence playing a high line.

Wanderers may have looked more incisive, but Liverpool are a good team and gave the home side plenty to worry about, with the majority of possession.  With Gary Cahill sold, the Bolton centre back pairing is seriously short of pace, and Liverpool looked to take advantage.  With Andy Carroll decidedly out of sorts, it was left to Craig Bellamy to terrorise the Wanderers and do his once-in-a-while impression of a top class striker.  Bellamy is capable of playing some great football, but he was initially well marshalled by Wheater and Knight.  However, after about 20 minutes Zat Knight’s habit of falling asleep returned with a vengeance.  Knight started the game in dominating style, winning his headers and making some superb tackles; but the former Fulham player always makes watching fans nervous, and with good reason.  Bellamy began to curve his runs in behind Knight, and Liverpool’s midfield looked to spray passes over the big centre back’s head to find the Welshman’s runs.  It was an effective tactic, and Liverpool started to carve out openings.

It seemed Liverpool would soon create something meaningful, but it was Wanderers who were to again shock the visitors.  Eagles once more looked to get at the opposition defence, and as he slowed his run two Liverpool defenders were drawn to him.  Last calendar year, the move would have broken down there, but this is Bolton Wanderers 2012, and things are a little different now.  It was Nigel Reo-Coker, Bolton captain for the day putting in a captain’s performance, who offered Eagles an option.  Reo-Coker pushed in through the gap left by the centre half drawn in by Eagles, and the winger found his captain with a well-executed, chipped pass.  Nigel is often derided for being a “scrapper”, but there was nothing scrappy about how he controlled the ball beautifully on his chest before volleying it past a helpless Pepe Reina.  If Reo-Coker’s impressive passing stats don’t convince his doubters that he can play ‘real’ football, perhaps his well-taken goal will.

Liverpool were not entirely at the races, but they underlined their continued threat by creating several openings that Bolton were lucky to survive.  Liverpool had a penalty shout immediately before Reo-Coker’s goal, when Zat Knight appeared to handle Carroll’s flicked pass from a Liverpool free kick.   Maxi had a chance to get a shot away, but decided to take a touch and found himself tackled by two Wanderers players.  As the ball ran free to Adam Bogdan, Liverpool protested the lack of a spot kick, but their appeals fell on deaf ears.  Every Wanderers player on the park was then forced to get stuck in and work for the team, as Liverpool upped the tempo to try and get back in.  Despite Liverpool’s endeavour, Bolton’s voracious appetite for the tackle and ‘bodies on the line’ defending ensured that Bogdan was rarely tested in the Bolton goal.

Craig Bellamy reacts badly after being informed that he's a scrote with bad tatoos

When Bogdan was called upon to make a save, it was inevitably Craig Bellamy who was providing the examination.  Bellamy got in behind Knight and Ricketts just after the half hour mark, only to see his tame shot easily caught be the ginger Hungarian ‘keeper; who is affectionately known as “Shaggy”.  Cries of “wake up Knight” from the watching crowd went unheeded, and Bellamy was unleashed again only minutes later.  Carroll rose highest to get to a long headed clearence and flicked the ball on to the jet-heeled striker, who set off at pace.  Zat Knight was the tortoise to Bellamy’s hare, except that in this version it was the tortoise who decided to fall asleep – allowing the hare a one-on-one with Bogdan.  Bellamy slotted the ball past the Hungarian international ‘keeper, who actually managed to get a hand on the ball and was desperately unlucky not to take enough pace off the shot to allow Sam Ricketts to clear.  Ricketts, who was once again solid at left back, turn and berated Knight for his error.  Whatever Ricketts said seemed to have the desired effect, and Knight improved steadily afterwards.

Again, Wanderers fans looked for signs of the 2011 Bolton to reappear.  Was that a head dropping?  Was the blame-game starting up again?  In short, “no”.  Wanderers went back on the offensive, and it was again N’Gog who created an opening – having had a hand in both Bolton’s goals.  The industrious striker received the ball and turned well.  Ignoring impassioned cries of “shoot” from half the Reebok, N’Gog showed quick feet to win a free kick in a dangerous position.  The Frenchman’s contribution should not go unheralded, as he did a phenomenal job of holding the ball up and taking pressure off Bolton defence – as well as being involved in both of Wanderers openers.  Liverpool’s defence had looked dodgy all game, but surely they would be able to do the simple thing and form a wall?  Not a bit of it.  Petrov stepped up and struck his free kick through a gap you could have got Luis Suarez’s ego through, with only a smart save from Reina denying the Bulgarian the goal his performance would have merited.

Mark Davies holds down Gretar Steinsson as a helium filled Chris Eagles starts to float away.

The game now rested on which side, if either, would get the first goal of the second half.  It was Wanderers who did the honours.  From a Petrov corner, David Wheater knocked the ball down in a set-piece routine right out of the Allardyce era.  A clever run from Steinsson had him in the right place at the right time, but it still took a superb finish to beat Reina for a third time and lift the proverbial roof right off the Reebok.

The second half saw chances come and go for both sides, as every spectator in the place nervously watched both clock and pitch.  Daniel Agger almost got Liverpool back into it with a long-range special that thundered off the crossbar.  At the other end, a good run from Eagles ended with a decent effort going just past the upright.  However, clear-cut chances were at a premium, and Wanderers industry in the middle of the park was a joy to behold for fans used to seeing limp and passionless displays this season.

When the endless running finally started to catch up with Bolton’s players, gaps began to appear in their formation and Liverpool sought openings.  Once again though, Bolton showed an unwillingness to capitulate that their supporters have been waiting to see for some time.  There was always a last-ditch tackle, a body thrown in the way or a clever interception to save the day – and, failing that, there was someone to just hoof the ball down the pitch and clear the pressure.  It wasn’t pretty at times, but the level of desire shown should warm the cockles of the heart just as much as any of Bolton’s goals.  And it was clear that the crowd had a full appreciation of the players’ efforts, when late substitutions brought standing ovations for those going off.

Every Bolton fan in attendance learnt things on Saturday night, and questions were answered that had previously eaten away at the faith of many.  Firstly, have no doubts that this Wanderers side contains enough quality to stay up.  Secondly, and most importantly, this group of players really do have some grit and fight in them after all.  And thirdly, with an eye on our next league game, the 2012 edition of Bolton Wanderers doesn’t necessarily wilt when confronted by the big sides.  Bolton fans everywhere take heart, because, on today’s evidence, there’s life in us yet and fortress Reebok might not be the crumbling ruin we all took it for.

Bolton Wanderers (4-5-1): Bogdan 7, Steinsson 8, Wheater 8, Knight 7, Ricketts 8, Eagles 8 (Tuncay 5), Muamba 7, Reo-Coker 9, M.Davies 9, Petrov 8, N’Gog 8 (Davies 6).

Man of the Match: For me, it has to be Nigel Reo-Coker.  Many will have other views, but I thought today saw a true captain’s performance from Nigel and he didn’t put a foot wrong.  We’ve been waiting for a leader to emerge on the pitch and drag us out of this mire, and we may just have found him.

Coyle-watch: Owen gets major credit for today.  It was the right formation, and he sent the lads out with optimism and desire.  Subs remain the affable Scot’s weakness, with his failure to bring on fresh legs in good time almost costing Wanderers dearly.

The Opposition: Liverpool were their own worst enemy today, but Craig Bellamy was a bright spark in an otherwise dull display.  The lightning-fast Welshman may not have Nigel Reo-Coker’s respect as  a person, but everyone has to respect his ability on a football pitch.

Move of the Match: Saturday’s best ‘move’ was actually a piece of individual skill from Martin Petrov.  Petrov, marked by two Liverpool players, flicked the ball through the legs of Glen Johnson and was away before the England right back even knew what was happening.  Petrov had a slow start to his Bolton career, but his energy and winning mentality have not gone unnoticed in recent weeks; Martin is quickly becoming one of the out-of-contract players who should be on Coyle’s “retain” list, wages permitting.

-Azreal88

Bolton will play Swansea in round 4 of the FA Cup after enjoying a largely comfortable 2-0 win over Macclesfield Town at the Reebok Stadium.  Macclesfield did well to force a replay with the Premier League side, but quality told on Tuesday night as the Wanderers eased to victory.  It was a night of contrasts, as the old cliché “a game of two halves” was played out on the pitch.  Bolton started well and dominated the first half, only to switch off after the break.  Macclesfield, without home advantage, failed to really get going; but managed to put in a better display in the latter stages to give their fans something to sing about.

Lofty Junior demonstrates the fine art of levitation.

The League Two side were a goal down inside the first minute, after a poor pass by Jon Bateson rebounded off Ivan Klasnic.  Bateson rushed back to clear, only to completely miss the ball and slip to the ground.  Klasnic seized the opportunity and centred the ball to Kevin Davies, who slid in and managed to make a scruffy connection.  The shot was close to Macclesfield ‘keeper Jose Veiga, but he contrived to fumble the ball and it squirmed into the net.  It wasn’t classic football from the Whites, but Bolton will take whatever luck comes their way during a difficult season.

Wanderers’ second goal showed far more of their Premier League quality than had their first, and would have graced any game.  Tuncay was fed the ball by Klasnic and set off at a canter, skipping through the challenge of Macclesfield’s Arnaud Mendy and sliding the ball to Petrov who was advancing down the left.  The Bulgarian winger, who put in a real shift in the first half, still had plenty to do, but his first touch was good and his second teed the ball up nicely; allowing him to blast a shot goalward.  The pace and swerve on the shot clearly surprised Veiga, who was beaten at his near post.

Wanderers didn’t look satisfied with 2-0, and sought to kill the game off in the first half, creating several more chances.  Tuncay’s forays into the centre often lead to neat interchanges, and one such could easily have lead to Wanderers going three up.  Ricketts fed the ball to Petrov, who was afforded time and space to pick his pass.  The ball was played to the feet of Tuncay, whose deft heel-flick found Klasnic on the edge of the box.  Had the ball fallen to Klasnic’s left, it would almost certainly have been buried past the visiting ‘keeper, but Klasnic is less adept with his right and his first time shot went wide of the post.  Other opportunities presented themselves, but a lack of quality in the final third meant Wanderers were unable to breach Macclesfield for a third time.

It was not all one way traffic though, and Macclesfield managed to worry their hosts with shots of their own.  The Silkmen’s best effort of the first half came courtesy of a neat touch from Mendy which fell to Matthew Hamshaw.  Hamshaw produce a lovely bit of skill to feint past Mark Davies and make space for a shot, which curled just wide of the top corner.  It was the first real sign of danger from Macclesfield, but more was to come in the second half from the Cheshire outfit.

Wanderers’ first half display had been good, but not exceptional, and talk at half time was of using it as the foundation for a dominant second half, but any such hopes were quickly dashed.  Right from the second half kick-off, it was obvious that the players were not prepared to run themselves into the ground when already 2-0 up.  Bolton played it safe, passing backwards and sideways to retain the ball and take any sting out of the game.  The approach had tactical merit, but left the home fans frustrated, and vocally so.

Any possibility of Coyle urging his players into a more positive mode looked remote when, on 63 minutes, the manager made his first changes.  Off came Klasnic, who had disappointed, only for him to be replaced by the equally poor N’Gog. Sam Ricketts went out for Paul Robinson.  Moans greeted the arrival of Robinson, who has lost the confidence of the Wanderers fans. Robinson did nothing to change any minds on the night, with an insipid display.  Coyle’s now typical late change, saw youngster Michael O’Halloran come on for Tuncay; with the youngster offered a chance to impress in front of the home crowd.

Coyle’s changes, though seemingly done to preserve two players who lack full match fitness for Bolton’s game against Liverpool on Saturday, served to destroy any fluency remaining in Wanderers’ football.  O’Halloran is naturally a striker, and when played on the right it is his tendency to push up as an outside forward.  In turn, Mark Davies was forced to shift right and cover the gap left by O’Halloran on that side of Bolton’s midfield; effectively leaving Reo-Coker the job of marking 3 Macclesfield players.  For a player who had looked slightly off the pace all night, it was too much to ask.

If Wanderers’ right flank now looked all at sea, Robinson’s performance at left back may have finally sunk any hope of his remaining a Bolton player past next summer.  Barring a clever attacking run, which saw Robinson play a neat one-two with N’Gog before having a good effort deflected wide, his performance looked somewhat akin to a football out-takes video.  From not noticing the game had started again after his introduction, to almost clearing the ball into his own net, Robbo’s match went from bad to worse.

It is a great shame that a player who has given a phenomenal amount of running and sweat for this club, should now find himself unable to have so much as a single half-decent game for the Whites; but the sad fact is that Robbo is now a liability, even against League Two opposition.  A move to a new club and a fresh atmosphere cannot come soon enough for either party.

Well, it makes a change from being sat on the bench

The last 20 minutes of the tie were all Macclesfield, and their fans should be proud of the spirit shown by a tired group of players.  In three games this season, Macclesfield have always found ways of testing Bolton Wanderers, and it stands as a testament to their attitude and desire.  Almost a spectator in the first half, Adam Bogdan was forced into a string of saves and interceptions that tested his concentration and bravery.  A rasping drive from Carl Tremarco, at an acute angle, was parried to safety by a young goalkeeper who is staking a serious claim to be Bolton’s first choice in net.  An Elliot Hewitt volley looked goal-bound, only to be deflected onto the bar, much to the relief of a worried-looking Bogdan.  It was a lovely effort from the young Welshman, who showed great control and technique to get his shot away; the composure and quality shown by the 17-year-old will have been noted by watching scouts.

Macclesfield were not finished, and Colin Daniels was the next to go close, getting on the end of a great cross to head narrowly wide.  Macclesfield were running the show, but also running out of time, and with Bolton playing purely for possession it was a struggle for the tiring Silkmen to get hold of the ball in stoppage time.  At the final whistle, it might have been fair to say it was a routine victory for Bolton, whose advantage in fitness and quality was clear; but it would have been wrong to sell Macclesfield short, and if they had managed to convert one of their numerous chances then Bolton fans would have certainly feared the worst.  The Silkmen’s trip back to Cheshire can be made with heads held high, but serious questions remain over Wanderers’ attitude in certain games.  A far better performance will be needed on Saturday, if Bolton are to get anything from their game with Liverpool.

Bolton Wanderers (4-4-2): Bogdan 7, Riley 7, Boyata 5, Wheater 7, Ricketts 6 (Robinson 4), Tuncay 7 (O’Halloran 5), M.Davies 7, Reo-Coker 6, K.Davies 7, Klasnic 6 (N’Gog 5).

Man of the Match:  David Wheater.  Though Wheater was never exceptional, he also didn’t let his performance drop in the second half like his team mates did.  No Macclesfield player got any change out of the big man, who was solid throughout.

Move of the Match:  A series of short passes from Wanderers’ defenders saw Ricketts emerge with the ball, which he played to the feet of Petrov.  Petrov played an inch-perfect ball with the outside of his foot, which found Tuncay in the 18 yard box.  A deft flick from the skilful Turkish international fed Ivan Klasnic, only for his instinctive strike to be blocked.

Player Watch:  Tuncay Sanli.  After a poor performance from Chris Eagles at Old Trafford, Coyle may well have been looking for Tuncay to show he’s ready to perform down the right for Wanderers.  On Tuesday’s evidence, the Bolton boss could do far worse than play the former Middlesborough player against Liverpool.  With license to cut inside and play-make, Tuncay is a serious creative threat and has the pace to get in behind Liverpool’s back four to nick a goal.  Tuncay has a decent record against Liverpool, having scored two goals and created one in a total of 4 starts against the Merseyside club.

- Azreal88

Monday night saw Bolton reserves host Liverpool at the Leyland ground, in a game with Jekyll and Hyde performances from both teams.  Wanderers put out a side containing some experienced players who, you’d presume, were looking to impress Wanderers staff enough to warrant first team selection; it didn’t work out that way.  In good playing conditions, it was two of Bolton’s  ‘bright young things’ who impressed, with largely disappointing displays  from their senior teammates.

Andy Kellett Goes one on one with Nathan Eccleston

Wanderers lined-up in a nominal 4-4-2 formation, with Tuncay and Blake apparently given a degree of freedom to roam.  It was refreshing to watch two sides who clearly wanted to play football, both passing forward from the back and showing decent movement in midfield.  Liverpool’s 4-5-1, switching to 4-3-3 at times, allowed for some lovely interchange in possession and forced Wanderers to stay compact for periods of the game.

A worrying early error from Dedryck Boyata, turning out at centre half for this one, was a sign of things to come.  Boyata looked to put pressure on the ball near the halfway line, but instead saw the ball simply knocked past him and his man skip away from him and set off down field.  It was the first of several embarrassing moments for Boyata, who seemed intent upon underestimating the pace and skill of Liverpool’s youngsters; it was largely a night to forget for the big defender, who is on loan from Man City.

Most of the threat from Bolton came down the left, where Robbie Blake and Andy Kellett combined well on numerous occasions.  In Kellett, Bolton found a willing runner with composure and ability on the ball, and it was the young left back who seemed to cause Liverpool the most headaches in the first half.  It was one such foray from Kellett that led to Bolton’s opener.  After some crisp interchange passing down Wanderers’ left flank, Kellett and Blakeman exchanged a one-two which saw the latter free in the Liverpool box.  Blakeman, who showed a cool head and quick feet all night, cut the ball back to find Kellett’s run and the 17 year old centred to the feet of O’Halloran.  A scything tackle from a Liverpool defender would, at another time, have produced a penalty, but the ball fell at the feet of Tuncay who buried it from close range.  It was a goal that would have graced any Premier League game, and easily worth the price of admission on its own.

Hardman Sean Davis

The quality down Bolton’s left was, however, not matched on Bolton’s right.  The combination of Blake, Blakeman and Kellett worked well throughout the first 45, but when Wanderers, usually through the passing of Blake, looked to switch and expand play, moves quickly broke down.  Young Nathan Battersby can perhaps be allowed a poor display at right back, and was at least not found wanting for effort; but in Topi Obadeyi and Sean Davis, Wanderers had underperformers from whom much more was expected.  Davis, returning to fitness after a lengthy absence, could be forgiven for being a yard off the pace; but being two yards behind, or simply not trying to get there at all, was a sign of a player whose head was never in the game.  Anyone hoping Davis might be ready for the first team in quick order will, on Monday’s evidence, be disappointed.  Davis’ one bright moment came from a direct free kick, which needed to be turned over by a smart stop from Hansen in the Liverpool goal.  Topi had some good moments, but they were far too few and those he had were overshadowed by his errors; a poor first touch and lack of imagination meant he never influenced the game consistently.

It was Liverpool, rather than the hosts, who offered the more consistent invention and quality; but neither side showed a cutting edge.  On numerous occasions throughout the game, Wanderers were saved only by a lax final pass or a woeful finish; and once or twice by a good save from Jay Lynch.  Lynch didn’t have a huge amount to do, largely thanks to the Reds ability to miss from 8 yards on a regular basis, but what he had to do he did reasonably well; with the only real negative being a dropped cross that could easily have cost the Whites their point.

O'Halloran misses a sitter.

Whereas Liverpool could have easily won, Wanderers really should have.  After having a goal ruled out for offside following good work from Tuncay, O’Halloran saw his chance to make amends for failing to hold his run.  After some nice passing in the middle, the ball was played wide to Obadeyi.  Though often frustrating, Topi clearly does have the ability to produce the goods at times, and he sent over a glorious cross that only needed the faintest touch from O’Halloran to send it into the net.  But O’Halloran got too much on it, and the ball ballooned over the bar from about 6 yards out.  It was typical of how things had gone for O’Halloran, who had worked hard but managed to make a mess of his opportunities.  Tuncay had the better game of the two forwards, but failed to have anything like the influence that might have been expected of him.  There was too much show-boating, not enough of which came off, and having watched him play at reserve level you can start to understand why he’s not forced his way into the first team this season.

After having a shot bounce from one post to the other and finally be scrambled clear, Liverpool looked almost certain to get an equaliser from somewhere; and so it proved.   Wanderers gave away a free kick in a dangerous position and Bolton fans feared the worst.  It was Conor Coady, Liverpool’s captain, who rose unopposed to secure a point for the Merseyside club with a thumping header.  Wanderers’ coaching staff will want to know how Coady was allowed so much space in the 18 yard box, with no Bolton player anywhere near the big number 6.  Late efforts from Liverpool could have secured all three points, but the woodwork came to Bolton’s rescue once again.

All-in-all it was a mixed display from Bolton, who you felt were capable of more, but never consistently threatened.  Liverpool were the better side for long periods, but a lack of quality in the final third meant they failed to really impress.  A draw proved to be fair result in the end, with both sides rueing missed chances.

Bolton (4-4-2):  Lynch 6, Battersby 4, Boyata 5, Connolly 6, Kellett 8, Obadeyi 5, Davis 4, Blakeman 8, Blake 7 (Lester 5), Tuncay 6, O’Halloran 5 (Sampson 5).  Unused subs – Fielding, Irwin, Eckersley.

Move of the match: A sweeping left wing advance, notching up a dozen or more passes, saw Wanderers almost walk the ball into the back of the net.

One to Watch: Andy Kellett.  The diminutive left back still has a lot to learn, and errors to cut out of his game, but he was the brightest spark on the night and played a key part in Bolton’s goal.

Next to step up: Of the young lads, Adam Blakeman looked to be the one who will be knocking on the gaffer’s door and asking for a first team game.  It’s a big step, from the reserves to the Premier League, but Blakeman outshone experienced pros in the Bolton midfield and showed he has a good all-round game.

Opposition Watch: Michael Ngoo was Liverpool’s most obvious threat, showing pace and trickery in attack.

- Azreal88

Comings and Goings

The summer transfer market was slow, with attempts to offload Gary Cahill for a handsome fee meeting with failure. The desire to get rid couldn’t have been more obvious if a small ad had been placed in the classifieds.

‘For Sale : Top class international defender. Two careful owners. All offers considered.’

For sale to a good home. Or any home, in exchange of a big sack of cash.

The bid from Arsenal was derisory and caused tension between the two clubs, while ‘Arry Redknapp, true to character, made enquiries a few minutes before the end of the window. The behaviour of the interested clubs was disrespectful to Bolton and to Cahill, who it should be noted, has behaved impeccably. He will move to Chelsea later this month with the best wishes of Whites fans.

Ali Al-Habsi was sold to Wigan, Matt Taylor to West Ham and Danny Ward to Huddersfield to give Coyle some working capital. Eight new players were brought in, some on loan. None of them can be considered an unqualified success. Note the polite phrasing of that last sentence.

Pre-season was overshadowed by the broken leg sustained by Lee Chung-Yong in a friendly at Newport County. When top flight sides play such fixtures against non league opposition there’s a tacit agreement that it won’t be an eyeballs out affair. A shame that no one told Tom Miller. Or maybe they did and he’s a psychopath.

The First False Dawn

Whatever confidence there was evaporated when the fixture list for 2011-12 was published. Five of the leading clubs were to be faced early on. QPR imploded in the first game of the season giving the Wanderers an easy 4-0 triumph and a creditable loss against Manchester City took place a week after.

Then it was downhill accelerating, with feeble performances against Liverpool, Manchester United, Norwich, Arsenal and Chelsea. The worst fears had been realised.

In the middle of October something incredible happened. The Wanderers faced a side even worse at defending than them as they travelled to the primitive badlands of Wigan. A 3-1 win resulted. The season had started at last!

Oh No It Hadn’t

Steve Bruce. Job safe. But not for long.

The optimism was good for seven days. Under Steve Bruce, Sunderland were a wretched outfit and he arrived with his job on the line. Kevin Davies & Co did their best to keep Fat Head in employment with a second half display of wearying ineptitude. Things hadn’t improved.

As the month drew to an end, Manny Road published the first in a series of articles discussing potential wrong doing in at least one transfer deal involving Bolton Wanderers. Phil Gartside had cut one agent out of a deal, paid another well over the odds and lied about it.

If the word of the excluded agent had been the only evidence it would have been easier to discount, but sworn statements by BWFC employees and a document obtained from the FA gave the allegations substance.

Gartside was a jibbering wreck as he addressed a meeting of the Bolton Wanderers Supporters Association, a gathering he normally has to be dragged kicking and screaming to. But by then the Bolton Chairman was on a publicity drive, no doubt under the orders of self styled ‘Director of Communications’, Mark Alderton, a man who has watched too many episodes of the West Wing.

Perhaps at some point Alderton will realise that he’s a gopher at a small town northern football club, rather than an aide at the White House. Until then, the chances of information emerging from the Reebok that hasn’t been carefully spun first remain slim.

The questions posed by this site and Whites supporters remain unanswered. They will be asked again by other parties as the year progresses.

November

Things started brightly with a walloping of Stoke City. It didn’t make up for the hurt at Wembley. Only a return visit and a different result will do that. But it did provide some kind of closure. Pointing and laughing at those Potters fans who’d arrived wearing ‘5-0’ tee-shirts added to the fun.

What happened on the pitch seemed irrelevant at the end of the month as the news of Gary Speed’s suicide broke. The motivation behind his actions is a mystery and to protect his family from further hurt it should remain so. RIP Gary, and thanks for all you did as a Bolton player.

False Dawn II

Bald Gary Megson. You're just a bald Gary Megson.

December started with another three defeats, but a fighting win at Blackburn Rovers lightened the mood. The players looked different. They’d grown balls and a backbone. There was a neat role reversal as travelling fans enjoyed the home abuse of Rovers manager Steve Kean. It made the treatment of Gary Megson seem like playful banter

The relief this time lasted less than a week as a moderate Newcastle side were treated to three gift-wrapped points at home on Boxing Day. It felt more like Groundhog Day.

Onward and…er, Upward

It’s been a sobering year for Bolton fans. The optimism prompted by the arrival of Owen Coyle has long gone and the overriding opinion is that he and his coaching staff are out their depth. Fortress Reebok is now a ruined sandcastle.

Despite that, the Wanderers manager has been given an easy ride by match goers. Perhaps that’s because he’s still regarded with affection. Or it may be that the point of anger has passed and that only apathy remains.

According to reports, Coyle will get the cash generated by the sale of Cahill and the rest of January to get his act together. Whoever is in charge of the team will face a tough task. To reach the magical forty points at season end, a further 27 will be needed from nineteen games. That includes those against the top teams, for whom Bolton are a fleeting inconvenience these days.

Injuries have played their part in the Whites decline, as have the departures of Johann Elmander and Daniel Sturridge and the ageing of Kevin Davies and Jussi Jaaskelainen. No one expected the season to be easy. No one fooled themselves that the squad was anything more than average. Relegation, if it happens, may be forgiven. But not if that cherished place in the top flight is meekly surrendered.

- Richard McCormick

TweetFollow @RMc2407

The Year of the Un-Coyled Part One

Mark Davies gets to grips with his defensive duties.

The last game, a home draw against fellow strugglers Wolves has aroused much anger, but there were signs of things on which to build. Owen Coyle’s side moved the ball around well at times and in recent outings Mark Davies has at last started to fulfil his potential as a creative midfielder, as well as improving his tracking back and tackling.

But the same defensive frailties remain and there is a lack of fire power up front, to which David N’Gog isn’t the answer, despite his other qualities. Even if the Wanderers put a consistent run of results together, there may simply be too much to do.

Off the field, things have been at least as bad. Burnden Leisure PLC, the parent company of Bolton Wanderers announced losses of £26 million bringing the total debt to £110 million. Some parties did well out of it. Moonshift Investments, a company controlled by club owner Eddie Davies which provides loan facilities, took £5 million in interest payments and is owed a £2.8 million ‘player success fee’.

The wage bill rose to nearly £56 million, a figure almost £10 million higher than represented in the previous accounts, and despite a catastrophic financial performance, chairman Phil Gartside trousered a bonus of £164,000 in addition to a salary of £330,000 and a £50,000 contribution to his pension pot.

Goodbye to a Hero

So long Nat.

Nat Lofthouse played with honour for both Bolton and England. The great man passed away on 15th January 2011. Nat considered himself to be a local lad who’d just got lucky, and that modesty endeared him to football fans as much as his ability on the pitch. Tributes poured in from around the World and he was given a fitting and dignified send off. An announcement regarding a permanent memorial to Bolton’s favourite son is expected soon.

The Bright Spot

Although it ended in embarrassment, a cup run worthy of the name was still a pleasure to behold, especially as it involved beating three Premier League teams away from home. Mike Harding once remarked that ropes and red lamps should be placed around Birmingham and a sign erected saying ‘Danger – Hole in the World.’ He was right, but that didn’t stop 4,000 Whites fans making the journey down the M6 for the FA Cup quarter final – one of the best away days in years.

With normal time almost up and the scores at 2-2, the travelling throng would have settled for a replay. Lee Chung-Yong had other ideas, heading home from inside the penalty area in the final minute. Bolton were on their way to Wembley.

The Disaster

A week later the problems started, with Stuart Holden sidelined by a reckless challenge from Jonny Evans at Old Trafford. The American has yet to recover. His absence highlighted the lack of cohesion in Bolton’s midfield. That and a catalogue of defensive errors were cruelly punished by Stoke City in the Wembley semi-final as they cruised to an easy win.

The Potters deserved their victory, but it was hard not to conclude that Coyle’s men had shot themselves in the foot. And the knee. And the…well you get the picture.

This supporter travelled to London on coach 99, driven by the only person in the World who didn’t know that the M1 was closed. An unwanted and bad tempered tour through the London suburbs resulted, culminating in a wrong turn when in sight of the stadium, that took the early vintage vehicle down a side street containing a few thousand opposition fans.

One enterprising girlie took her top off as a distraction. This gave the baying Neanderthals a rare glimpse of female flesh and enabled them to count to two for the first time in their lives. Arrival time: 3.35pm. A pity it wasn’t a couple of hours later.

The rest of the season fizzled out with one win and then five consecutive defeats. A final day slide in the table from 9th to 14th cost the Whites £3 million in place bonuses, or three quarters of an Ali Al-Habsi. There was worse, much worse to come.

Coming up in part two:  Transfer dealings, false dawns and a very jittery chairman.

- Richard McCormick

TweetFollow @RMc2407

Smiley Phil

“I’ve got to say, that Stuart Parker’s one of my favourite players, but if he’s going to score from there he’s one hell of a player.” The words came from Bolton chairman Phil Gartside who was speaking on the BBC’s Five Live, in the wake of an entirely predictable thrashing at Tottenham Hotspur.

Who Stuart Parker is, hasn’t yet been established.

Meanwhile, back in the real world, Gary Cahill was sent off for legging up Scott Parker after his clumsy touch had given the Spurs midfielder a run on goal, albeit from a somewhat unlikely position.

By the time he spoke to Mark Chapman on the Beeb, Gartside was in a forgiving frame of mind.

“We had a game against Stoke the other week. I know the Stoke chairman Peter Coates described Howard Webb as disgraceful. I’m not going to say that about Stuart Atwell,” he commented.

Grumpy Phil

You’re not? How kind. Oh, hold on. Wind the clock back half an hour or so, and here’s what Gartside told Greater Manchester Radio.

“The refereeing decision, to quote Peter Coates, when he said about Howard Webb and the decision at Bolton, is an absolute disgrace.

“The authorities will look at that and my statement, that the referee’s a disgrace, is probably questionable, but we’ve had some bad decisions this season.”

After the softening of his position on air, Garty returned to grumpy mode on the way home, just after passing through Sandbach.

“Get a life and look at the injuries,” he tweeted from his iPhone to one supporter who had suggested that taking 9 points from a possible 42 made it hard to ‘keep the faith’.

Maybe Phil’s hormonal. Or perhaps there’s more than one of him and one Phil doesn’t know what the other’s doing. That might explain a few things.

Nasty Phil.

- Richard McCormick

TweetFollow @RMc2407

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