Liverpool
Welcome Back Bolton Wanderers. We’ve Missed You
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 | BWFC News, David Ngog, Mark Davies, Nigel Reo Coker | 3 Comments
Once upon a long time ago, Bolton Wanderers were a team that no one liked to play. Sam Allardyce set his side up in such a way that it stifled opposition, that on paper should have been superior.
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
Champions League Liverpool? You’re Having a Laugh!
Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 | BWFC Goals, BWFC News, David Ngog, Mark Davies, Nigel Reo Coker, Premier League | 9 Comments
Saturday saw a blustery evening at the Reebok, but it wasn’t the wind that blew Liverpool away. A new year has, it seems, brought a new Bolton Wanderers with it. A battling, energetic and imaginative display saw The Whites put three past the visitors and take three points off the Merseysiders for the first time since 2006 – when goals from Ivan Campo and Gary Speed put The Reds to the sword. It had been a long time coming, but this game was worth the wait.
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. › Continue reading
Bolton’s Young Guns Outshine the Old Hands
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 | Academy, Adam Blakeman, Andy Kellett, BWFC People, Jay Linch, Michael O'Halloran | 1 Comment
Bolton Reserves 1 Liverpool Reserves 1. Azreal88 reports from Leyland.
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. › Continue reading
Why Coyle shouldn’t make another ‘sideways’ move
Monday, January 10th, 2011 | BWFC Goals, BWFC News, BWFC People, Bruce Rioch, Owen Coyle, Premier League, Sam Allardyce, Sammy Lee | 5 Comments
Before we get started, I want to make one thing clear; to all the bitter Burnley fans who may read this, I fully expect Coyle to accept the Liverpool job if, and that’s a big if at the time of writing, it is offered to him. That is the nature of football. We saw it with Rioch and Allardyce; you saw it with Coyle and.. erm… Coyle
That said, while I don’t for one second think that Coyle would turn down Liverpool, they are after all a massive club with huge tradition and a great history, that doesn’t mean that I don’t think he wouldn’t regret it six months down the line.
I’m sure we wouldn’t stand in Coyle’s way if Liverpool does make an approach. It would be a fruitless endeavour anyway. Once a player / manager / assistant manager / coach / groundsmen / tea lady etc have made up their mind that they wish to leave, the best thing the club can do is try to get the maximum amount for them.
king Kenny in high spirites on his return to Anfield, with a ermmm his assistants
That is why, if Liverpool do come calling, we’ll be powerless to keep Owen. I’m not naive; Coyle is an ambitious manager and his career aims will mean that he’ll outgrow Bolton, just as he outgrew Burnley.
I don’t expect him to stay at Bolton for his entire career and I’ve always been prepared for the fact that, if a big club came in for him, he would leave. The consolation in that logic was that, in order for a big club to come calling, Coyle had to be a success at Bolton.
He has; 7th in the league going into the new year, despite a little, and probably understandable considering the squad, wobble in form and results of late.
I have just been informed by my Dad that Roy Hodgson has been sacked by Liverpool and Kenny Dalglish has been appointed until the end of the season › Continue reading
Champagne on ice
Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 | BWFC Goals, BWFC News, BWFC People, Lee Chung-Yong, Owen Coyle | 6 Comments
Harry Redknapp stated prior to the Arsenal game that, if Spurs were victorious in the North London derby, his Tottenham side could win the Premier League. His statement was widely ridiculed, though not quite as widely as it should have been, not due to the idea that Spurs could win their first league title in 50 years, but because Spurs hadn’t won such a fixture since 1993. Thirty minutes in and ‘Arry’s pre-match boast was looking even more ridiculous as the distance between the pretenders and the elite could not have been more stark. However, 60 minutes later and, following a miraculous turnaround, Spurs fans were toasting their first win at their rival’s home in seventeen years. Once the three o’clock fixtures finished, Redknapp was considered almost clairvoyant. Chelsea’s defeat at St. Andrews meant that Spurs were now just six points away from the league leaders. Title challengers indeed.
eh up... Harry's going on about the title again, better make an appearance just to keep things real...!
However, whilst journalists were marvelling at Redknapp’s Nostradamous like predictions, few noticed a fatal flaw in his plan. Whilst Arsenal were slipping up at home, that was their third home defeat of the season and fourth in total, Chelsea had suffered back to back defeats for the first time in years, City were struggling to play more than one attack minded player in any given team and Man United, while unbeaten, cannot win away, few had noticed that another team in white were above Spurs, and their form was not faltering. › Continue reading
It’s Perfectly Alright to Stamp on Bolton Players
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010 | BWFC People, Johan Elmander | 1 Comment
Bolton fans have reacted with some anger, but mainly resignation at the news that Tottenham’s Tom Huddlestone will not face retrospective punishment after his stamp on Johan Elmander, during Saturday’s game at the Reebok.
The FA were unable to act after referee Chris Foy claimed that the incident had been seen by match officials. Yeah, right.
In truth, it’s difficult to get agitated about Huddlestone did. For one thing, Bolton won – and in some style. Secondly, it wasn’t a full blown assault, more a petulant toe poke, for which the appropriate sanction is a clip around the ear and an admonishment to stop being such a girl, rather than a three match ban for violent conduct. However, the fact that this is not an isolated happening does grate a little.
After being reduced to a gibbering wreck by Eduardo’s horrible leg break at Birmingham, you’d think that William Gallas would be mindful of the health of his fellow professionals. How wrong that assumption would be.
In last season’s game against between Arsenal and Bolton at the Emirates, Gallas went in over the top on Mark Davies which led to the young midfielder being stretchered off with damaged ankle ligaments. A red card? Nope. A yellow then? Negative. Retropective punishment? Not on your nelly. Alan Wiley, the man with the inappropriate surname, said he’d seen the challenge so no action was taken.
Sissoko explains how he can get away with anything
Going back a while, to a New Year fixture at the Reebok against Liverpool, there was not one, but two stamping incidents. Firstly, Steven Gerrard did a little tap dance on the already prostrate Kevin Nolan. It was difficult from the video footage alone, to establish if there was malicious intent, and as Nolan himself made light of the event, it’s best to move on.
The same couldn’t be said for Mohamed Sissoko’s ten metre dash to stick the boot into a horizontal El Hadji Diouf. Given the seamier side of Diouf’s nature, some might say he’s due a good shoeing. Perhaps, Mark Clattenburg, the man in the middle that day, was working to a set of rules in which that sentiment had been enshrined. There can be no other explanation for the entry in his match report which said that no action was deemed necessary.
A few months earlier at Stamford Bridge, it wasn’t a stamp, but a reckless kick to the area below Tal Ben Haim’s knee that earned Michael Essien a booking, rather than the sending off it deserved. But that’s what you get when Rob ‘Big Club’ Styles is carrying the cards.
The intention here is not to claim that Bolton are being singled out for neglectful treatment. It’s the inconsistency and the bias toward the big clubs that is the problem.
Clattenburg was the referee at Manchester City when Emmanuel Adebayor attempted to stamp on Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie. A ban resulted this time, as the act had not been seen. Which was odd, as it happened three feet in front of the man with the whistle.
At Arsenal in September, Gary Cahill got his marching orders for the mildest of infringements. Even Arsene Wenger thought the decision unfair. When old wrinkle bonce sides with the opposition you know there’s a problem.
'Get up you cissy. Stevie hardly touched you'
Stuart Atwell officiated that day, which may provide an explanation. He was also in charge at Liverpool in March when he allowed Steven Gerrard to escape without censure after his forearm smash on Michael Brown of Portsmouth. The list goes on.
Without inside knowledge it’s hard to know where the problem lies. Are the FA too harsh on officials who admit they’ve made mistakes? Are those tasked with controlling Premier League matches completely starstruck? Or are they just a bunch of lying bastards?
Until the answer is found, players of the less fashionable clubs will hope that their more illustrious counterparts don’t start carrying weapons onto pitch. In the current climate they’d get away with using them.
- Richard McCormick
A Minute’s Silence at the Reebok…
Saturday, October 30th, 2010 | BWFC News | 11 Comments
There will be a minute’s silence at the Reebok Stadium before Sunday’s game between Bolton and Liverpool.
The Reebok Stadium. It's been bolted down as a precaution against light fingered visitors
Such things are common for the guests. The death of a neighbour’s cat can trigger a week of mourning, statements in Parliament and a candlelit vigil outside both cathedrals. However, a moment of sombre reflection is justified this time. It’s to acknowledge the passing of Liverpool FC as a force in English football.
The league title last came to the red half of Merseyside twenty years ago. Since then the likes of Graeme Souness, Roy Evans, and most satisfyingly, Rafael Benitez, have presided over a slow, but inexorable decline.
Assessing Benitez when he first arrived in this country wasn’t easy, due to language difficulties. It was only when his command of English improved, that it became apparent what a tit he was. The Spaniard spent tens of millions, building a nondescript squad and is just as culpable for the club’s plight as Tom Hicks and George Gillette.
Now there’s Roy Hodgson. When your manager signs Paul Konchesky, you know the aspiration is mid-table mediocrity.
Not that the ex-Fulham man has much to work with. The list of players at Anfield used to be full of household names. Now, apart from Fernando Torres, and arch diver Steven Gerrard, it comprises has beens, overrated journeymen and anonymous foreigners.
Steven Gerrard in familiar pose
This game will be an interesting test for Bolton. While Liverpool won’t be challenging for a Champions League place anytime soon, they are still, at least for the moment, regarded as a big club.
Against such opposition, Gary Megson had a never say live attitude. Last season’s fixture resulted in a 3-2 win for Gerrard & Co. For some, the turning point was the sending off of Sean Davis, for looking at Lucas Leiva in a funny way. But the stats told a damning story. The home side had a mere 19% of possession.
Things are different under Owen Coyle. His team are way off the finished product, and will be so for several transfer windows. But there is a spirit and a self-belief that was entirely lacking before the Ginger One was given the boot.
The Whites should have beaten Manchester United and Aston Villa, but were let down by poor finishing. A victory over a fashionable side, even one in freefall is overdue. Anything less then three points will be a disappointment.
- Richard McCormick
Every Day’s a cup final for Mark Halsey….!
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010 | BWFC Goals, BWFC News, BWFC People, Football Association, Ivan Campo, Jay-Jay Okocha, Nicolas Anelka, Owen Coyle, Phil Gartside, Premier League, Premiership referees, Sam Allardyce, Youri Djorkaeff | 11 Comments
The support from football fans and ordinary people in the street has been inspirational
Click the link to listen to Mark Halsey’s Exclusive interview.
http://www.zshare.net/audio/751463426e948768/
Despite hailing from Hertfordshire, Mark Halsey has firmly established himself as one of Bolton’s favourite adopted sons. After spending 12 years playing non-league football for Cambridge City and Hertford Town he began his refereeing career in 1989 and a decade later refereed the famous 1999 Football League One Play-off Final between Gillingham and Manchester City at Wembley. The same year he was promoted to Premier League status and shortly after the FIFA List of referees. He quickly established himself as one of the most popular referees in the League.
Mark was kind enough to take time out of his schedule to speak Exclusively to Manny Road & bwfcforum’s Andi Walton. He started by asking him about his current health:
MH: Yeah I’m feeling very good, I seem to be getting stronger with every game I do and it’s a bonus for me because I never thought I’d be back refereeing again, so every day is a cup final and it’s really great to be back and the reception I’ve received from the two games I’ve done at Rotherham and Port Vale and Oldham and Bristol Rovers, the fans have been absolutely fantastic and it’s been very emotional and overwhelming for me.
AW: It must have been the furthest thing from your mind getting out on the football pitch when you were in the midst of your treatment but now you’ve got to that stage, it must be a real thrill.
MH: For me to come back and, you know, I suppose…for what I’ve gone through with all my chemotherapy and my radiotherapy…I mean if you saw me at Christmas, I was nowhere near the Mark Halsey of old, you know, but I’ve worked hard and a lot of people have helped me and it’s been great. The support I’ve received from people around the country – just ordinary football fans and ordinary people in the street. They’ve been inspirational to me and they’ve got to really pat themselves on the back for the way they’ve helped me and it’s down to them that I’m back where I am now.
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
Mugabe set to make Everton bid – World Exclusive
Monday, March 22nd, 2010 | BWFC News | 22 Comments
Another amusing insight into the word of football according to bwfc forum regular Warren Obb
Controversial former Rhodesian premier, Robert Mugabe, has emerged as the shock front-runner to take over penniless premiership high-flyers Everton.
I guarantee I'll be in the first team by Saturday...
Currently president of the former British colony – now known as “Zimbabwe” – Mugabe’s interest could end chairman Bill Kenwright’s long search for a buyer.
If Mugabe, 86, does take over from theatre impresario Kenwright, he will become the latest in a long line of controversial Everton chairmen believed to include Isaac Newton and Leonardo DaVinci.
An Everton supporter last night told this column: “I’m not bothered who takes over – it could be Robert Mugabe for all I care – as long as we get the investment we need.” › Continue reading
Useful links
Tags
Search Manny Road
