Should Bolton Cash in on Ali Al Habsi?
Wednesday August 25th, 2010
Ali-Al Habsi is a gifted player, but there’s logic in letting him leave…
It’s hard not to be amused by the situation at Wigan Athletic. Getting pasted by Chelsea is a fate that’s befallen quite a few teams recently, but being on the wrong end of a 4-0 drubbing at home to Blackpool can only be classed as utter humiliation. The Latics aren’t particularly significant, but the thought of their relegation has appeal. It’ll be like getting rid of a tramp who’s been sleeping on the doorstep.
Now there’s another reason for Whites fans to look at the Premier League’s least fashionable club. Bolton reserve goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi is currently on loan at the Dave Whelan stadium, and rumour has it that Roberto Martinez wants to make the arrangement a permanent one.
'Why are sending me to Wigan? Why?..........
Al-Habsi has had the misfortune of being around at the same time as Jussi Jaaskelainen, one of the top flight’s most consistent performers. The big Omani hasn’t let anyone down when called upon. He gave a fine display at Bayern Munich in the UEFA cup and performed heroically at the end of the 2007-8 season, when Jaaskelainen was injured.
So getting rid would be folly, right? Well, not necessarily. Bolton have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to goal keepers and Adam Bogdan, who made his debut in the League Cup tie at Southampton may prove to be the best of them.
‘I have belief in the lad, that is why we were able to let Ali Al-Habsi out on loan because I knew Adam was competent and ready to go in goal and he showed his qualities in this match.’, said Owen Coyle in an interview after the game.
Regular reserve team watchers already know how good Bogdan is. The Hungary under-21 international arrived in 2007 and it was clear even then that he was a cut above. He’s big, a great all rounder and commands his area well. Since then he’s had the benefit of Fred Barber’s coaching, and is now ready to make the step up.
It will be sad to see Al-Habsi go, but he deserves his chance at the top level, and he’s certainly an improvement on Kamikaze Kirkland, Wigan’s current incumbent. The current bid, thought to be £1.5 million must be rejected, but if the pie-eaters get realistic with their valuation then Owen Coyle should do the deal.
BWFC News, BWFC People
7 Comments to Should Bolton Cash in on Ali Al Habsi?
The person who wrote this dross of an article needs some manners.One win at Wetspam and 0-0 against Fulham does not make you anything but a lower half struggling Prem Club.
I do hope when they they finally take the scaffolding down at Horwich stadium you might have a proper ground. ( although not in Bolton).
TomAugust 25, 2010
We hes a quality keeper who we cant let go jussi is 34 and when he gets older and less fit we will need al habsi
paulAugust 25, 2010
Disagree with any thoughts of selling Ali. Send him on a season long loan this year to gain match fitness and experience yes, but then bring him back!
Jussi is a legend, and Adam Bogdan is promising talent, but Ali fills that middle ground nicely, and will take his chance when it comes!
yamsAugust 25, 2010
A ‘tramp sleeping on your doorstep’?! We’ve moved in, had a shower, slept in your bed, emptied your fridge, called long distance on your phone, and are currently sat on your sofa drinking your beer and working our way through your DVD collection.
adsAugust 25, 2010
“premier leagues least fashionable club” – takes one to know one.
britlassAugust 26, 2010
“…One win at Wetspam and 0-0 against Fulham does not make you anything but a lower half struggling Prem Club…”
Actually, that’s incorrect. Look at who is sitting 5th in the league and then you’ll know what a 0-0 and an away win makes you.
I understand the need for cash coming into the club but since it isn’t going to help us in this window, I’d say leave it as a loan deal.
UltimateBWFCAugust 26, 2010
Who let the blokes with egg shaped balls in?
“I do hope when they finally take the scaffolding down at Horwich stadium you might have a proper ground. ( although not in Bolton).”
I think you’ll find Horwich is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of BOLTON. Bolton Wanderers represent the entire Borough of Bolton and not just the main town. Also, our modern super arena Reebok Stadium pisses all over the DickWank Stadium from a very big height.
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August 25, 2010