Word has been leaking out that Bolton have offered some players new contracts while letting others go. Robbie Blake has a deal for next season. Ricardo Gardner has been offered something (with a rather severe pay cut I would imagine) and he has a decision to make.
Jlloyd Samuel has been cut loose. I don't quite understand why he has been frozen out by Coyle, especially in favor of Paul Robinson. When Samuel was first choice two season ago, he had a fine year, and he was a big part of the reason we stayed up. Maybe he is just too much to deal with off the pitch.
Joey O'Brien is leaving as well. Thinking about him just makes me sad. Whenever he was fit, all four of our recent managers made him first choice in central midfield, and he always played well. He simply couldn't stay on the field. Some bodies just aren't built for the abuse of professional sports. I hope the change of scenery does him good, perhaps he can build a career somewhere else.
I am sad to see Tamir Cohen go as well. He was never going to be first choice at a Premier League club with top 10 ambitions, but I thought he was decent midfield depth.
Let's just hope Owen Coyle can bring in some upgrades this summer.
Showing posts with label Joey O'Brien. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joey O'Brien. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Central Midfield
I don't intend to blame anyone for yesterday's loss to Fulham. Bolton have been poor away from home all season, and this was just another in a long lineof performances that should be forgotten. I half expected to see Owen Coyle walking up to people at Harrods with a sweaty map and asking which way to the Thames.
That said, central midfield, thought to be a strength a few months ago, has really become a problem. Throughout a good part of this season the triumvirate of Stuart Holden, Mark Davies, and Fabrice Muamba controlled the middle of the park. Times have changed though. Holden has a long term injury, Davies has had to deal with a few niggling ankle problems, and Muamba, while impressive, has a somewhat limited skill set. In the last few matches, we have seen Johann Elmander, Tamir Cohen, and even Ricardo Gardner partner Muamba. Now, I like all three of these players, and I think each of them has something to contribute. None of them is an adequate replacement for Davies or Holden though.
Megson signing Sean Davis has been out for almost two years, and at this point, we have to say a comeback is unlikely. The same holds for Joey O'Brien. The strength of the position is OK, as long as our first choices are fit, but we need to work on the depth. As we get closer to summer, I will address each position and how important it is for us to add players. At this time, you can assume central midfield will be relatively high on the list.
That said, central midfield, thought to be a strength a few months ago, has really become a problem. Throughout a good part of this season the triumvirate of Stuart Holden, Mark Davies, and Fabrice Muamba controlled the middle of the park. Times have changed though. Holden has a long term injury, Davies has had to deal with a few niggling ankle problems, and Muamba, while impressive, has a somewhat limited skill set. In the last few matches, we have seen Johann Elmander, Tamir Cohen, and even Ricardo Gardner partner Muamba. Now, I like all three of these players, and I think each of them has something to contribute. None of them is an adequate replacement for Davies or Holden though.
Megson signing Sean Davis has been out for almost two years, and at this point, we have to say a comeback is unlikely. The same holds for Joey O'Brien. The strength of the position is OK, as long as our first choices are fit, but we need to work on the depth. As we get closer to summer, I will address each position and how important it is for us to add players. At this time, you can assume central midfield will be relatively high on the list.
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