...two weeks before the new season starts. The Wanderers are in danger of falling behind the pack very early this year. First of all, the early schedule is brutal, absolutely brutal. Our first game is what you never want to open the season, a promoted team away. Fired-up fans, fired-up players, and usually a nervy draw that looks bad later in the year when others are getting 3 points at will.
After that, we run the northwest gauntlet, City-Liverpool-United. It's quite possible Bolton could have no points after 4 matches.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Another USA tour
And once again the Wanderers come nowhere near where I live. Oh well. The important players aren't really fit yet anyway, and I suspect we will make a couple significant signings in late August.
So I guess I didn't miss too much...
Still, it would be nice if they came to New York at some point.
So I guess I didn't miss too much...
Still, it would be nice if they came to New York at some point.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Gardner Stays
Ricardo Gardner may have been born in Jamaica, whom I am watching play the US in the Gold Cup semi-fina this afternoon, but he now calls Bolton home. It was this stability, and his family's comfort with the northwest, that caused Bibi to turn down Sam Allardyce's offer of a big money contract with West Ham and stay at Bolton for less money.
I have always liked Gardner, but he is no longer the marauding left-back that may have been the best in the premiership for a year or two under Big Sam. At 32, his extraordinary pace robbed by age and injury, he is little more than a role player, versatile and good for depth, but not to be relied upon. Realistically, if Gardner makes more than ten appearances next season, it is probably not a good sign for Bolton. That said, it will be nice to have him around.
I have always liked Gardner, but he is no longer the marauding left-back that may have been the best in the premiership for a year or two under Big Sam. At 32, his extraordinary pace robbed by age and injury, he is little more than a role player, versatile and good for depth, but not to be relied upon. Realistically, if Gardner makes more than ten appearances next season, it is probably not a good sign for Bolton. That said, it will be nice to have him around.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Fare Thee Well Dear Wanderers...
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.
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.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Barcelona Wins the Champions League
And they deserved it. It was a great match for the first 50 minutes or so, but at that point the Catalans possession advantage started to pay off.
What's next for Barcelona? They are a fairly young team overall. Valdes is 29, Busquets is 22, and Pique is 24. Dani Alves is 28, but still has a few seasons left as one of the top right backs in the world. Javier Mascherano seems to have been around forever, but he is still only 26. Carlos Puyol is 33, and Eric Abidal is 31, both are at the tail ends of their careers, but neither is all that important to Barcelona at this point. The defense looks to be in great shape going forward.
Barcelona play a 4-3-3, and they use three legitimate forwards up top. Those forwards are chosen from David Villa (29), Lionel Messi (23), Pedro (23), Ibrahim Affelay (25), and Maxwell (29). This is probably the best attack in the world, and will remain so for several years.
This brings us to the midfield, the one place where Barcelona may have some issues. Everything they do is orchestrated by Xavi and Iniesta. Iniesta is only 27, but Xavi is 31, and both, between La Liga matches, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and international matches for Spain, play a lot of football.
Iniesta is already a little injury-prone, and that will only get worse as he ages. Xavi, as good as he has been , is not likely to stay at this level for more than 2 seasons. Euro 2012 could be his sort of last hurrah.
So hold out hope world, Barcelona may only be the best team on the planet for two more seasons.
What's next for Barcelona? They are a fairly young team overall. Valdes is 29, Busquets is 22, and Pique is 24. Dani Alves is 28, but still has a few seasons left as one of the top right backs in the world. Javier Mascherano seems to have been around forever, but he is still only 26. Carlos Puyol is 33, and Eric Abidal is 31, both are at the tail ends of their careers, but neither is all that important to Barcelona at this point. The defense looks to be in great shape going forward.
Barcelona play a 4-3-3, and they use three legitimate forwards up top. Those forwards are chosen from David Villa (29), Lionel Messi (23), Pedro (23), Ibrahim Affelay (25), and Maxwell (29). This is probably the best attack in the world, and will remain so for several years.
This brings us to the midfield, the one place where Barcelona may have some issues. Everything they do is orchestrated by Xavi and Iniesta. Iniesta is only 27, but Xavi is 31, and both, between La Liga matches, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and international matches for Spain, play a lot of football.
Iniesta is already a little injury-prone, and that will only get worse as he ages. Xavi, as good as he has been , is not likely to stay at this level for more than 2 seasons. Euro 2012 could be his sort of last hurrah.
So hold out hope world, Barcelona may only be the best team on the planet for two more seasons.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Bolton's Goal-scoring Prowess...
...may once again be dependent upon Nicolas Anelka.
No, the Frenchman will not be returning to the Reebok, but where he plays next year will have a big affect on who is up front for the Wanderers. If Anelka stays at Chelsea, that could well mean that Daniel Sturridge is available on loan for another season. As we all know, Owen Coyle would love to have the young striker back at Middlebrook Leisure Center.
However, if one or more from Anelka, Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Florent Malouda, and Salomon Kalou decides to move on, Sturridge will probably feature in Chelsea's first team next season. If this scenario sounds familiar, that is because we went through the same thing with Jack Wilshire and Arsenal last season.
I think Daniel Sturridge is an outstanding player, and I want the absolute best for him and his career, I just hope that best involves a 25-goal season for the Wanderers in 2011-2012.
No, the Frenchman will not be returning to the Reebok, but where he plays next year will have a big affect on who is up front for the Wanderers. If Anelka stays at Chelsea, that could well mean that Daniel Sturridge is available on loan for another season. As we all know, Owen Coyle would love to have the young striker back at Middlebrook Leisure Center.
However, if one or more from Anelka, Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Florent Malouda, and Salomon Kalou decides to move on, Sturridge will probably feature in Chelsea's first team next season. If this scenario sounds familiar, that is because we went through the same thing with Jack Wilshire and Arsenal last season.
I think Daniel Sturridge is an outstanding player, and I want the absolute best for him and his career, I just hope that best involves a 25-goal season for the Wanderers in 2011-2012.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
I Wrote It. I Stand By It???
When I was writing my preview for Birmingham City, I felt they would stay up. This is what I wrote;
Will they go down? Probably not. But I think they will be in or near the bottom three all season, and if they survive it will be by a scant point or two, possibly even on goal difference. They will end up with a point total in the high 30's...
Currently, with two matches to go, Birmingham City are 16th. They have 39 points, 3 above the relegation zone, and a goal difference of -18. I get to pat myself on the back for this one.
Will they go down? Probably not. But I think they will be in or near the bottom three all season, and if they survive it will be by a scant point or two, possibly even on goal difference. They will end up with a point total in the high 30's...
Currently, with two matches to go, Birmingham City are 16th. They have 39 points, 3 above the relegation zone, and a goal difference of -18. I get to pat myself on the back for this one.
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.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City
The team lists are out, and it is Ivan Klasnic partnering Kevin Davies up top. Johann Elmander returns to central midfield, where he was so impressive last weekend.
Paul Robinson is back, and after two weeks on the sub's bench to avoid suspension, I am sure he will be overly anxious to kick somebody. Will be a shocker if he doesn't get a yellow card in the opening fifteen minutes.
Stoke's back four looks to be lacking pace, the best way forward might be to get Lee Chung-yong or Martin Petrov in behind. Stoke have Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant on either side. I think we will see a lot of diagonal balls early (from both sides) to try to bring the wingers into the game. That is where both clubs are strongest today.
Kickoff is less than a half hour away. Wembley is rocking. It is going to be epic. Cummon Bolton!!!!!!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
FA Cup Semi-finals
Some of you may have noticed that the headline for this post has an -s at the end. Yes, it is plural. There are actually two FA Cup matches this weekend.
Now, it is no surprise that the Manchester Derby has received more coverage, it is certainly more of a glamour tie than Stoke v Bolton. However, I have watched some recent sports news from the UK today, and the first match got all the coverage.
Normally this type of thing doesn't bother me, but this match at Wembley is a big deal for Stoke and Bolton, and to not even get a mention on a 60 minute sports news program seems awfully disrespectful.
Now, it is no surprise that the Manchester Derby has received more coverage, it is certainly more of a glamour tie than Stoke v Bolton. However, I have watched some recent sports news from the UK today, and the first match got all the coverage.
Normally this type of thing doesn't bother me, but this match at Wembley is a big deal for Stoke and Bolton, and to not even get a mention on a 60 minute sports news program seems awfully disrespectful.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Whenever I Think I Know What I am Doing...
...I look back at my preseason predictions. Just a few gems;
On Wigan, currently bottom of the table, I wrote;
A couple injuries and some bad breaks could pull the Latics down into the relegation battle, but more likely they will have one or two good runs of form that will be just enough to safely ensconce them in the 13-16 range of the table.
On Wolves, currently 19th;
On Wigan, currently bottom of the table, I wrote;
A couple injuries and some bad breaks could pull the Latics down into the relegation battle, but more likely they will have one or two good runs of form that will be just enough to safely ensconce them in the 13-16 range of the table.
On Wolves, currently 19th;
Owen Coyle Wants Goals!
Bolton's manager has put out an extremely attacking lineup for today's home match against West Ham.
It's a little unclear what the formation will be, but I will try and discern what I can.
Zat Knight partners Gary Cahill in his return from injury. Consequently, there is not even a place on the bench for David Wheater. Coyle has played our two most attack-minded fullbacks, Gretar Steinnson and Marcos Alonso.
Fabrice Muamba will hold in front of the back four, while Martin Petrov and Lee Chung-Yong will rampage up and down the wings. Now this is where it gets confusing. Kevins Davies and Daniel Sturridge are up top, but where is Johann Elmander playing?
It's a little unclear what the formation will be, but I will try and discern what I can.
Zat Knight partners Gary Cahill in his return from injury. Consequently, there is not even a place on the bench for David Wheater. Coyle has played our two most attack-minded fullbacks, Gretar Steinnson and Marcos Alonso.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Bolton Wanderers v West Ham United
I am not as down on the Fabrice Muamba-Tamir Cohen central midfield pairing as some supporters, but it does leave us lacking creativity in the middle of the park. For a more detailed preview, check out this entry at the Manny Road blog.
Distracted
Maybe distracted is the wrong word, but I feel like some of the intensity has left this Bolton side in the last couple league matches. I can't say I blame them. They sit eighth in the table on the magic 40 points, they have an epic FA Cup semi-final at Wembley coming up, their free-flowing style of play has made them media darlings, and they no longer have an insane red-haired man screaming at them every day.
The supporters have joined this party as well, they are talking about the trip to London, talking about summer signings, and generally enjoying a great season.
The media has also joined in. In fact, this article in the Bolton Evening News focuses not on the game at hand (West Ham visits tomorrow), but on the summer plans of Johann Elmander, whom Owen Coyle desperately wants to keep at the Reebok.
I would like to see Elmander stay, and I think there is a good chance he will. Johann knows he has a good situation in Bolton, and he has been nothing but appreciative towards Coyle for revitalizing his career. Many supporters have been bleating about loyalty and what not, but I have no problem with him letting his contract run out. He's 29 years old, this will probably be his last big contract, and I don't blame him for wanting to keep all of his options open.
The supporters have joined this party as well, they are talking about the trip to London, talking about summer signings, and generally enjoying a great season.
I would like to see Elmander stay, and I think there is a good chance he will. Johann knows he has a good situation in Bolton, and he has been nothing but appreciative towards Coyle for revitalizing his career. Many supporters have been bleating about loyalty and what not, but I have no problem with him letting his contract run out. He's 29 years old, this will probably be his last big contract, and I don't blame him for wanting to keep all of his options open.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Mental Mistakes
When it comes to sports, no player is ever perfect. No matter how good an athlete you are, there are balls you can't reach, attackers you can't catch, shots you can't reach, etc. It's physics, it's reality, and much as we wish it wouldn't, it sometimes intrudes on our little world. However, these are physical mistakes. Everybody is going to make physical mistakes, and these are easily forgiven.
Mental mistakes on the other hand, are an entirely different animal. Most mental mistakes are avoidable, and usually pretty easily so. Flying into a challenge with both feet off the ground 80 yards from goal in the first ten minutes of a Champions League match is certainly avoidable. Doing so twice, in the first leg of the biggest match in your club's history, is downright stupid. As Peter Crouch trudged off the pitch today, the fans at the Bernabeu Stadium chanted, "Tonto, Tonto!" This means, "Stupid, stupid!" I see no reason to argue with them.
Mental mistakes on the other hand, are an entirely different animal. Most mental mistakes are avoidable, and usually pretty easily so. Flying into a challenge with both feet off the ground 80 yards from goal in the first ten minutes of a Champions League match is certainly avoidable. Doing so twice, in the first leg of the biggest match in your club's history, is downright stupid. As Peter Crouch trudged off the pitch today, the fans at the Bernabeu Stadium chanted, "Tonto, Tonto!" This means, "Stupid, stupid!" I see no reason to argue with them.
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