2009/10 Season preview - Bolton Wanderers

By Nathan Hardman

2008/09 - In a season that saw their club captain transferred Bolton fans were left somewhat bemused. Manager, Gary Megson’s decision to play their reserves in a UEFA Cup game, caused outrage with the Bolton faithful. This decision was made because the Wigan match the following week was deemed much more important in their quest for survival. In the end, survival was achieved however, Bolton fans were hoping for a little more optimism as regards to their mindset to fixtures. The loss of their captain was the biggest disappointment to most fans of the club.

2009/10 - The new season does not look too promising for fans, the staff at the Wanderers will be targeting survival and the hopes of a good cup run this season. Fans dream of the days of Sam Allardyce where the top teams feared an away day to the Reebok Stadium. Recent reports from fans suggest that they will be surprised if Megson is still in charge come the end of the season. The loss of Kevin Nolan was a big loss for Bolton, and it is a surprise that other big names at the club have not followed suit.

Transfer campaign - Bolton have bolstered their defence for the upcoming season. The trotters have signed Zat Knight from Aston Villa with the hopes of forming a solid defensive partnership with Gary Cahill. Megson has also secured a loan deal for Paul Robinson from relegated West Brom, he will provide cover and competition for places. Last year’s star player Kevin Davies has remained at the club, much to the delight of the fans. The manager spoke to the press revealing that he is in search of another striker to partner Davies. If the manager can provide the option of another striker and new signing Sean Davis can replace Nolan efficiently then they can aim higher than last season.

Transfers in

Sam Ricketts Hull Undisc.

Zat Knight A Villa Undisc.

Paul Robinson West Brom Loan

Sean Davis Portsmouth Free

Transfers out

None

First XI - The team normally picks itself from week to week. The ever present Jussi Jaaskelainen provides a strong foundation to the team. Gary Cahill has proved excellent value for Bolton and they will be hoping he can work alongside Zat Knight in the heart of defence. Ricardo Gardner will provide the pace and flair that they desperately crave. he is also versatile and can play on the wing or as a fullback Providing pre-season goes well and there are no last minute additions/injuries this is the likely team for the first game of the season against Sunderland.

The Manager - Although similar in playing style to Sam Allardyce, Megson has set his side up to play from the back. There is not a lot of creativity within the squad but consistency is the key for survival and Megson has that within his squad. The Bolton Manager has always played his teams in the same manner, whether it be, West Brom or Nottingham Forest, you always know what you will get from Gary Megson. The Manager is always low key in his press conferences and says very little on transfer targets. Many young and aspiring managers could learn a lot from Gary Megson, his shrewd investment and tactical management skills allow each player to have their own role within the team. He has an eye for a bargain and this is always a chairman’s dream.

Mr Reliable - Bolton’s goalkeeper, Jussi Jaaskelainen will be playing in his 13th season for the trotters.. It is very rare that a player stays at a club this long in current times. The shot stopper could have left for top European clubs many times but he has stayed loyal to the club that gave him a chance. Jaaskelainen has kept his team in so many games throughout the years and the club have rewarded his loyalty with an improved contract last season. There is a sense of calm surrounding the Finn and that is passed onto the rest of the defence.

Creative force - Since joining from Portsmouth, Matthew Taylor has awarded Bolton with consistent performances and vital goals, they will be hoping he can build on that and become even better this season. When his name is mentioned the first thought that comes to mind is ‘wonder goals’. Still only 28 he has plenty to offer the Premier League. Taylor will be hoping that he can catch the eye of Fabio Capello, the World Cup may come a bit too soon, but he may hope to play a role in the European qualifiers after. Hopefully Taylor can keep injury free and help the Trotters to improve on last year’s position.

Youth Prospect - After playing 12 games last season, he has proved to the Bolton faithful that he is a promising footballer that will undoubtedly grow in stature this season. He plays as a box to box midfielder and also has an eye for a goal. He will be hoping that his form can propel him into the plans of Stuart Pearce for the Under 21 squad, although there is strong competition for places. Davies’ injuries have hampered him but he will be hoping that are fully behind him now so he can continue to progress into a consistent performer.

The fixtures - If results do not go Bolton’s way in the first few games, Megson could find himself under pressure from the fans. Bolton’s first six games favour the Lancashire side. Sunderland at home is followed by Hull away. These games will not be easy but fans will look at these and think they are definitely winnable. There second home game of the season is against Liverpool. The Red’s have often struggled in this fixture and Bolton will hoping that they can continue the trend. With no European fixtures this season, Bolton can concentrate fully on the current campaign.

Prediction - If Bolton can add to their squad before the closing of the transfer window, the trotters should challenge for a mid-table spot. After seeing Newcastle relegated last season anything can happen. If results go their way in the first six games then, they could push forward on both the league and cup fronts. This will surely motivate the players. If key players such as, Cahill and Davies can stay fit and record signing Elmander reproduces the form that he showed towards the latter part of last season then a mid-table position should result. It is a long season and strength and depth are essential. A mid-table finish and a good cup run will provide the club with a building block for the following season.

2009/10 Season previews

Arsenal

Aston Villa

Birmingham City

Blackburn Rovers

Bolton Wanderers

Burnley

Chelsea

Everton

Fulham

Hull City

Liverpool

Manchester City

Portsmouth

Tottenham

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