Category: Bolton W.

There were few positives to take from this game for Owen Coyle and his men, as Bolton Wanderers suffered defeat at the hands of a newly-promoted Norwich City side in their own backyard. The Trotters really lacked a cutting edge going forward in the game, and were lacklustre in defence, particularly at set-pieces with Norwich making them pay twice in this situation. On this occasion, it has to be said, a combination of poor team selection and bad defending cost Bolton dearly. Manager Owen Coyle was expected to make big…

After Manchester United’s 5-0 thumping of Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, many fans have been very forthcoming in pointing out Bolton’s obvious defensive woes, and calling for Owen Coyle to make changes in other areas of the pitch too. Whilst Bolton have endured one of the toughest starts to the season imaginable, with matches against Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United, it would be fair to say that they have not really done enough to compete in these games. At this moment in time, even an improved performance would be welcomed.…

In its last Premier League outing, Arsenal wandered onto the pitch at Old Trafford like lambs to the slaughter and was eventually put to the sword 8-2 by a clinical Manchester United. It was very apparent, and highlighted by ex-Arsenal player and pundit Paul Merson, that as well as the Gunners fielding a weakened side a very real problem was the lack of a game plan. Still on a high after that devastating home performance, now does not seem like a good time to play United. With only one win…

After a busy transfer deadline day one of the more low-key deals was Bolton Wanderers’ move for Chelsea’s Gael Kakuta, on loan until January. The 20-year old Frenchman has the ability to play in a variety of attacking positions, including on the wings and as a striker, which gives Owen Coyle more options in attack. After having seen both Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge complete successful loan spells at Bolton, Kakuta will have jumped at the chance to further his own development as he looks to break into the first…

Bolton Wanderers sank to a heavy defeat at the hands of Liverpool on Saturday evening, but despite the one-sided result Gary Cahill, the England international wanted by Arsenal, could hold his head high. Cahill showed against Liverpool just why Arsene Wenger has identified him as the answer to his side’s defensive woes. Cahill’s role as Bolton’s defensive leader was plain to see at Anfield. From kick-off, Cahill was orchestrating his side’s defence, instructing his colleagues when to bring the defensive line further up the pitch, when to drop deeper, and…

The Reebok Stadium, BoltonKlasnic 39, K. Davies 63; Silva 26, Barry 37, Dzeko 47 When – or perhaps if – Samir Nasri takes his first look at the Etihad Stadium he would be well advised to take a look at the padding on the home benches. As good as the City-bound Frenchman is, it will take some effort to displace the sublime David Silva from Mancini’s starting XI. Gliding around the pitch at Bolton, the diminutive Spaniard keeps this City side ticking over. Manchester United fans will recognise his brand…

To say Bolton’s build up to the new season was unfortunate would be an understatement. Losing key player Chung-Yong Lee and new singing Tyrone Mears both to long-term injuries before the season had even begun, provided Owen Coyle with premature issues regarding squad strength and depth, whilst also providing an attacking dilemma. However, Bolton began the season by responding to all their critics in spectacular form, smashing four goals past newly-promoted QPR, and recording their biggest away win in the premier league in six years. This result goes a long…

Having spent more seasons in the top flight without winning the title than any other club, 72 last season, Bolton Wanderers must aim to progress this year. Under the management of Owen Coyle, the club completed the 2010/11 Premier League season in 14th place with 46 points. This season the Trotters must be aiming for a top 10 finish if they are to improve and build upon what they achieved last season. Whilst Bolton have strengthened defensively, they are seemingly lacking in their attacking options. An important player that will…

Bolton Wanderers’ manager Owen Coyle’s declaration that any party interested in his England defender Gary Cahill should make themselves known before Monday is a bold move from the highly-rated boss. With Arsenal known to be in the market for a centre-back, and Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur also rumoured to be interested, Coyle has taken a proactive measure in an attempt to end the saga that has quietly rumbled along all summer. The Bolton News added that if no offer is forthcoming from any potential suitor, Wanderers will offer Cahill a…

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has made no secret of his desire to continue to work with Daniel Sturridge beyond the end of the Chelsea starlet’s loan spell at the end of the season. While by Coyle’s own admission, such a deal would be unlikely, Sturridge’s seven goals in nine games for the Trotters have been a further example of Coyle’s ability to take a player’s form to new levels, and an eye for talent which has seen Bolton’s reputation as a club enhanced since Coyle’s appointment last year. Coyle…

On January 31 this year there was a big name striker walking through the doors at Chelsea in a record deal that made everyone sit up and take note. On the same day, a young, unaccomplished forward departed in a loan deal which barely registered on the radar on a manic transfer deadline day. Fast forward nearly three months and while Chelsea’s big money signing, Fernando Torres finally manages to break his duck after 732 minutes of trying for his new club, a certain Daniel Sturridge nets his seventh goal…

Bolton Wanderers dealt a massive blow to West Ham’s chances of Premier League survival on Saturday as the Trotters ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Daniel Sturridge and Chung-Yong Lee. West Ham, set up in a 4-3-3 formation, was completely outnumbered in the middle of the park, giving the home side far too much time on the ball. Rob Green had little to no protection from the defence as Matthew Upson and Manuel da Costa made no effort to close down Sturridge, Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander when…

Having seen their title push stutter in recent weeks thanks to defeats against Chelsea and Liverpool, an increasing list of unavailable defenders and with Sir Alex Ferguson’s five game touchline ban beginning, the pressure on Manchester United’s players to secure three points has rarely been greater this season. With Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, John O’Shea and Rafael Da Silva unavailable through injury, Bolton Wanderers attacked Man Utd from kick-off. Owen Coyle included Kevin Davies, Johan Elmander and Daniel Sturridge in his starting line-up and they were not shy about trying…

Recent managerial replacements have seen some teams turn their footballing philosophies upside down, with West Brom’s apparent revival under the defensive-minded Roy Hodgson and a new-look direct attack being showcased at Craven Cottage thanks to Mark Hughes. It would seem combining two different approaches can reap rewards down the line. One managerial change in particular, Bolton’s decision to appoint Owen Coyle last season after parting company with Gary Megson, has had more than a year to have an effect on the club’s style of play. What is now seen at…