Premier League Preview No4 : Bolton ( from The Guardian )

[wovlad]

Good piece from Jacob Steinberg in the Guardian about where he expects Bolton to finish next season.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog ... -wanderers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

He makes some good points and agreed with a lot of what he said, especially on Holden & his
importance and why we need another striker.

[Lofthouse Lower]

Not sure why he devotes so much time to comparing us with Nottingham Forest though.

Still, some of the comments below the line are reasonably complimentary

[boltonboris]

This comment is so perfectly simple, yet so, so true!

They can beat anyone, and can lose to anyone. Mid-table

[wovlad]

Reckon he must be a Forest fan & pines for the team that might have been.

[Choppers]

The American was a key part of Bolton's midfield, regularly breaking up play in front of his back four and overwhelming opponents with the sort of energy that would put a hyperactive toddler to shame.

That made me feel so sad!

As does this:

Lee, one of the most exciting wingers in the league, will be out for nine months. Bolton will sorely miss him while he recovers; the South Korean is a good crosser, a hard worker and a cool finisher.

I need cheering up now!

[BWFC_Insane]

The American was a key part of Bolton's midfield, regularly breaking up play in front of his back four and overwhelming opponents with the sort of energy that would put a hyperactive toddler to shame.

That made me feel so sad!

As does this:

Lee, one of the most exciting wingers in the league, will be out for nine months. Bolton will sorely miss him while he recovers; the South Korean is a good crosser, a hard worker and a cool finisher.

I need cheering up now!

Holden is on the way back, no need to feel "sad". He should be getting close to fitness just in time for the hectic christmas games. Could give us a boost to help avoid our usual December/January flop!

[Choppers]

Yeah, but the first run of fixtures for us is...horrible!

[BWFC_Insane]

Yeah, but the first run of fixtures for us is...horrible!

So? We get to play the same teams as everyone else (ourselves excepted). What happens in the first 7 games is fairly irrelevant.

If we're going to do badly with NRC, Pratley, Muamba and Mark Davies, I doubt Holden would make all that much difference.

From what I'm seeing Pratley is going to make a big impact this season! Fear not.

[Lofthouse Lower]

You're such a negative basta'

[jmjhb]

Holden could play on the right when he comes back, he has done regularly for USA and Houston, and this year we actually have options in the centre.

[Lofthouse Lower]

Not for me. He's first pick in the middle.

[Worthy4England]

Not for me. He's first pick in the middle.

Agree with this. I think although he could possibly play out wider, we'd lose more than we'd gain.

It's probably better that he misses our first games (not that I'd want him to miss any), as half of them, we probably wouldn't expect to win anyhow. I'd rather have him in for the mid-table, lower table games if I had to pick.

[P.O.S.]

Yeah Holden has got to play centrally otherwise we lose much of what he did well for us last season. I'm just hoping so much he comes back as good as before, and as courageous as before. He's said himself that he has always come back from bad injuries as keen to get into the tackles and battles as ever, I just hope that's the case.

[wanderers_on_tour]

Anyone know where pratley played yesterday? or who played out on the right generally?

[Beefheart]

Anyone know where pratley played yesterday? or who played out on the right generally?

I believe Eagles played on the right, Pratley played in behind KD.

[TANGODANCER]

Anyone know where pratley played yesterday? or who played out on the right generally?

I believe Eagles played on the right, Pratley played in behind KD.

With CYL out of action, I'd say a pretty fair indication of how we'll start the season unless a major strike threat comes in.

[Choppers]

So? We get to play the same teams as everyone else (ourselves excepted). What happens in the first 7 games is fairly irrelevant.

Is it feck!

Bottom 3 after a 5 games and it's all about morale, and picking yourself up from that position.

Thankfully, I think we've enough about us, and our manager to do that.

Pointless jumping to conclusions anyway, but it really does fecking suck that our 2 best players (by quite some distance imho) are both out for a while.

[General Mannerheim]

nah, too long for me.

[Norpig]

Looking at past seasons I think it is better to play the bigger teams first as they seem to take time getting into their stride, which is probably the reason we are on the TV 3 times in the first 4 matches.

I think OC has done a great job in the transfer market he has got rid of the dead wood made a bit of money and also brought in more quality. There will be more to come before the season starts, he will have to replace Lee with a loan signing and also bring in a striker which he has stated on many occasions.

If Sturridge comes back on loan he will be missing for the 1st 3 games through suspension. Ngog, I think could be a good option but Liverpool want too much for him and he want too much in wages. I am surprised we have not look at going for the Reading forward Shane Long as he looks a real prospect.

Being negative before a ball is kicked is a waste of energy, lets face it the best we can hope for is to compete in the league below the top six, if we finish top 10 and have another cup run i for one will be happy!! Steady progression is better than bankruptcy!!