Murder on the Orient Express. Home to Leyton O, Sat 23rd Dec, 15:00

[GhostoftheBok]

I'd have to agree. I think that only comes up in conversation when we're up against it as per the Wigan and Pompey second half.

Pratley, Wheater, Beevers, Henry...21st in the League. 10 wins all season. But boy, did we put a tackle in.

I remember losing 4-0 away at Hull and thinking, "Look at the character we've shown here. You can't question the fight."

We battled manfully against every one of the 74 goals we conceded that season. Brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it.

Every one of the 39 goals we scored that season was like a precious ruby formed from blood and sweat.

If only we had half that spirit now.

[Worthy4England]

Of course you could've gone for 2016/17 with those names...when we went up from League 1...job done.

[GhostoftheBok]

Of course you could've gone for 2016/17 with those names...when we went up from League 1...job done.

Which rather makes the point that winning and losing isn't all about character.

[Worthy4England]

Of course you could've gone for 2016/17 with those names...when we went up from League 1...job done.

Which rather makes the point that winning and losing isn't all about character.

Did anyone say it was?

[GhostoftheBok]

Did anyone say it was?

Only every time we lose.

[Worthy4England]

Did anyone say it was?

Only every time we lose.

Oh I see. TBF, I don't suspect Bolton fans to be the only ones questioning character when a team loses. That's different to my ears than it's ALL about character...I'm pretty sure there are plenty who could show lots of character and not have sufficient skill.

It's not ALL about process either. I mean we have a better process than Wiggin, right? Look at our points tally. Didn't stop them handing us our arse, again. A little bit of process override mighta helped, who knows...

[GhostoftheBok]

Oh I see. TBF, I don't suspect Bolton fans to be the only ones questioning character when a team loses. That's different to my ears than it's ALL about character...I'm pretty sure there are plenty who could show lots of character and not have sufficient skill.

It's not ALL about process either. I mean we have a better process than Wiggin, right? Look at our points tally. Didn't stop them handing us our arse, again. A little bit of process override mighta helped, who knows...

No, that's very true - a lot goes into winning in any professional sport.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Evatt:

We've had one or two little illnesses creeping around, just some chesty coughs and one or two bits of flu, but it's to be expected at this time of year. Other than Rico, I think we should be OK.

Rico is a huge miss, he always is. There's no denying what a massive player he is for us, but we've got other good players. Whenever there's something missing through injury or suspension, there are opportunities for others and that's the case on Saturday.

We've got four games in eight or nine days, so the squad will be tested and utilised. We've got a good squad and are looking forward to the festive period.

https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/2 ... on-orient/

[GhostoftheBok]

Evatt:
We've got four games in eight or nine days, so the squad will be tested and utilised.

Couldn't help but smile like a Cheshire cat at that. What a 10 days we have coming up.

[Harry Genshaw]

I have to say, when we're struggling to break teams down, I have never once thought "What we need here is a walking yellow card of a defensive midfielder who never scored more than three times in a season."

I might think "What we need is an Ameobi" - someone who can win a game with individual skill rather than playing to the set patterns (which, to their credit, keep improving us). But that's another discussion.

Who was on it here who complained about the binary Internet arguments?

For clarification - I'm not suggesting we sign Karl Henry, Tony Henry or King Henry! Just pointing out, perhaps badly, that when our game plan isn't working we occasionally mix it up. We actually did that late last Saturday, with Randy being finally allowed to chuck a couple of long ones into the mixer. I'm unsure why we can't do the odd one of those, or put a long free kick into the box occasionally.

As a defender of some repute in the Horwich Sunday League, I can tell you I was never happier when the opposition kept the ball up their end and asked us no questions!

Disclaimer - this post is just a commentary on how we might improve as a team. I'm fully on board with Ian Evatt and his brand of football. I don't yearn for a return to Parkyball or Dougiewithout the ball, style of footy

[GhostoftheBok]

Looks like we'll have a few on today, with it being (no longer) family day. Should be a cracker in the rain.

[TANGODANCER]

"Awake, for morning in the bowl of night, has cast the stone that puts the stars to flight.".......

apart from that, it's match day so get up and make some noise. Time for COME ON YOU WHITES...... Merry Christmas to alll Whites fan everywhere.

[Armchair Wanderer]

I watched one game from the armchair, it was a loss and I was particularly irked at Dempsey. Trotting around, not wanting the ball. Then, a while later it turns out he was injured, I think, so he's actually a hero. From my armchair, I have no idea what state any of the players are in for the game. I liked the thing Evatt was saying about make sure you're playing at 100% before worrying about other teammates. Seems like a good manager. But he had to play someone with a back injury? No-one else could step in? When I occasionally watch from the armchair, I think I need to be less critical about various players because I'm sure there's plenty of stuff I don't know. Having said that, if you're not winning your battles because the other guy is better, not trying shouldn't be an option. There should be some kind of plan b!?

Anyway, back to the armchair.

[sonicthewhite]

Been a hectic couple of weeks but I thought I'd pop in to say 3-1 to us and a COYWM!

[irie Cee Bee]

Maghoma dropped for Dempsey. No surprise that for me.

[Mar]

Maghoma dropped for Dempsey. No surprise that for me.

Always thought Maghoma's looked like he can unlock a defence, but i'm not sure if he's consistent doing the basics. Guess its a trade off. Coming on as a sub's probably going to help.

That being said I wouldn't be surprised to see Maghoma and Morley back in against Lincoln, given its two matches in a few days.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Yes!! Precisely what we needed. 4-0, this.

[Mar]

Started like a house on fire. JDC with the opener, could've had two already.

[DJBlu]

Couch is open.

Link on the top of the page, if you can't see it then let me know and I'll give you a pillow.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Clever assist from Bod. Well done that man