Holden

[BWFC_Insane]

According to the Bolton News today he is returning for 'light training duties' for pre season, but his return is not pencilled in until October.

And I'm guessing that could be an optimistic view, given he clearly is a way of full training yet, not to mention risking contact.

Good luck to him for his return and I sincerely hope the last leg of his rehab goes well and he's back just a few months into the season and that his injury hasn't affected his ability too much.

We're gonna need him!

[ohjimmyjimmy]

And so it begins...!

[officer_dibble]

Kin hell

was optimistically hoping he would be in the side in august.

With no Muamba it will be worth a loan of a centre mid I reckon till crimbo.

[Worthy4England]

How do we expect Coyle to keep us up with no Muamba, Reo-Coker or Holden? Are we expecting too much to think in terms of mid-table safety? After all wouldn't want to set the bar to achievable given our run-in.

[knobby]

I refuse to believe this until its on his facetwitter page.

[Relentless09]

Our midfield is fecked, Mark Davies, Pratley, Keith Andrews and Vela. We can only hope Vela is outstanding

[bobo the clown]

How is this news ?? He'd said only last week he was still in recouperation in the US.

I even saw someone talking about the Moo playing soon as a defence to the "let's sell Mavies for £6m" idea ... Christ, I admire an optimist but let's be realistic.

Nonetheless, it is pretty clear Holden won't be match-fit, at best, till late October & we still have to see how capable he is once he does get back. I hope to heavn that he arrives as though he'd never been away.

Meanwhile in Pratters we trust ... & don't forget the kid from Burnley A team.

[the-Bowtun-Warrior]

Don't believe a word of any Holden news, myself, until I see him with my eyes.


Lee, Andrews, Prat, Petty.

That'll do me for the first few weeks

[bobo the clown]

Lee Andrews is a Petty Prat ?? Again, harsh. Till I see Lee Andrews play I'll hold my bile.

[TANGODANCER]

Here's the BN report:

Holden back in the Reebok pack
10:20am Wednesday 4th July 2012 in Sport By Marc Iles

JUST one of Owen Coyle’s two major summer signings is expected at Euxton tomorrow as Wanderers return for pre-season training – but there is reason to celebrate with a few familiar faces back in the camp.

Matt Mills should train alongside his new team-mates for the first time as Owen Coyle begins preparations for life in the Championship.

The defender will wrap up a permanent move from Leicester City this morning, signing a three-year contract.

But fellow new arrival Keith Andrews has been given extended leave after competing for the Republic of Ireland at the European Championships, and should return in a fortnight.

Wanderers fans will also be delighted by the news that Stuart Holden is expected back for light training duties after a summer working in the gym back home in the US.

It is understood that the prized midfielder, who has been out of action since last October when routine knee surgery revealed cartilage damage, is pencilled in for a comeback in early October.

The last leg of his recovery will be carefully managed and it seems unlikely he will make a playing contribution until the season has started. But having the 26-year-old back in the group will undoubtedly be a boost to Coyle, who is also finalising plans for the few remaining pre-season friendlies.

Joining Holden in light training will be Darren Pratley, who is still on the road to recovery after a serious virus laid him low in May and prevented him playing in the final few games of the campaign.

Another welcome addition will be Chung-Yong Lee, who reports back for full training duties for the first time since he broke his leg in a friendly game at Newport County last summer.

Youngsters Rob Lainton and Tom Eaves have both reported early for pre-season and are looking to make their mark ahead of the planned series of friendlies.

Goalkeeper Lainton missed much of last season with shoulder and thigh problems, while Eaves also failed to capitalise on the progress he made last summer after picking up a knee injury on the club’s pre-season tour of the US.

The former Oldham Athletic striker made a return for the reserves in December but has struggled for full fitness ever since.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I think doctors need to examine their consciences about hating that 55-year-old mum.

[TANGODANCER]

I think doctors need to examine their consciences about hating that 55-year-old mum.

Gone. That's what you get for cut and paste.

[SmokinFrazier]

Our midfield will be better this year than it was last year. Chungy and Holden back is huge for us, even if Holden out for another couple of months. Andrews is a perfectly fine replacement for Reo-Coker and when we sign Sanchez or not, we will bring in another midfielder.

I'm excited for Holden being back though. He seems like a top lad and he's always been excellent for us. If they're on form, him and Chungy will possibly be the best two players in the Championship.

[Puskas]

I'm excited about Darren Pratley.

And this kid from Burnley. A new hate figure is just what I need. Revitalise myself.

[ohjimmyjimmy]

Hmm going to be tough IMO, we'll be placing a lot of our creative hopes on a winger who's been out for a whole year and another who may or may not be arsed about playing at Barnsley on a cold autumn/winter's night. And no creativity through the centre is something even the most average of sub-premiershop managers & coaches can adapt to defend against.

[BWFC_Insane]

Hmm going to be tough IMO, we'll be placing a lot of our creative hopes on a winger who's been out for a whole year and another who may or may not be arsed about playing at Barnsley on a cold autumn/winter's night. And no creativity through the centre is something even the most average of sub-premiershop managers & coaches can adapt to defend against.

Surely that's what Mark Davies is for?

At this level, Pratley will be considered creative.

[Jez]

Hmm going to be tough IMO, we'll be placing a lot of our creative hopes on a winger who's been out for a whole year and another who may or may not be arsed about playing at Barnsley on a cold autumn/winter's night. And no creativity through the centre is something even the most average of sub-premiershop managers & coaches can adapt to defend against.

Surely that's what Mark Davies is for?

At this level, Pratley will be considered creative.

Eagles too.

[ohjimmyjimmy]

Hmm going to be tough IMO, we'll be placing a lot of our creative hopes on a winger who's been out for a whole year and another who may or may not be arsed about playing at Barnsley on a cold autumn/winter's night. And no creativity through the centre is something even the most average of sub-premiershop managers & coaches can adapt to defend against.

Surely that's what Mark Davies is for?

At this level, Pratley will be considered creative.

Mark Davies, the guy we wont sell?
Aye well, we'll see !

[a1]

they'd still get promoted even if they played me in his place.

[BWFC_Insane]

Hmm going to be tough IMO, we'll be placing a lot of our creative hopes on a winger who's been out for a whole year and another who may or may not be arsed about playing at Barnsley on a cold autumn/winter's night. And no creativity through the centre is something even the most average of sub-premiershop managers & coaches can adapt to defend against.

Surely that's what Mark Davies is for?

At this level, Pratley will be considered creative.

Mark Davies, the guy we wont sell?
Aye well, we'll see !

Nobody has even bid for Davies, so I think worrying about him leaving at this stage......and if we get good money for him then we can sort out some creativity possibly another loan from one of the big boys in the league above....

If I'm honest I'm more worried about our lack of physical presence in centre of midfield. Its a fight first and foremost in this division. Eagles, lee, Petrov will provide enough creativity for me, what we don't have is a lot of muscle in there.