Bolton v Derby

[SmokinFrazier]

I think we'll beat them. If we don't, especially if we lose, then I'd really start to worry about the team and the manager. I'm not too worried about that though and I expect a fairly convincing victory.

Bolton 2-0 Derby.

Aye, a bit like lots were talking about v Burnley. Treat the lot with a bit more respect and we might start moving forward.

I certainly agree you've got to treat the opposition with respect but at the same time, be confident about our own abilities. People on the Derby forum will be talking about this game and hoping for a draw but expecting a loss. That's just the reality of the situation. We will start with 11 better players and we have better players on the bench, so we should win and both us and Derby know that.

The Burnley situation was different. We all knew that it'd be a tough game because of the intangibles involved. It was the first game of the season, which after relegation is always tough, and we were in a very hostile crowd. We looked poor, yes, but I don't think that performance is indicative of us as a club, nor how successful our season will be.

The Derby game will give us some more indication for the season. Look good and then you can say the Burnley game was maybe a one off due to the extenuating circumstances surrounding it. Look bad and there is serious doubt about Coyle.

[BWFC_Insane]

If we can keep a clean sheet and score one or two and show some brightness that willbe great. That will be a start. I honestly dont think we can be as bad as Saturday. However a major major improvement will be required from that performance if we are to get anywhere this season.

[Harry Genshaw]

I certainly agree you've got to treat the opposition with respect but at the same time, be confident about our own abilities. People on the Derby forum will be talking about this game and hoping for a draw but expecting a loss. That's just the reality of the situation. We will start with 11 better players and we have better players on the bench, so we should win and both us and Derby know that.

The Burnley situation was different. We all knew that it'd be a tough game because of the intangibles involved. It was the first game of the season, which after relegation is always tough, and we were in a very hostile crowd. We looked poor, yes, but I don't think that performance is indicative of us as a club, nor how successful our season will be.

The Derby game will give us some more indication for the season. Look good and then you can say the Burnley game was maybe a one off due to the extenuating circumstances surrounding it. Look bad and there is serious doubt about Coyle.

Isn't this what most folk are upset about? That we know we have decent players who should make a decent fist of the championship, but that those players aren't being utilised properly by the manager?

This is the second time you've mentioned the very hostile crowd as a reason for our poor performance and I'm sorry but thats just crap. (1) It wasn't that hostile. For the first 45 minutes I could hardly hear the Burnley fans apart form them booing when Coyle first walked on and (2) they're footballers not little lambs. If they cant handle stick (& I dont for a minute believe they cant) they shouldn't be in the game. It was Turf Moor not Old bloddy Trafford!

[Worthy4England]

I think we'll beat them. If we don't, especially if we lose, then I'd really start to worry about the team and the manager. I'm not too worried about that though and I expect a fairly convincing victory.

Bolton 2-0 Derby.

Aye, a bit like lots were talking about v Burnley. Treat the lot with a bit more respect and we might start moving forward.

I certainly agree you've got to treat the opposition with respect but at the same time, be confident about our own abilities. People on the Derby forum will be talking about this game and hoping for a draw but expecting a loss. That's just the reality of the situation. We will start with 11 better players and we have better players on the bench, so we should win and both us and Derby know that.

The Burnley situation was different. We all knew that it'd be a tough game because of the intangibles involved. It was the first game of the season, which after relegation is always tough, and we were in a very hostile crowd. We looked poor, yes, but I don't think that performance is indicative of us as a club, nor how successful our season will be.

The Derby game will give us some more indication for the season. Look good and then you can say the Burnley game was maybe a one off due to the extenuating circumstances surrounding it. Look bad and there is serious doubt about Coyle.

What are these intangibles you keep referring to that we all knew about?

[SmokinFrazier]

I certainly agree you've got to treat the opposition with respect but at the same time, be confident about our own abilities. People on the Derby forum will be talking about this game and hoping for a draw but expecting a loss. That's just the reality of the situation. We will start with 11 better players and we have better players on the bench, so we should win and both us and Derby know that.

The Burnley situation was different. We all knew that it'd be a tough game because of the intangibles involved. It was the first game of the season, which after relegation is always tough, and we were in a very hostile crowd. We looked poor, yes, but I don't think that performance is indicative of us as a club, nor how successful our season will be.

The Derby game will give us some more indication for the season. Look good and then you can say the Burnley game was maybe a one off due to the extenuating circumstances surrounding it. Look bad and there is serious doubt about Coyle.

Isn't this what most folk are upset about? That we know we have decent players who should make a decent fist of the championship, but that those players aren't being utilised properly by the manager?

This is the second time you've mentioned the very hostile crowd as a reason for our poor performance and I'm sorry but thats just crap. (1) It wasn't that hostile. For the first 45 minutes I could hardly hear the Burnley fans apart form them booing when Coyle first walked on and (2) they're footballers not little lambs. If they cant handle stick (& I dont for a minute believe they cant) they shouldn't be in the game. It was Turf Moor not Old bloddy Trafford!

If that is still their concern in 10 games time, I'll agree with them. The reason I disagree is because we've played one game in the Championship - that's it. If our manager does nothing with the team after 10 games, then it's a different story but right now, it could just be a blip, as has happened to other teams. When West Ham went down last year, they lost their first game. Birmingham lost their first game last season. Wolves lost yesterday, Blackburn drew and didn't look good.

As it stands right now, our loss yesterday could just be an unfortunate, but not unprecedented, blip. Teams often get relegated and then struggle in their first game, possibly due to overconfidence or maybe the opposite, a lack of morale. The important thing is the next game because the players know how to react to the opening game loss.

I do agree that players should be able to handle pressure but it's quite clearly a disadvantage to them. It's a boost to the home team and a disadvantage to the away team. That's just the way it is in football. They should block it out but, for whatever reason, they seem incapable of doing so.

[truewhite15]

I certainly agree you've got to treat the opposition with respect but at the same time, be confident about our own abilities. People on the Derby forum will be talking about this game and hoping for a draw but expecting a loss. That's just the reality of the situation. We will start with 11 better players and we have better players on the bench, so we should win and both us and Derby know that.

The Burnley situation was different. We all knew that it'd be a tough game because of the intangibles involved. It was the first game of the season, which after relegation is always tough, and we were in a very hostile crowd. We looked poor, yes, but I don't think that performance is indicative of us as a club, nor how successful our season will be.

The Derby game will give us some more indication for the season. Look good and then you can say the Burnley game was maybe a one off due to the extenuating circumstances surrounding it. Look bad and there is serious doubt about Coyle.

Isn't this what most folk are upset about? That we know we have decent players who should make a decent fist of the championship, but that those players aren't being utilised properly by the manager?

This is the second time you've mentioned the very hostile crowd as a reason for our poor performance and I'm sorry but thats just crap. (1) It wasn't that hostile. For the first 45 minutes I could hardly hear the Burnley fans apart form them booing when Coyle first walked on and (2) they're footballers not little lambs. If they cant handle stick (& I dont for a minute believe they cant) they shouldn't be in the game. It was Turf Moor not Old bloddy Trafford!

If that is still their concern in 10 games time, I'll agree with them. The reason I disagree is because we've played one game in the Championship - that's it. If our manager does nothing with the team after 10 games, then it's a different story but right now, it could just be a blip, as has happened to other teams. When West Ham went down last year, they lost their first game. Birmingham lost their first game last season. Wolves lost yesterday, Blackburn drew and didn't look good.

As it stands right now, our loss yesterday could just be an unfortunate, but not unprecedented, blip. Teams often get relegated and then struggle in their first game, possibly due to overconfidence or maybe the opposite, a lack of morale. The important thing is the next game because the players know how to react to the opening game loss.

I do agree that players should be able to handle pressure but it's quite clearly a disadvantage to them. It's a boost to the home team and a disadvantage to the away team. That's just the way it is in football. They should block it out but, for whatever reason, they seem incapable of doing so.

Ten games is about five too many. I know it's a longer season, but our objective is to get back into the top flight straight away. When you go into a lower league with the same boss that took you down, the same boss that's delivered pretty much uninterrupted shite on the pitch since April 2011, you can't give him the same amount of time as you would a brand new one. If he can't instill a match-winning mentality within five games, then it's time to give someone else a shot, as clearly the players aren't working for him anymore.

[SmokinFrazier]

I certainly agree you've got to treat the opposition with respect but at the same time, be confident about our own abilities. People on the Derby forum will be talking about this game and hoping for a draw but expecting a loss. That's just the reality of the situation. We will start with 11 better players and we have better players on the bench, so we should win and both us and Derby know that.

The Burnley situation was different. We all knew that it'd be a tough game because of the intangibles involved. It was the first game of the season, which after relegation is always tough, and we were in a very hostile crowd. We looked poor, yes, but I don't think that performance is indicative of us as a club, nor how successful our season will be.

The Derby game will give us some more indication for the season. Look good and then you can say the Burnley game was maybe a one off due to the extenuating circumstances surrounding it. Look bad and there is serious doubt about Coyle.

Isn't this what most folk are upset about? That we know we have decent players who should make a decent fist of the championship, but that those players aren't being utilised properly by the manager?

This is the second time you've mentioned the very hostile crowd as a reason for our poor performance and I'm sorry but thats just crap. (1) It wasn't that hostile. For the first 45 minutes I could hardly hear the Burnley fans apart form them booing when Coyle first walked on and (2) they're footballers not little lambs. If they cant handle stick (& I dont for a minute believe they cant) they shouldn't be in the game. It was Turf Moor not Old bloddy Trafford!

If that is still their concern in 10 games time, I'll agree with them. The reason I disagree is because we've played one game in the Championship - that's it. If our manager does nothing with the team after 10 games, then it's a different story but right now, it could just be a blip, as has happened to other teams. When West Ham went down last year, they lost their first game. Birmingham lost their first game last season. Wolves lost yesterday, Blackburn drew and didn't look good.

As it stands right now, our loss yesterday could just be an unfortunate, but not unprecedented, blip. Teams often get relegated and then struggle in their first game, possibly due to overconfidence or maybe the opposite, a lack of morale. The important thing is the next game because the players know how to react to the opening game loss.

I do agree that players should be able to handle pressure but it's quite clearly a disadvantage to them. It's a boost to the home team and a disadvantage to the away team. That's just the way it is in football. They should block it out but, for whatever reason, they seem incapable of doing so.

Ten games is about five too many. I know it's a longer season, but our objective is to get back into the top flight straight away. When you go into a lower league with the same boss that took you down, the same boss that's delivered pretty much uninterrupted shite on the pitch since April 2011, you can't give him the same amount of time as you would a brand new one. If he can't instill a match-winning mentality within five games, then it's time to give someone else a shot, as clearly the players aren't working for him anymore.

Under the current circumstances, I think you may be right. Usually, I'd say 10 games is fair enough but the importance of getting back into the Premier League, especially for next season, can't be underestimated. The amount of money every team will get next year is insane. If we're there too, we can look at really building a good team and chipping away at the money we owe.

[Jakerbeef]

Would like to see Eagles playing in behind Sordell, ahead of Vela and Andrews. That would keep Lee on the wing and give Mavies a few thoughtful weeks on the sideline.

On another note, Ricketts/Alonso as our LB decision all season is going to cost us a few.

[Bijou Bob]

This one has nil - nil written all over it. I can honestly see a scenario where we end up with 2 points from a possible 9 by next weekend. What everyone seems to have forgotten is that on last relegation from the Prem, we were sliding down the table towards oblivion until Phil Brown won 3 on the trot during his temporary spell (IIRC) and BSA dragged us back up the table.

I'd love to see us go with Bowton Warrior's team, but it's not gonna happen. If he doesn't start with SKD I'd be amazed. This could be a very anxious week.

[BWFC_Insane]

This one has nil - nil written all over it. I can honestly see a scenario where we end up with 2 points from a possible 9 by next weekend. What everyone seems to have forgotten is that on last relegation from the Prem, we were sliding down the table towards oblivion until Phil Brown won 3 on the trot during his temporary spell (IIRC) and BSA dragged us back up the table.

I'd love to see us go with Bowton Warrior's team, but it's not gonna happen. If he doesn't start with SKD I'd be amazed. This could be a very anxious week.

That was two seasons after our relegation. First season after we got to Wembley and lost to Watford. Still that was shocking given the players we had.

Next season was when we were near the bottom, selling all our players and Todd left for Brown, then Allardyce...,

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

If we can keep a clean sheet and score one or two and show some brightness that willbe great. That will be a start. I honestly dont think we can be as bad as Saturday. However a major major improvement will be required from that performance if we are to get anywhere this season.

indeed - and it wld need to be further backed up in the telly game on Friday. In the last 18 months haven't put a run of two or three wins together nearly enough. The only time we did last season, we were playing one up top. No f*cking coincidence.

[SmokinFrazier]

If we can keep a clean sheet and score one or two and show some brightness that willbe great. That will be a start. I honestly dont think we can be as bad as Saturday. However a major major improvement will be required from that performance if we are to get anywhere this season.

indeed - and it wld need to be further backed up in the telly game on Friday. In the last 18 months haven't put a run of two or three wins together nearly enough. The only time we did last season, we were playing one up top. No f*cking coincidence.

I think confidence will be a big thing for us this season. Get a couple of scrappy wins to start it all off, and those two games will be far more important to the rest of our season than just 6 points on paper. What we need right now is something to lift the manager, fans, players and everyone else involved in the club. We just need a good win to get the ball rolling which, I hope, is against Derby.

[Jokers in White]

Coyle will start with the same team that started against Burnley because he never learns from his mistakes hes thick has pig shit. If we lose to Derby then i want him out, fcuked off with this constant disappointment.

[boltonboris]

Sordell's tweets over the last 24 hours makes me think he's not going to feature for a good while.

Coyle has probably pinned Saturday on him for not scoring a hat-trick, despite nobody being able to pass to him and yet congratulated Davies on a job well done.

[bobo the clown]

If Sordell does't feature & KD does it would be Megsonesque by Coyle.

... & yes, I expect that to be the case !

[the-Bowtun-Warrior]

Sordell's tweets over the last 24 hours makes me think he's not going to feature for a good while.

Coyle has probably pinned Saturday on him for not scoring a hat-trick, despite nobody being able to pass to him and yet congratulated Davies on a job well done.

What's he said? I don't follow him. Comes across as a bit of a childish kid.

[boltonboris]

@MarvinSordell: I just wanna live life, smile and be happy...

@MarvinSordell: Time to watch the only football team i enjoy seeing play #barca

@MarvinSordell: Surely people realise that if i play for a team and im not on the pitch im not gonna enjoy watching it because i wanna be playing. No?

@MarvinSordell: “@EdwardOshodi: @MarvinSordell that big arse Jimmy Floyd smile I love it #NoHomo” lol aint been there for a good while man

[General Mannerheim]

i dont see how any of those translate into him being dropped!?

anyway, he wont make wholesale changes as he will look stupid, but if i could have one, it'd definitely be Mills in for the grim Reamer.

[Riviman]

Team for me tomorrow would be
Bogdan
Mears Knight Mills Ricketts
Lee M Davies Andrews Petrov
Eagles
Sordell

[BWFC_Insane]

Team for me tomorrow would be
Bogdan
Mears Knight Mills Ricketts
Lee M Davies Andrews Petrov
Eagles
Sordell

For me thats still too weak. When we don't have the ball we're carrying Mark Davies, Petrov, Lee and Eagles.

Too lightweight.

For me this...

Bogdan
Mears Knight Mills Ricketts
Riley Vela Andrews Petrov
Pratley
Sordell

Lets be less powderpuff. Pratley can at least impose some physical presence. Back to basics. For me one winger and one grafter type on the other side is better balanced. Riley could do a job seeing as we don't have any grafting wide midfield players anymore.