Megson makes a point
9:22am Monday 29th October 2007
Comments (58)HE saw things that pleased him - what manager wouldn't be happy to see a Nicolas Anelka "special"? - and things that concerned him - players should know better than to switch off - but overall Gary Megson had a satisfactory first day at the office.
It would have been even better had he banked the three points that looked to be in the bag at half time, but the new Wanderers boss at least has the consolation of knowing they are no longer propping up the entire Premiership.
Only by a matter of goal difference, but it's a start.
Where they go from here will depend on how the manager reacts to what he has seen - the good and the bad - and whether the players respond to his actions.
But the signs are encouraging: not shout-it-from-the-rooftops stuff or anything like that, but the fans who bothered to turn up - there were many who didn't considering this was the Reebok's lowest ever Premiership attendance - showed the new manager that, however unpopular his appointment may have been, they are prepared to give him a chance.
He showed them that, given the tools, he might just be able to do the job.
He knows everything in the garden is far from rosy; Sammy Lee would still have been manager today if Wanderers had been sitting safely in the Premiership comfort zone. But he has inherited some good players - better than he has ever worked with in his managerial career - and he has a blueprint to work from - the Sam Allardyce plan that put pride back in the name of Bolton Wanderers.
And if anyone suspected Megson was simply paying lip service to Big Sam's legacy, they could not have been more wrong.
Not only did his starting 11 include nine Allardyce men, but the performance itself had a distinctly familiar look to it.
Why shouldn't it? This was, after all, essentially the same side that finished seventh in the Premiership last season, give or take an addition or two, and if they are following the same pattern, then there's no reason why they should be struggling in the bottom three - problems they thought they'd left behind four years ago.
But you can never under-estimate a manager's influence - the Lee era proved that - and, however much he might play down his own importance, Megson is the man Wanderers are hoping can turn things round.
First impressions? Confident, pragmatic, even composed.
The game might have been just 10 minutes old when he came striding out of the dug-out to the touchline to issue his first set of orders, but this was not the highly-flammable Megson we have seen before. And, while he spent much of the game in the technical area, bellowing instructions, the neck veins didn't bulge and there was no sign of steam issuing from orifices.
"I was more calm," he said. "But there are still things that need organising, even with the players at our level. But, from my point of view, coming in three days ago, it wasn't bad."
There was not a lot to find fault with in the first half - apart from referee Martin Atkinson denying Wanderers a blatant penalty when Wilfred Bouma clearly handled the ball under pressure from Kevin Davies - and an uncharacteristic fumble by Jussi Jaaskelainen that almost gifted Villa an equaliser just before the break.
In between, Wanderers dominated. Solid at the back, and still with that five in midfield breaking to three that was the basis of their success in previous years, they proved that teams can be organised and resilient without sacrificing the attacking initiative.
El-Hadji Diouf tormented Bouma, Davies intimidated Zat Knight and Martin Laursen at every set-piece and then there was Anelka.
The subject of renewed speculation touting him as a January transfer window target for Manchester United, the Frenchman who is said by people who don't know any better to be on collision course with the new manager, showed once more why Wanderers fans are hoping he is here for the duration.
His seventh goal of the season was a delight - a sweetly-struck free-kick from 20 yards that Villa keeper Stuart Taylor did well just to get a hand to - the contribution football followers the world over have come to expect from the gifted Frenchman.
What isn't expected is the selfless hard work he put in before he came off 12 minutes from time as a precaution after feeling a hamstring problem flaring up.
Wanderers were looking ragged at that point. A game they were in complete control of at half time, turned on a bizarre incident in the 56th minute when Villa cashed in on confusion over a throw-in to nick an equaliser.
Referee Atkinson actually got the decision correct, when he awarded Villa the throw that led to Luke Moore deflecting Gabriel Agbonlahor's cross past a helpless Jaaskelainen. But his assistant had flagged the other way and Wanderers switched off.
"The ball did go out off my leg," Gavin McCann confirmed, backing the referee's verdict. "But the linesman signalled our way . . . and we automatically went with what he signalled. Most of our lads were going the other way when they took the quick throw.
"We were comfortable up to then. We did well in the first half and just needed to get another goal when we were on top."
The confidence drained and Wanderers, not surprisingly considering the predicament they are in, lost their composure. They stayed relatively solid at the back but they weren't the attacking force they'd been in the first 45 and, although only four days on the Reebok scene, Megson picked up the vibes.
"You saw in the last 20 minutes that there seemed to be an apprehension about the players," he said.
"The crowd got edgy and you got the feeling Here we go again!' It was 1-1 and if anything was going to happen now, we're going to get beat.
"But we rolled our sleeves up and kept going and we had a good chance at the end."
If Diouf had been more accurate from a tight angle when Taylor failed to hold Ricardo Gardner's shot, Megson would have kicked off his Reebok reign with a win and Wanderers would have been out of the bottom three.
They still have only that one league win, a meagre six points from 11 games and the jury is still out on the new manager.
But the signs are encouraging.
After all the controversy surrounding his appointment, there were no protests, no demonstrations, no dissenting voices. There were moans and groans when mistakes were made, opportunities missed and passes sent astray.
But there was also spontaneous applause, a standing ovation at half time and the boos at the end were largely directed towards the referee.
Not much unlike the old days except Wanderers are in the bottom three and not the top six - and that makes all the difference.
Your Say YourLeigh Journal
Den, Leigh says...
9:57am Mon 29 Oct 07
Not sure a point AT HOME is a bright start?
Everyone keeps saying we can turn our season around and recover?? Well with Derby and Spurs losing we really needed 3 points ...that didnt happen.....the recovery will get harder and harder.....
PLEASE STOP SAYING THE SIGNS ARE ENCOURAGING!! you dont stay in the PL for playing encouraging football!
Jon, Bolton says...
10:05am Mon 29 Oct 07
Den wrote:That was as good as we've played probably for 2 years.
Bright Start for Gary? Come on! We played well first half with great quality goal. We slowed down and again several poor performances, in my view Nolan hasnt improved one bit....Mcgann was useless and Meite looked nervous (again)...We hoof the ball up in the air towards Anelka..and by my counting he hasnt won ONE HEADER against a defender?? Stelios can jump higher than Anelka! Not sure a point AT HOME is a bright start? Everyone keeps saying we can turn our season around and recover?? Well with Derby and Spurs losing we really needed 3 points ...that didnt happen.....the recovery will get harder and harder..... PLEASE STOP SAYING THE SIGNS ARE ENCOURAGING!! you dont stay in the PL for playing encouraging football!
Bit unlucky not to win, but lets face it our start to the season has hurt us. We need to turn it round game by game.
Megson got us organised and disciplined. The shape was better and we could and probably should have won the game. However, a mistake at the back costs us once again.
Nolan had a better game. Not a brilliant game but he was better.
Perhaps some Bolton fans could try taking some happy pills. We actually looked like we "might" win a game, whereas previously we've looked distinctly like we "might lose" every game!
Den, Leigh says...
10:11am Mon 29 Oct 07
I certainly wouldnt say the best for 2 years! but we did look better...I thought the first half in its entireity was v good....But again we switched off (in my opinion)..and again give posession away too cheaply!!
I acknowledge yours and others POSITIVE attitude BUT we NEED POINTS!
Curran, Farnworth says...
10:17am Mon 29 Oct 07
notlob, says...
10:24am Mon 29 Oct 07
bwfc season ticket holder, gt lever says...
10:58am Mon 29 Oct 07
the goal should not have stood as when our throw was taken by them (ask the linesman)
the referee and linesman was having a discussion which meant niether referee or linesman was not ready for the restart
well how many stone penalty's is that now
u work out the points dropped due to bad decisions
Voice of Reason, Bolton says...
12:01pm Mon 29 Oct 07
richard, darwen says...
12:25pm Mon 29 Oct 07
a good start, aston villa are doing well and they have a good manager so its a promising start, if we beat city that will get us confidence to get a point at west ham on weekend
jp cotton, heywood says...
12:37pm Mon 29 Oct 07
jay, bolton says...
12:38pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Jon wrote:best we have played in 2 years, nowhere near! we looked a little better at best! Megson still not the man for the job and never will be, our quality players should keep us up not Megsons management skills (what skills)! Did you not see the fact our full midfield was taken out of the play quite a few times with just a simple pass or turn by villa, it wasnt good. Villa were poor yesterday but we still never had hold of the ball for more than 4 or 5 passes before losing it, our possesion football needs to improve big time! GARTSIDE OUT! Lowest league crowd at the Reebok shows we want you out Gartside!
Den wrote: Bright Start for Gary? Come on! We played well first half with great quality goal. We slowed down and again several poor performances, in my view Nolan hasnt improved one bit....Mcgann was useless and Meite looked nervous (again)...We hoof the ball up in the air towards Anelka..and by my counting he hasnt won ONE HEADER against a defender?? Stelios can jump higher than Anelka! Not sure a point AT HOME is a bright start? Everyone keeps saying we can turn our season around and recover?? Well with Derby and Spurs losing we really needed 3 points ...that didnt happen.....the recovery will get harder and harder..... PLEASE STOP SAYING THE SIGNS ARE ENCOURAGING!! you dont stay in the PL for playing encouraging football!That was as good as we've played probably for 2 years. Bit unlucky not to win, but lets face it our start to the season has hurt us. We need to turn it round game by game. Megson got us organised and disciplined. The shape was better and we could and probably should have won the game. However, a mistake at the back costs us once again. Nolan had a better game. Not a brilliant game but he was better. Perhaps some Bolton fans could try taking some happy pills. We actually looked like we "might" win a game, whereas previously we've looked distinctly like we "might lose" every game!
jay, bolton says...
12:41pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Pedro, Bolton says...
12:58pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Give the Manager a chance - Get behind the team and COME BACK TO THE REEBOK! YOU HAVE MADE YOUR POINT BUT PROTESTING WILL NOT KEEP US UP!
Jon, Bolton says...
1:04pm Mon 29 Oct 07
notlob wrote:We didn't play particularly well in any of those games, we just defended better.
Jon, how can you say that Sunday's performance was the best in two years how about Liverpool at home last year or Arsenal, Portsmouth away, Wigan away, Spurs at home etc... Villa put on a very poor performance in yesterday and were there for the taking unfortunately we were not up for the job. You cannot make a silk purse out of a sows hear to try to prove your point.
Portsmouth away last year we got an absolute battering and won 1-0.
Yesterday we outplayed Villa and drew 1-1.
I'm not saying it was perfect, but it was a long long long way our best effort this season and probably our best effort going quite a long way back into the previous season.
Den, Leigh says...
1:09pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Our midfield was dire and totally ineffective, Villa where there for the taking and we failed to do so. First half was good, we switched off and concentrated moaning at the referee instead of remaining focused! We dont give Anelka the correct service i.e. on the ground, we seem to persist with Nolan, and Meite seems to get everyone nervous and sometimes it seems a lottery what he'll do with the ball.
Richard (darwen) why do we need to support a journeyman like Megson?? he doesnt give a flying foxtrot about BWFC and its fans..why should he??
Moaning for today over......
superjohn, bolton says...
1:28pm Mon 29 Oct 07
We did play well though in parts, did more than enough to win the game. Villa were well lucky to get back up the M6 with a point. Two games unbeaten under the ginger whinger? I think it's too early to be saying that he's going to be a Big-Sam-type-legend but if you are interested in helping to commission a statue of Megson send your cheques to Jon, Bolton.
US-BWFCfan, USA says...
1:29pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Den, Leigh says...
1:37pm Mon 29 Oct 07
US-BWFCfan wrote:GARTSIDE will drive January spending....even if we had 28,000 every game! you can be sure of that!
I wish I had the ability to go to the Reebok and support the team win,lose or draw. If the attendance is indicative of a boycott, this is the wrong way to go. The gate totals will drive January spending. If anyone thinks attendance will hurt Gartside, you are mistaken. I assure he'll get paid if no-one shows up. We might not agree with the appointment of Megson, but give the guy a chance. Support BWFC, and let's see what happens. Everyone was willing to give LSL till' Christmas, yet most won't give Megson a day. The team has shown signs of improving all along. Let's stop the **** a support the team, the manager and the fans. But what do I know, I'm just a Yank with nothing vested in the club.
There's a stark difference between supporting BWFC and getting behind wrong staff appointed by a witless, visionless .....fool such as Gartside..
Of course your entitled to yr opinion, alas some of us have sussed Gartside out now....and the writing is on the wall!
US-BWFCfan, USA says...
1:48pm Mon 29 Oct 07
PJ, Bolton says...
1:53pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Jon wrote:HERE HERE JON. TOTALLY AGREE. WE PLAYED AS WELL AS WE HAVE LAST FEW SEASONS MOST OF THE GAME. CONFIDENCE IS LOW AFTER BIG SAMS EXIT, AND SAMMY LEE TRIED TO CHANGE THINGS TOO MUCH TOO SOON. WE ARE SUFFERING FROM THAT. UEFA PLACE LOOKS BLEAK BUT I DO THINK WE CAN AVOID RELAGATION. PLEASE GUYS GET BEHIND UR TEAM!
Den wrote: Bright Start for Gary? Come on! We played well first half with great quality goal. We slowed down and again several poor performances, in my view Nolan hasnt improved one bit....Mcgann was useless and Meite looked nervous (again)...We hoof the ball up in the air towards Anelka..and by my counting he hasnt won ONE HEADER against a defender?? Stelios can jump higher than Anelka! Not sure a point AT HOME is a bright start? Everyone keeps saying we can turn our season around and recover?? Well with Derby and Spurs losing we really needed 3 points ...that didnt happen.....the recovery will get harder and harder..... PLEASE STOP SAYING THE SIGNS ARE ENCOURAGING!! you dont stay in the PL for playing encouraging football!That was as good as we've played probably for 2 years. Bit unlucky not to win, but lets face it our start to the season has hurt us. We need to turn it round game by game. Megson got us organised and disciplined. The shape was better and we could and probably should have won the game. However, a mistake at the back costs us once again. Nolan had a better game. Not a brilliant game but he was better. Perhaps some Bolton fans could try taking some happy pills. We actually looked like we "might" win a game, whereas previously we've looked distinctly like we "might lose" every game!
Brownie, Bolton says...
2:52pm Mon 29 Oct 07
-quite funny I thought, but I'm willing to give him a chance to get things right. He has said that he is returning to playing Big Sam's way and proved it by re-introducing Nolan, and as captain. A bad move in my eyes. Getting rid of the unfit captain was one of the things LSL got right.I know the new manager hasn't had time to assess his squad, but I hope he gives some of the other players, not even on the bench on Sunday, a chance to show what they can do on Wednesday. Why Gutherie wasn't on from the start on Sunday is a mystery. I hope that the new manager isn't going to play his favoutites (on form or not) like Big Sam used to do. We need players on the top of their game and willing to bust a gut for the cause. Which brings me to my usual topic-Anelka.
He may score some spectacular goals, but like the others,he fails miserably to take easy chances at times. Also he is certainly not amongst the "bust a gut" brigade.To say that both he and even hard working Doiuffy are supposed to be star strikers, our goal tally is pretty poor from open play.Whilst we had some improved cameo/ individual performances, I feel we failed to work and perform as a team. Awareness of the position of fellow teammates was again poor- two players going for the same ball and then noone in certain positions to accept a pass or play a ball in.
We lack pace going forwards, which allows the opposition defenders time to get up and cover, and our passing and ball control leaves much to be desired. Surprisingly, one highlight of the game for me was when Nolan persevered going forward and got all the way to the box. Finally, we must also forget Big Sam's instructions not to shoot from outside the box. Let's see the players shooting at every opportunity. There must have been umpteen goals scored elsewhere this season from deflections alone. If a ball is heading towards the keeper, there is a chance it will go in.
Right, that's off my chest. Here's to a Whites'victory on Wednesday in preparation for another on Sunday at West Ham.
matt4763, Bolton says...
3:06pm Mon 29 Oct 07
matt4763, Bolton says...
3:07pm Mon 29 Oct 07
notlob, says...
3:28pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Trotter, Bolton says...
3:45pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Brownie wrote:Know exactly what you mean about Anelka, there is this notion that Anelka is stopping us from scoring more team goals because of the way we play for his role in the team.
Did anyone else see the placard " Megson just for Christmas, not for life"? -quite funny I thought, but I'm willing to give him a chance to get things right. He has said that he is returning to playing Big Sam's way and proved it by re-introducing Nolan, and as captain. A bad move in my eyes. Getting rid of the unfit captain was one of the things LSL got right.I know the new manager hasn't had time to assess his squad, but I hope he gives some of the other players, not even on the bench on Sunday, a chance to show what they can do on Wednesday. Why Gutherie wasn't on from the start on Sunday is a mystery. I hope that the new manager isn't going to play his favoutites (on form or not) like Big Sam used to do. We need players on the top of their game and willing to bust a gut for the cause. Which brings me to my usual topic-Anelka. He may score some spectacular goals, but like the others,he fails miserably to take easy chances at times. Also he is certainly not amongst the "bust a gut" brigade.To say that both he and even hard working Doiuffy are supposed to be star strikers, our goal tally is pretty poor from open play.Whilst we had some improved cameo/ individual performances, I feel we failed to work and perform as a team. Awareness of the position of fellow teammates was again poor- two players going for the same ball and then noone in certain positions to accept a pass or play a ball in. We lack pace going forwards, which allows the opposition defenders time to get up and cover, and our passing and ball control leaves much to be desired. Surprisingly, one highlight of the game for me was when Nolan persevered going forward and got all the way to the box. Finally, we must also forget Big Sam's instructions not to shoot from outside the box. Let's see the players shooting at every opportunity. There must have been umpteen goals scored elsewhere this season from deflections alone. If a ball is heading towards the keeper, there is a chance it will go in. Right, that's off my chest. Here's to a Whites'victory on Wednesday in preparation for another on Sunday at West Ham.
Firstly Anelka would be in my team always, secondly I do not know why we have not tried Davies as centre forward with Anelka just behind him, he plays this way for France and in the past for City & Liverpool, my mates a Liverpool fan and he cannot believe how we play him on his own up front but he is so good, he still scores goals.
Keep the faith
Julie Moores, Bolton says...
3:47pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Jon, there is NO shape at all to the team. We have too many defensive players who are having to cover for a woeful back 4. We have no creation, no one prepared to get in goal scoring positions. We would all prefer to be optimistic, but dont kid yourself, yesterday was still a pretty awful performance against a rank, bad team.
REAP WHAT U SO, Bradley Fold says...
3:53pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Trotter, Bolton says...
3:56pm Mon 29 Oct 07
REAP WHAT U SO wrote:IF ################
Just think. If there were 26,000 more like PJ and JonGartside would be in seventh heaven.Having said that I think if that was the case the psychiatric wards would be overflowing!!!
Bolton Billy, Daubhill says...
3:57pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Julie Moores wrote:Julie I think Jon is a wind up merchant. Either that or he has a problem.
Unbelievable comments from Jon. First half we looked OK, nothing more, only because Villa were so poor.2nd half was back to bad old days of passing the ball away and defenders hoofing upfield. Jon, there is NO shape at all to the team. We have too many defensive players who are having to cover for a woeful back 4. We have no creation, no one prepared to get in goal scoring positions. We would all prefer to be optimistic, but dont kid yourself, yesterday was still a pretty awful performance against a rank, bad team.
Jack wilson weymouth, Weymouth says...
4:33pm Mon 29 Oct 07
What did I SEE.
Well now a new manager who had the balls to stand out on the ground and face THE hostile
fans. I saw a team that played very good football. they lost because of very bad mess up by the officials. never-the-less thats the way it goes in football. But the press and TV. praised the Bolton team for the way they played.the reports in the press were all for the team have responded to the new manager.
My team, Your team, you loyal guys out there
in my home town love our team and like me find it hard to see them at the bottom of the Premier League. Well lets see what the new manager can do, He had the bottle to be there on sunday. Give him a chance. At least he changed the way we have been playing. and the team played very well . He will need a lot of support from the team and from the Bolton supporters. I have faith in the team, I have read on the internet how so many of you feel towards the Bolton managment. Well this is the time that they will have to prove that they can put the money where their mouths are. Bolton Wanderers are my team just like you guys, so its up to them, sink or swim. I liked
What I saw on sunday. BUT *I have not got the gift that all the locals have. I live to far away. I am sure you will keep me well in the picture on the Bolton Enening News internet
for which I am gratefull best wishes Jack
Den, Leigh says...
4:49pm Mon 29 Oct 07
We dont utilise and feed Anelka the best way, he just cannot get onto high long balls....He's better off with someone playing behind him...feeding him through balls on the grass..nice and fast...
We dont crowd out the midfield, infact (for me) we are very poor there. We have lost 2 solid defenders, Joey Obrien played very well...Meite panicks at times and is situational awareness/sharpness contributes to this! has does his communication problems with Jussi...Lets not talk about Nolan, Clearly his form has all but disappeared.
BUT..we didnt lose! and lets move forward now!
Andy L, Rugby says...
5:58pm Mon 29 Oct 07
1.Like many of you I would have been delighted if LSLs football playing 'revolution' had succeeded and we could have had Arsenal-like_ like splendour to watch. Bring on on more academy graduates!
2. But I'm happy for the time being if the old ways grind out a point or two. Away games will be a good test. We used to win at W Ham!
3. Surely we were unlucky? Another deflection. It must be time for us to have an own goal or a wicked deflection in our favour?
4. We should have had a penalty but the throw in debacle was our own silly fault and not the referee's. 3 players switched off ( and we were really lucky that we got away with a couple more of Ricky's lapses.) How come AV twigged the uncommunicated decision!If they could, we could.
5. We should have had a penalty!
6. I thought McCann and especially Andy O' Brien played really well defensively. It was actually a good defensive day in our own penalty box- AV didn't have one shot on goal, did they?
7. Yes,AV weren't good going forward on the day but they were pretty good defensively, once they had got to grips with EHD, They also got round the back of us quite a lot.They are also quite well placed in the league and have a great manager. So let's not underplay our achievement. We made them poor on the day for 35 mins first half-- and to my mind in the last few minutes as well. Good substitutions! Hurrah! And substituions to match theirs. Remember how substitute,Berger took us apart last April, when we didn't match them. Not this time! A whole lot better than LSLs Everton substitutions which could have led to a 1-5 loss!
8 Where are our auxiliary goalscorers, i.e others than Anelka.
9. Why was Campo taken off? It didn't seem to harm us. Maybe it helped? But I thought that he was doing really well until he left.
10 ( From TV) I didn't think Newcastle looked that great at Reading? In fact wasn't there something vaguely familiar?
11. Did I imagine it or did Jussi actually give the ball short to our defenders on a couple of occasions and begin some attacks.
12. There must be something pretty special about BWFC to convert the hissing,moaning,argu
mentative Megson of yore into such a compliant, gentlemanly, Anelkophiliac. Time will tell if this is a genuine posture.Maybe we will oppose a Neil Warnock team in the Spring and they can peacefully make daisy chains together in the technical area.
13. I actually agree with those few of you who thought Nolan did a bit better. His one run was really good. It would be really good if somehow he can recover form.We really, really need what he used to give us, i.e drive, sensible tackling and marking, opportunistic goals. he was the one who intimidated. He is though going the way of Jamie Pollock. and I fear like Jamie he may never really recapture the form and heights he once reached for us.( and Jamie was terrific for that one season!)
14. Much better bench, I thought with options to cover most positions and alternate strategies. How often did LSL load it with both Braaten and Wilhelmson to no effect or at least not to the desired effect?
15. I thought J Lloyd S did really well when he came on and Ricky addded something up front-reminiscent of WBA away when he first came to us or the Charlton cup quarter final, wasn't it?
Happy Wanderer, Farnworth says...
6:18pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Why is Davies still playing on the right wing?? Please explain the logic to me, surely if he is going to play(he may give 100% but is he a giving us anything extra upfront) he has to play target man, centre forward. Put Anelka on the right if this is the case to utilise his pace and play Davies down the middle as target man..Otherwise drop him and play Stelios, Wilhelmsson or Braaten down the right.
I think we have to get behind Megson as it doesn't help berating the manager before he has had a chance..I'll reserve my judgement till Xmas..
Trotter, Bolton says...
6:22pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Andy L, Rugby
Good to hear that your support from afar is still going strong.
Keep the faith
Trotter, Bolton says...
6:35pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Happy Wanderer wrote:A good point you make my friend and one I have posed before on here, I will therefore try and explain.
Best for 2 years!! I've just picked myself up off the floor..laughing that much!! It was ordinary as usual and we looked very poor in the second half. Rooney could play upfront for Bolton and he wouldn't get a kick. The midfield is so slow that nobody is within 20yard of Anelka when he gets the ball and that is why only Anelka manages to score. Nolan and Speed are finished(I reckon my 9 year old could give em both a good race!!) Why is Davies still playing on the right wing?? Please explain the logic to me, surely if he is going to play(he may give 100% but is he a giving us anything extra upfront) he has to play target man, centre forward. Put Anelka on the right if this is the case to utilise his pace and play Davies down the middle as target man..Otherwise drop him and play Stelios, Wilhelmsson or Braaten down the right. I think we have to get behind Megson as it doesn't help berating the manager before he has had a chance..I'll reserve my judgement till Xmas..
Questions:
Who would win the most headers between, let's say: John Terry v Davies, then guess who would win the most headers between Ashley Cole v Davies, you then have one of the reasons/answers Big Sam/Little Sam/Archie Knox/Megson put him there, saying that I am of the opinion that we should try Davies as c/f with Anelka just behind him, doing this we then need to have a very mobile midfield and one of them to be able to get up and down one of the flanks with ease.
Keep the faith
skyrack, radcliffe says...
7:21pm Mon 29 Oct 07
ONWARD AND UPWARD
Angus, Bury St Edmunds says...
7:32pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Jon wrote:Are you serious? The best we've played for 2 years? What's wrong with you?
Den wrote: Bright Start for Gary? Come on! We played well first half with great quality goal. We slowed down and again several poor performances, in my view Nolan hasnt improved one bit....Mcgann was useless and Meite looked nervous (again)...We hoof the ball up in the air towards Anelka..and by my counting he hasnt won ONE HEADER against a defender?? Stelios can jump higher than Anelka! Not sure a point AT HOME is a bright start? Everyone keeps saying we can turn our season around and recover?? Well with Derby and Spurs losing we really needed 3 points ...that didnt happen.....the recovery will get harder and harder..... PLEASE STOP SAYING THE SIGNS ARE ENCOURAGING!! you dont stay in the PL for playing encouraging football!That was as good as we've played probably for 2 years. Bit unlucky not to win, but lets face it our start to the season has hurt us. We need to turn it round game by game. Megson got us organised and disciplined. The shape was better and we could and probably should have won the game. However, a mistake at the back costs us once again. Nolan had a better game. Not a brilliant game but he was better. Perhaps some Bolton fans could try taking some happy pills. We actually looked like we "might" win a game, whereas previously we've looked distinctly like we "might lose" every game!
That Villa team was dreadful, probably one of the worst performances we'll see from an away side all season. And yet we still only draw! Name one positive from the second half...
I actually felt sorry for Anelka being so stranded upfront. Sorry but the performance was greatly overated and I took little encouragement from it. The effort levels were increased but wait until the honeymoon period for Megson is over.
I would hate to think that we're all forgetting about the shambles that has taken place in the past two weeks or so.
GARTSIDE OUT
Parky, preston says...
7:39pm Mon 29 Oct 07
hatemanu, bolton says...
7:50pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Jon W, westhoughton says...
8:26pm Mon 29 Oct 07
matt4763 wrote:Got to defend the club on this one. They give us a chance to get a ticket for TEN POUNDS for a local derby cup tie (probably cheaper than we were paying 15 years ago) and you're STILL not happy. If you want to announce to the world that you dont care about BWFC that's your right but to slag off the club after putting on this fantastic offer as they have for all the cup ties, it makes you look daft. And no, City's tickets werent £10, they were £15 along with all other non-season ticket holders. If you had bothered to read the publicity about this match you would have known the £5 off offer was only until last Wed, and that's their decision as £15 is still a bargain.
Completely off the point. Just called the BW ticket office to get my tickets for City on Wednesday to be told that the offer of £10 for season ticket holders expired last Wednesday! Apparantly this is to avoid them being inundated with calls for tickets. What a fu**ing shambles. Firstly, how on earth are they expecting to be 'inundated with calls' after the lowest league attendance at the Reebok in 10 years, and secondly why should I, a loyal supporter of over 15 years, be asked to pay more for my ticket that a City fan (whose tickets were £10)??? Will now be watching the game in the pub. This club is going down the sh*t pan!!!!
rob, horwich says...
10:23pm Mon 29 Oct 07
Nolan played very well, infact he played better than Campo, that so called spanish wizard kept passing the ball to the other team, quite like how speed was on thursday night, he wasn't at his best then and he wasn't yesterday either and many of the people on the west stand/lower would agree !! ..
Guthrie was fantastic as always and so was dioufy, meite had a good game and it was nice to see jlloyd back as well, he was superb as left back, as for gardner - WELL - that guy deserves man of the match in my opinion, he plays better in midfield compared to defence..
AS a final point, those of you who say nolan is just lacking confidence WELL, your right - it is !!, so i ask you this - how would you cope if you had 18.000 people crowded round your office with 9 % of them booing at you after the final whisle or as this example goes, when the clock stikes 1700?
because that so called team or colleague doesn't think your setting the standard that your post represents, ie team leader or captain, how would you react?, would you tell them to go fcuk them self ?, would you grin and just bare it untill office hours are finished and get them on the car park or would take it as constructive critism and get on with the job ??, I know which one i'd rather do, i think most of the people that were booing our team on west stand/lower would know who i am by now, ps, sorry about the nose jeff
cadders1, bolton says...
10:24pm Mon 29 Oct 07
I for one couldn't believe Garslime would pull a trick like this (ps I have just seen a flock of pigs flying past the Reebok!!)
Jacko, Little Lever says...
10:53pm Mon 29 Oct 07
hatemanu, bolton says...
7:11am Tue 30 Oct 07
hatemanu, bolton says...
7:13am Tue 30 Oct 07
Andy, Staffordshire says...
7:46am Tue 30 Oct 07
Should be an interesting game against City tomorrow after their 6 goal mauling.
don060541, devon says...
8:11am Tue 30 Oct 07
We must be sadly lacking in players to have this asswipe keep getting picked or as he got this written in is contract.
Play like a nob week in week out but still get picked.
I used to travel up from devon to watch the whites when i could but would not even bother if someone offered to pay for me Nolan as been pisspoor for the last two seasons.
Enough said like many others beforeme
superjohn, bolton says...
8:33am Tue 30 Oct 07
http://blogs.guardia
n.co.uk/sport/2007/1
0/30/the_strange_cas
e_of_the_resist.html
cab26, chorley says...
8:49am Tue 30 Oct 07
we looked more like the old wanderers let get behing gary megson now some people may not like him but he is the manager now!!!!! onjwards and upward bring on city
richard, darwen says...
8:49am Tue 30 Oct 07
support the team you love, get behind megson and the team. up the whites!
matt4763, Bolton says...
9:00am Tue 30 Oct 07
Jon W wrote:Makes me look daft does it? Well I guess we'll find out tomorrow night once the attendance is announced wont we! Second of all, last week I had to pay for my Braga ticket and my Munich package. To expect people to have to folk out for City tickets in the same week is a bit much if you ask me! Why couldn't the offer have been valid until today; This would have ensured at least a semi decent turn out for Wednesday.
matt4763 wrote: Completely off the point. Just called the BW ticket office to get my tickets for City on Wednesday to be told that the offer of £10 for season ticket holders expired last Wednesday! Apparantly this is to avoid them being inundated with calls for tickets. What a fu**ing shambles. Firstly, how on earth are they expecting to be 'inundated with calls' after the lowest league attendance at the Reebok in 10 years, and secondly why should I, a loyal supporter of over 15 years, be asked to pay more for my ticket that a City fan (whose tickets were £10)??? Will now be watching the game in the pub. This club is going down the sh*t pan!!!!Got to defend the club on this one. They give us a chance to get a ticket for TEN POUNDS for a local derby cup tie (probably cheaper than we were paying 15 years ago) and you're STILL not happy. If you want to announce to the world that you dont care about BWFC that's your right but to slag off the club after putting on this fantastic offer as they have for all the cup ties, it makes you look daft. And no, City's tickets werent £10, they were £15 along with all other non-season ticket holders. If you had bothered to read the publicity about this match you would have known the £5 off offer was only until last Wed, and that's their decision as £15 is still a bargain.
Julie Moores, Bolton says...
9:08am Tue 30 Oct 07
Dont worry about Jon, he is a well known spokesperson for the club, he doesnt speak at all for the fans.
PJ, Bolton says...
9:39am Tue 30 Oct 07
Julie Moores wrote:A BIT ENTHUSIASTIC THAT JULIE LOL. 10,000 ME THINKS, AS A LOT OF PEOPLE DECIDING NOT TO GO BECAUSE THEY DONT LIKE OUR NEW MANAGER. I GO TO EM ALL TO SUPPORT MY TEAM. AS I AM A TRUE FAN. HOPEFULLY U WILL DO THE SAME. SEE U ALL IN MUNICH!!!
Quite right Matt- attendance likely to be 15000 which includes all the sold out City fans. Dont worry about Jon, he is a well known spokesperson for the club, he doesnt speak at all for the fans.
Julie Moores, Bolton says...
10:11am Tue 30 Oct 07
Den, Leigh says...
11:03am Tue 30 Oct 07
Jon W, westhoughton says...
12:56pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Den wrote:Den,
agree with Matt....the club should look at the cumulative outlay that us hardcore fans have to fork out in a short period of time......they should give us all the chance to get a cheaper ticket..even if it is last minute?
With respect £15 is as cheap as a ticket for a Conference match, how much cheaper do you want it to be? If we had only had 1 cup tie and it had cost £20 nobody could complain, we have 2 and effectively its buy 1 get 1 free, and its still not good enough for some. I sit with a Spurs fan who has just been to Newcastle (£34) followed by 3 home games in quick succession v Blackburn, a Uefa Cup tie (£33) and Blackpool (£20) in the league cup on top of paying for his European trip to Anderlecht. The difference between him and some Bolton fans is he's passionate about it and not going to a game isnt an option, despite 3 defeats in 6 days. By the way his season ticket cost £700.
Martin Duggan, says...
1:22pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Jon W wrote:I must admit I agree with Jon W on this one. Bolton fans are showing themselves to be among the worst supporters in the country. Sunderland on sunday had just short of 40K and Derby had 33K. Ours fans are a joke and just need any excuse not to go.I am going to the game with a city fan, it is going to be a cery embarrasing night for Bolton. We are now Wigan. If the match was free we still wouldnt sell out
Den wrote: agree with Matt....the club should look at the cumulative outlay that us hardcore fans have to fork out in a short period of time......they should give us all the chance to get a cheaper ticket..even if it is last minute?Den, With respect £15 is as cheap as a ticket for a Conference match, how much cheaper do you want it to be? If we had only had 1 cup tie and it had cost £20 nobody could complain, we have 2 and effectively its buy 1 get 1 free, and its still not good enough for some. I sit with a Spurs fan who has just been to Newcastle (£34) followed by 3 home games in quick succession v Blackburn, a Uefa Cup tie (£33) and Blackpool (£20) in the league cup on top of paying for his European trip to Anderlecht. The difference between him and some Bolton fans is he's passionate about it and not going to a game isnt an option, despite 3 defeats in 6 days. By the way his season ticket cost £700.
PJ, Bolton says...
2:00pm Tue 30 Oct 07
Julie Moores wrote:I KNOW WHAT U MEAN JULIE. IT COSTS US FANS A FORTUNE. ALL BECAUSE THEY PAY THE PLAYERS TOO MUCH!!! WILL LOOK OUT 4 YA IN MUNICH THEN!
I'll be there and in Munich, but beginning to feel a bit of a mug keep giving my money to this lot. Actually resisted buying a drink there on Sunday.
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chris, cumbria says...
9:50am Mon 29 Oct 07
The decision to put Ricky upfront was odd,Nolan is totally out of form or unfit.
the midfield has no invention, we keep lumping the ball up and anelka rarely gets a ball to his feet unless its from campo.
we need to play guthrie and alonso, mccan is an honest battler but we need more skill.
Speedo can make a contribution , but he should come on later in he game when the oppositions tiring to level the pace out.
lets hope Megson can see his, it must be terrible welcome to get the lowest gate on your debut, come on fans turn up and make some noise, the season is still recoverable.