Finishing off today’s pre-season interviews is Richard from Bolton’s Manny Road blog:
TheChelseaBlog: So, a new season awaits – what are you hoping to get from it?
MannyRoad: Year on year progress is the aspiration for a club like Bolton. A top half finish and a points tally in excess of 50 is the benchmark this time.
TCB: What do you realistically expect?
MR: There’s a high probability that we’ll struggle. The loss of Lee Chung-Yong, victim of a contemptible tackle in pre-season is a huge blow. The absence of Stuart Holden, who held our midfield together last season is worse. Add in a difficult set of opening fixtures and we may be cut adrift by mid October. Cool heads will be called for.
TCB: Do you think the transfer window has been kind to you?
MR: There’s nearly a month to go, so it doesn’t do to get too down-hearted, but so far it’s been underwhelming. Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears are Championship level players, and at the age of 26, Darren Pratley has precisely one game in the Premier League under his belt. Nigel Reo-Coker might be a worthwhile acquisition if he can keep his billy big boots tendencies in check. We ugently need someone who can put the ball in the net. Preferably that of the opposition.
TCB: Is there anyone you’d give your right arm to bring in?
MR: Messi, Iniesta, Kaka or David Villa would all improve us. More seriously (and this will give you Chelsea fans a laugh) having Daniel Sturridge back on loan would be a real boost. Eight goals in twelve games is impressive for anyone. Add pace and vision and he is potentially a top class player.
TCB: Well, I happen to think Daniel Sturridge will be one on our important players this season. Who are your most important players?
MR: Stuart Holden will be back by October, much to the relief of everyone at the Reebok. His energy and excellent reading of the game is a primary reason why we did so well in the first half of last season. Kevin Davies may feature less, as he’s getting toward pensionable age, but the captain can still deliver the goods more than most. If Mark Davies can stay fit (not that he has before) then we have a genuinely creative midfielder to call on. Support bandages and Ibuprofen at the ready.
TCB: What about opposition players? Which PL player worries you most?
MR: There are some outstanding players in the Premier League, but no one really stands out as being to fear. At least not in the way that Christiano Ronaldo used to. Horrible whiny scrote he may have been, but the Portuguese Winker could turn a game in seconds.
TCB: How do you think your manager stands up against the rest?
MR: Owen Coyle is a likeable chap and a definite improvement on the ginger tribute to mediocrity who preceded him. Like a few others, I’m still undecided on his overall ability. There were thrilling highs and crushing lows last season. Thumping Newcastle 5-1 was joyful and the 4-2 victory over Tottenham flattered the visitors. But the defeat at home to you lot, where we gifted four goals (not bitter, oh no) and the debacle at Wembley were the worst type of footballing day.
Our away form after November was worse than dreadful and the lack of organisation in midfield was very much apparent, once Jonny Evans had clogged Holden at Old Trafford.
In mitigation, Coyle was (and still is) working largely with someone else’s squad and one that was assembled to play dull football. Injuries were a major factor too, and when all said, the man has only managed in the Prem for two seasons. It’s too soon to make a definitive judgment.
TCB: And your supporters – can they give the opposition a run for their money?
MR: When the mood takes them Bolton supporters can be among the best. The last few games in 2007-8 when relegation was almost certain is a good example of that, and the yearly invasion of the peat bog, otherwise known as Blackburn is always fun.
At other times the apathy, and tendency to doom and gloom amongst a section of our following is quite disturbing. Maybe we’re the World’s first bi-polar football fans.
TCB: Where do you think you’ll finish this season?
MR: 14th, unless a couple of genuine quality players are recruited before the end of the window, which is difficult when you’re skint.
TCB: Any predictions for the top four?
MR: I suspect, the coming season will be much like the one just gone, with no team really standing out and only a few points dividing a dozen clubs in mid-table. It may be Manchester City’s year. They aren’t any thing special and Roberto Mancini has a tendency to cowardice when facing teams of equal stature, but Chelsea and Manchester United aren’t what they were and Arsenal look to be on the slide.
Liverpool may be there or thereabouts, especially without the distraction of Europe, but King Kenny’s influence can only stretch so far with a limited squad. Spurs will look good at times, but suffer after Europa League games.
Neck on the line – City, United, Chelsea and Liverpool. Looks familiar doesn’t it?
TCB: Bloody third again? Cheers Richard
Blue is the colour
