GARY MEGSON TOUGHS IT OUT
Don't expect sexy football as Bolton battle for survival
GARY MEGSON has promised sexy football, but expect that to end as soon as The Trotters have been on the receiving end of a couple thumpings.
Since becoming an unpopular choice to replace Sammy Lee in October 2007, the flame-haired boss hasn't exactly stirred up passions at the Reebok.
Megson has jumped ship more often than a Somalian pirate but some supporters fear he might be sinking Bolton. Incredibly the Reebok hotseat is his eighth managerial job in little over 13 years.
Quite rightly, Megson feels he must convince fans who were quick to turn on him last season that the quality of football will improve.
Megson's desire to entertain will be under great pressure if their points total doesn't look too clever after the first 10 games, which includes daunting fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.
After being dumped out of the FA and Carling Cups at the first time of asking, Wanderers played just 40 games last season, fewer than any other English club.
Luckily for Megson, the tiny squad who limped over the safety line were not ravaged by injuries. Megson has set about bolstering his squad but hasn't exactly taken risks, swooping for tried and trusted journeymen with the emphasis on defence.
Sean Davis almost came to the Reebok for £3million in January, but became a steal when he joined on a free transfer after snubbing a new contract offer from Portsmouth.
Defender Paul Robinson has joined on a 12-month loan from West Brom. The left-back might not be cultured, but like Davis he has a whole-hearted approach and will be a voice in the dressing room.
Full-back Sam Ricketts has made the move from Hull and the capture of former England central defender Zat Knight from Aston Villa is a surprise, given his shaky performances.
Perhaps Megson's biggest success this summer was hanging on to Kevin Davies despite interest from Blackburn and Hull.He is a dying breed, a player who will spill blood and defy pain for his team and there are plenty of clubs waiting for the day Davies decides to move on.
Holding on to one of the best target men in the top flight is more important than whatever the new signings may bring.
Wanderers will suffer a colossal blow if centre-half Gary Cahill triggers a reported £8m buy-out clause.
He was called up to the England squad in June and Megson won't be able to keep the 23-year-old if a more ambitious club come in at the asking price.
BIG HOPE: Johan Elmander improving.
KEY IN: Zat Knight (Aston Villa) £4m.
KEY OUT: Blerim Dzemaili (Torino) £1.5m)
This article has 7 comments
hey dave what r you thinking bringinging a disrespectfull player like mido in the team, i can't sit my ass on the chair and watch him play for my team . gosh !! dave
i think meg should go for a very sharp and very good in the air striker, cos with matt on left and chung young from the right. then the so called big four are in trouble. mark my word for that all.
By emibros. Posted August 2 2009 at 3:02 PM.
Ricketts and Robbo over Stenier and JLS are you sure?? Bibi on the right! he and JLS have a good thing on the left, wouldnt break that, Matty doesnt like the right wing so either Chung Yong or Riga are there so hopefully Taylor gets a attacking mid role. Im confident we have a good midfield, Muamba,M Davo, S Davo three decent players, Badger and Cohen as support.
I pray Megson lets Elmander just do his thing, I just want Elmo to go for it at times, decent stregth decent pace decent shot. but we need another striker, we have 3. and with RVT injured, we have two. get Mido or Tuncay in.
By Dave. Posted August 2 2009 at 2:37 PM.
same old story; defensive minders brought in - no attack minded players to view - wheres the silky midfielder and goal scorer we were promised - less than 2 weeks to kick off - hope i can manage to keep fingers crossed for whole season - lack of tv coverage says it all - not a joy to watch - they are MY club though !!
By davie boy. Posted August 2 2009 at 12:58 PM.
Steve Lillis, do you get paid to write that rubbish?
Robinson and Ricketts will be back up for Steinsson and Samuel, I'd bet you £100 on that.
Gardner play wide right? You do know he is left footed and has never played on the right before for Bolton. If we play a 4-4-2 it will be Riga or the new signing Yong who plays out right.
Bolton will stay up no problem this season but they won't be good to watch or do anything spectacular.
By Stuart Banks. Posted August 2 2009 at 12:57 PM.
Another football journo who clearly has no clue.
Gardner on the right wing and NO Steinsson!
By Stu Seddon. Posted August 2 2009 at 10:57 AM.
Get Muamba out of that team!!! He is the worst midfielder i have ever seen. With a player like him on the the team Bolton cant play better football, because he cant pass a god damn ball.
And also J-lo and Steinsson will be wing-backs
By Arthur. Posted August 2 2009 at 4:46 AM.
I am sorry, but Gretar Steinsson is clearly better than Sam Ricketts.
Ricketts should be cover for Steinsson, nothing more.
By bolton fan. Posted August 1 2009 at 11:47 PM.