There’s something about Bolton

For as long as I can remember, I have had a strong dislike for Bolton Wanderers Football Club. Im not sure exactly why, I think it is more the culmination of a few little things. Half empty stadium, drab football employed by the likes of Allardyce and Megson, awful kits that look like they were designed by children or perhaps just the fact that for all the passing attacking football my club, West Ham are renowned for playing, we would always, always lose to Bolton.

So why then have I been so intrigued by them of late? The appointment of former Wanderers player Owen Coyle has seen a revolution of sorts in the north-east, and I must say I am actually starting to warm to them. I used to pray that Bolton would be one of the three relegated teams from the Premier League so that it would be two less drab fixtures I had to endure each season, but now I find myself setting a reminder to park myself in front of the tv whenever they are playing.

The long ball, keepy-uppy, physical style of Allardyce and Megson which was more akin to rugby union than football is now a thing of the past, and anyone who has seen them play this season will testify that behind Arsenal, Wanderers have genuine claims to being the most entertaining team in the league. And the table doesn’t lie, Bolton are 6th, and deservedly so. Far from cheering whoever is playing Bolton, this season I will be cheering them on and enjoying the free flowing, one touch passing that Coyle has imprinted on this group of players.

Kevin Davies, finally capped by England at the age of 33, is no longer the isolated man looking to batter his way through a back four on his own, if the ball is played to him in the air, which is fair enough, he is the best player in the league at winning flick-ons, he is now supported by two or three runners eager to latch on to that flick, get in behind the defence and then work the angles with sharp passing in order to create the scoring chance.

Martin Petrov continues to impress out wide, as does Korean Lee Chung-Yong who in my humble opinion is one of the most under-rated players in England. The emergence of American midfielder Stuart Holden as a top quality midfielder with an eye for goal is yet another feather in Coyle’s cap, and it is being held together by the increasingly impressive central defensive partnership of Gary Cahill and Zat Knight. How Jussi Jaaskelainen has remained at the Reebok Stadium for so long without a big four club swooping to pick him up is a mystery for another day.

For now just do yourself a favour and ensure that next time Bolton are playing on the television, grab a cold beverage, relax on the sofa and enjoy the show.