• Saturday, November 28, 2009
• Venue: Craven Cottage
• Attendance: 23,554
• Referee: Steve Bennett

• Kevin Davies [2!]
• Gretar Steinsson [23]
• Jonathan Greening [33]
• Ivan Klasnic [35]
• Ricardo Gardner [50]
• Gavin McCann [53]
• Jussi Jaaskelainen [64]
• Jlloyd Samuel [72]
• Damien Duff [75]

Bolton Wanderers desperately needed a win and a trip to Craven Cottage could have (should have) been a perfect opportunity to earn 3 valuable points.

Early signs of pressure which almost gave Fulham the lead were well defended — just. A prime example was Gretar Steinsson’s save off the line. I’m not even sure how he saved the point blank shot (I bet he’s not either) but nonetheless he made the save and that is what is important. Matt Taylor and Gavin McCann also defended well and are worthy of an honourable mention. (Come to think of it the whole squad deserve an honourable mention seeming they have to serve under the mismanagement of Gary Megson.)




With just 10 minutes to play before half time Ivan Klasnic took The Wanderers ahead following a poorly defended long Bolton throw–in which was headed into the box twice by Gary Cahill. Cahill’s second header reached Klasnic who deftly movement controlled, turned and scored.

While Bolton had hardly ventured forward before scoring they looked less likely to do so afterwards and seem to be content with defending their single goal lead. This was, of course, a mistake and doubtlessly a tactic that Gary Megson had promoted. Fulham were allowed to attack more frequently while Bolton assaults into the final third were not only rare but simply ineffective. Bolton on the whole defended well and goalkeeper Jussi Jaakelainen was force to make a few spectacular saves.

The somewhat inevitable equaliser came in the 75th minute with a powered shot by Damien Duff. A slight deflection by Gary Cahill may have caused helped Duff’s shot into the net and without it the ball may have sailed wide or hit the post.

Only when Fulham had equalised did Bolton really apply the pressure that had been lacking since Klasnic’s goal. Bolton proved that they could create chances but with just a quarter of an hour to go it was too little, too late. The clearest chance came during injury time with the aforementioned Stiensson heading Matthew Taylor’s perfectly weighted free kick just over the bar.

A draw away from home should not disappoint, yet it did. Defending a flimsy lead for an hour is a fallible tactic. Bolton ought to have been bolstered by Ivan’s goal and showed determination to get a second early in the second half. Instead Fulham’s determination grew and grew and ultimately proved to be fruitful.

The single point was not enough to lift The Wanderers out of the bottom three. We can hope that Megson’s Christmas comes early and a slew of wins throughout December sees The Trotters into a prosperous New Year.

Full match report on the Bolton Wanderers official website
Full match report on Fulham’s official website

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League Cup, Fourth Round

Chelsea Give Wanderers The Blues

• Tuesday, Ocotber 28, 2009
• Venue: Stamford Bridge
• Attendance: 41,538
• Referee: Andre Marriner

• Salomon Kalou [15]
• Florent Malouda [26]
• Deco [67]
• Didier Drogba [89]

It was never going to be easy for The Wanderers to get a result at Stamford Bridge but who would have known that it was going to so easy for Chelsea.

Bolton boss, Gary Megson, had made a few changes to the side that eventually beat Everton last Saturday. The most notable change was that Ali Al-Habsi was chosen over Jussi Jaaskelainen to face that could have been easily predicted as a barrage of shots. It is almost as Megson had already resigned to the fact that Bolton’s cup run would be halted.

Chelsea goalkeeper Henrique Hilario had to be substituted halfway through the first half leaving Ross Turnbull in goal for the majority of the 90 minutes, but this had little affect on the game as Bolton rarely threatened to score.

Although Bolton Wanderers did manage a sizeable portion of the game’s possession (41%) what they did with it was mostly pitiful. Chelsea ruled much of the game and stroked the ball to and fro with ease — it was an impressive display of one touch passing. Chelsea only weakness was in regaining possession and careless tackles resulted in a number of free kicks. However, Bolton seemed content to squander many of these referee awarded opportunities, all too often hoofing the ball too close to Chelsea’s goalkeepers or even out of play.

To be fair, Bolton did have their chances but only three were memorable.

Gretar Steinsson’s free-kick shortly after Kalou’s goal found Matt Taylor but his shot was blocked by Hilario.

At half–time Steinsson was replaced by Johan Elmander whose smart pass to Mark Davies could have given The Wanderers a chance to get back into the game shortly after the restart. Unfortunately Elmander’s vision was not matched by Mark’s finishing, his shot was straight into the welcoming arms of Turnbull.

Up front for The Trotters, and often looking lonely, Ivan Klasnic failed to make an impact until it was too late to do so. Bolton were 3–0 down with just 10 minutes left when Klasnic fired a vicious shot which sadly hit the post. However, Chelsea found time for Drogba to score in the dying minutes of the match to preserve Chelsea’s run of unbeaten games at Stamford Bridge so far this season.

Chelsea travel to The Reebok Stadium this weekend and hopefully this hefty loss will inspire The Wanderers enough to give Chelsea’s third defeat of the season.

Too harsh? Would Jussi have made the difference? Share your opinions in the comments section below.

Official BWFC Match Report
Official CFC Match Report

Advert: 10 Years at The Reebok : the inside story of one of the most memorable eras ever for the club

• Sunday, October 25, 2009
• Venue: The Reebok Stadium
• Attendance: 21,547
• Referee: Phil Dowd

• Chung-Yong Lee [16]
• Gary Cahill [27]
• Kevin Davies [30]
• Louis Saha [32]
• Marouane Fellaini [55]
• Gary Cahill [57]
• Jlloyd Samuel [61]
• Marouane Fellaini [63]
• Ivan Klasnic [86]

The Wanderers’ great start was evened out by the visitors but persistence earned Bolton a late goal and their first three points to be won at The Reebok since April.

The win was a perfect way for Gary Megson to celebrate his second anniversary in charge at The Reebok Stadium and three of his signing provided the goals and two more providing assists.

Bolton made a terrific start instantly applying pressure to Everton’s defence and nearly scored just a couple minutes into the game but Tamir Cohen’s header from Jlloyd Samuel’s superb cross went just wide. Two minutes later Kevin Davies did the same with Matthew Taylor’s free kick delivery.

While Bolton dominated in the early stages of the match Everton managed to test Bolton’s defence with Sam Ricketts blocking Louis Saha shot. The resulting corner showed Bolton’s ongoing problems defending set–pieces as Joao Alves Jo gets a clear header that fortuitously went wide.

Sam Ricketts was also instrumental in Bolton’s first goal. He strode down the right wing, evading Tony Hibbert with a skilful cross into Everton’s penalty area where Chung–Yong Lee scored his first goal at The Reebok.

Bolton doubled their lead ten minutes later after Felliani elbowed Kevin Davies. The resulting free kick, taken by Matt Taylor, floated into Everton’s penalty area and Gary Cahill rose to header past Tim Howard with apparent ease.

Everton never gave up and the simplicity of Louis Saha’s goal raises further doubts about Bolton’s defending. Everton’s goalkeeper rolled the ball out to Lucas Neill who ran into Bolton’s half unchallenged and delivered a perfect pass to Saha. With only a couple of touches the French striker had plenty of space to shoot from outside the penalty area and curl the ball effortlessly pass Jussi Jaaskelainen. Zat Knight was simply too slow to deal with the threat and seemed to wait for Saha to take him on rather than rushing out to make a challenge.

At the beginning of the second half Bolton looked sluggish compared to their buoyancy 45 minutes earlier. There was definitely a lull in Bolton’s performance.

A similar combination resulted in Everton’s equaliser. A great pass from Australian defender Neill which Zat Knight could have done more to deal with. Instead Fellaini was able to receive the pass with ease and despite Gary Cahill’s best efforts Fellaini still managed to score from an acute angle.

The introduction of Ivan Klasnic just after an hour’s play seemed to lift The Wanderers and shots by the Germanic Croat, Cohen and Fabrice Muamba were all blocked. Another Kevin Davies header went wide and a couple of free kicks created more chances for Bolton whose desire for three points drove them on. Klasnic was floored after what looked like a innocuous clash with perfect passer Lucas Neill — Ivan may have been momentarily unconscious. Klasnic lay face down while team–mates Talyor and Cohen tried to encourage him to get up and concerned referee, Phil Dowd, beckoned the medical team. Thankfully Klasnic got up and obviously persuaded the anxious medics that he was able to carry on.

Just five minutes later Klasnic had scored his first goal for BWFC with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area. His goal turned out to be the winner and a joyous Bolton were awarded with three much needed points that lifted them above Everton to 12th position in the Premier League.

Klasnic told the official Bolton website;

“It was important to get the goal. We had played well and deserved to win, so I was pleased to have contributed. Against Tottenham we should have also won, but this time we made sure.”

A chuffed Gary Megson praised Ivan Klasnic in his postmatch review saying;

“Ivan had just one thought on his mind when he went on to the pitch. He had one shot just before on his right foot when he perhaps should have passed to Chung-Yong. But you cannot criticise him for having that personality – his goal was a fantastic strike.”

A trip to London for Bolton Wanderers next as they try to make progress in The Carling Cup with a win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

BWFC Match Report — Megson’s Review
EFC Match Report

No Plans For Alan Smith

Gary Megson has denied the recent rumour about his hopes to sign Newcastle United’s striker, Alan Smith for Bolton Wanderers. He told the Bolton News,

“I’m an admirer of Alan Smith, he’s a terrific player, but there’s been nothing because the transfer window is closed. I don’t know where all these things come from, but it’s not here.”

Camel Invited to Train

Camel Meriem has been invited to join The Wanderers for a trial. As Megson explains Camel may be a short–term replacement for Sean Davis who is currently recovering from a knee operation.

“[Meriem] He’s out of contract, so we’ll just have a look because we’re in a situation with what has happened with Sean [Davis] where we could do with another body in there if it can be done.

“We’re not saying we’re going to do anything but he’ll come over, all being well, and spend a few days training with us.”

O’Brien Not For Loan

Following rumours about Middlesborough being interested in a loan deal involving Andy O’Brien, Gary Megson also told the Bolton News,

“There’s been one or two clubs reported to be interested and I’ve had a call from one Championship club but I’ve told them ‘no’ and I’ve told Andy he won’t be going out on loan.”

Klasnic Leaving on Medical Grounds?

“[Klasnic] needs to play in a warm climate because of a kidney problem.”

There have been reports that Ivan Klasnic will be leaving Bolton in January and heading for warmer climes in Spain to play for La Liga team Xerez Club Deportivo.

Perhaps there is a hint of truth to this rumour as Ivan Klasnic may be suffering in Bolton — see ‘Will Winter Dampen Ivan Klasnic’s Positivity?‘

However, unless Klasnic is indeed struggling with England’s cooler climate, it is doubtful that Megson will want to let the Germanic Croatian go so soon.

What do you think?

Would you have preferred the Alan Smith rumour to be have been true?
Is Megson’s admiration for Smith deeper than he’s letting on?
Is it really too cold for Klasnic?
Andy O’Brien or Zat Knight?

As always we welcome your comments and tweets.

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• Megson Not Worried About Swine Flu Outbreak at the Club
• Bolton Wanderers 3 — 2 Everton

Bolton News — French ace gets chance to impress
Bolton Wanderers Facebook Group — Rumor Mill: Klasnic Departure?

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South Korea 2 – 0 Senegal

Bolton’s Lee Chong–yong assisted Ki Sung-yong in getting on the score sheet in the friendly against Senegal in Seoul. Celtic’s Sung–yong took South Korea ahead with a shot from 20 metres a few minutes before half–time. Oh Beom-seok scored the second goal in the 80th minute.

South Korea have already qualified for the 2010 World Cup and this friendly extends their unbeaten record to 26 games.

Australia 1 – 0 Oman

Oman failed to continue with their unbeaten qualification campaign for the 2011 Asian Cup. The Socceroos went ahead in the 75th courtesy of Everton’s Tim Cahill to give Australia their first win in the qualifying rounds of the Asian Cup.

Apart from the single goal Bolton’s Ali Al–Habsi and his defence fought well to put a stop to the Soccoroos’ advances and Oman ruled the first half which led to Oman’s coach, Claude Le Roy, to comment:

“I’m very disappointed, but this team of Oman, we know we aren’t the best team in the world, but this team has a fantastic spirit, with very loyal people.”

Oman and Australia meet again next month at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Muscat, Oman. It may be a crucial game as both teams are on 4 points in Group B of the Asian Cup qualification the finals of which are to be held in Qatar in 2011.

Kazakhstan 1 – 2 Croatia

BWFC’s Ivan Klasnic came close to scoring at least three times before he was substituted after 75 minutes. One shot just over the bar, one that tested Kazakhstan’s goalkeeper, Mokin and one that tested the strength of the crossbar. Despite their win Croatia needed Andorra to beat Ukraine to qualify for the 2010 World Cup via the play–offs — a tall order indeed. Sadly Andorra were unable to do Croatia a huge favour and were beaten 6–0 by Ukraine.

Germany 1 – 1 Finland

Bolton’s first choice goalkeeper, Jussi Jaaskelainen was obviously angered by Germany’s late equaliser. Finland did well to be winning early in the match but the 90th minute equaliser spoiled what could have been an consolatory win for Finland who already knew that they had no chance of World Cup qualification.

Jussi Jaaskelainen vents anger at Referee.

Switzerland 0 – 0 Israel

Tamir Cohen took part in Israel’s final qualification match. Israel went down to 10 men after an hour but still managed to hang on for a scoreless draw. Even if Israel had won their hopes of reaching their first World Cup finals would have been dashed by Greece who narrowly beat Luxembourg 2–1.

Sweden 4 – 1 Albania

Johan Elmander was substituted after just 35 minutes of play which suggests that he has picked up another injury. Despite their convincing win Sweden failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

England 3 – 0 Belarus

Bolton’s Gary Cahill wasn’t used again. Enough said!

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England U21 6 – 3 Macedonia U21

Fabrice Muamba came on for Peterborough United’s Danny Rose with 20 minutes to go. Unfortunately Muamba’s most notable contribution seems to be that he may have injured Micah Richards when he collided with the Manchester City defender.

Finalnd 2 – 1 Wales

Jussi Jaaskelainen failed to keep a clean sheet against Wales. Although Finland took an early lead Man City’s Craig Bellamy equalised in the 17th minute. Bellamy had two more good chances to test Jussi in the first half but both attempts sailed harmlessly over the crossbar. Finland retook the lead with quarter of an hour to go and Jaaskelainen had to produce a good save to prevent an 90th minute equaliser.

Finland’s win would be in vain as they cannot qualify for The 2010 World Cup. Finland face Germany next, who qualified for the World Cup in South Africa following their win against Russia. Finland are destined to come third in the group but perhaps a win at Hamburg will earn them some pride.

Welsh international Sam Ricketts missed this fixture as he has a ankle injury it is unlikely that he will play for Wales in their last qualifier match against Liechtenstein. Like Finland, Wales have failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

Ukraine 1 – 0 England

Gary Cahill once again did not make the starting line–up for England. Robert Green, who Gary Cahill scored against during Bolton’s Carling Cup 3–1 win over West Ham, became the first England goalkeeper to be sent off. Despite Shevchenko missing the resulting penalty Ukraine went on to win by a single goal. Testament

England face Belarus on Wednesday (October 14) perhaps Fabio Capello will give the Bolton defender a chance at Wembley.

Israel 3 – 1 Moldova

Tamir Cohen played a full 90 minutes for his country at The National Stadium in Ramat Gan. Israel’s much needed win keeps alive their hope of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1970. Genk’s Elyaniv Barda, who was recently linked with Bolton, had a goal disallowed in the 20th minute but went on to score two of Israel’s three goals.

On Wednesday Israel face Switzerland in Basel but will have beat the Group 2 leaders and hope that 2nd placed Greece loose at home to Luxembourg in order to stand a chance of qualification via November’s play–offs.

Croatia 3 – 2 Qatar

Ivan Klasnic scored for Croatia in the friendly match against Qatar. However, their win will be of little consolation as Croatia look unlikely to qualify for a place in the 2010 World Cup following Ukraine’s win over England. Ivan Klasnic is likely to feature in Croatia’s last qualifier on Wednesday when they travel to Kazakhstan.

Croatia need Andorra to earn their first point of their qualification campaign when they play Ukraine in order to be in with a chance to qualify via the playoffs next month.

South Korea P – P Senegal

Lee Choung–Yong flew back to South Korea recently but Saturday’s friendly against Senegal was postponed. The friendly has been rescheduled for Wednesday (October 14) and will still be played at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

South Korea have already qualified for the 2010 World Cup along with North Korea, Australia and Japan from the Asian groups.

Nigeria vs Mozambique

Danny Shittu should be playing this evening and Nigeria may go top of their group earning them a place in the 2010 African Cup of Nations at least.

(This page will be updated after Nigeria’s match on Sunday evening.)

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Jlloyd Samuel was meant to be playing for Trinidad and Tobago but once again he has had to miss out. There is a farce that surrounds Samuel’s non–involvement with the Soca Warriors. It starts with his flight details being emailed to him a few hours after the plane had taken off. The farce continued until Samuel picked up a groin injury during practise but not before his mother had made a complaint to the T&T manager.

Other Wanderers on International Duty

Welsh International Sam Ricketts will miss a trip to Helsinki due to an ankle injury. However, Bolton team–mate Jussi Jaaskelainen will be in Helsinki for the World Cup qualifier, in goal for Finland at the Olympiastadion. Jussi is also expected to travel to Hamburg on October 14, for Finland’s clash against Germany at the HSH Nordbank Arena.

While Jussi is in Germany his fellow BWFC goalkeeper, Ali Al Habsi will have travelled over 10,500 miles to Australia for a friendly. Ali will be between the sticks at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne when Oman take on Australia.

Bolton’s Chung Yong Lee is back in South Korea where Senegal will visit the Seoul World Cup Stadium for a friendly — that will be a round trip more or less equal to Al Habsi’s one–way journey to Victoria in Oz.

Ivan Klasnic does not have to travel to far for Croatia’s friendly again Qatar ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan in Astana, Kazakhstan’s captial city.

Tamir Cohen probably gets the second least amount of airmiles (after Jussi) with a trip to Isreal and back to Bolton via Basel midweek for World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Switzerland.

Danny Shittu (still a Trotter) travels to the capital of Nigeria, Abuja, to take part in the World Cup qualifier against Mozambique at the National Stadium. Nigeria are also set to play Kenya on Wednesday but this yet to be confirmed.

Sweden visit Copenhagen but it is not clear if Johan Elmander will be taking part in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against group leaders Denmark or the midweek match against Albania.

Gary Cahill is not the only Wanderer to represent England at international level either. Fabrice Muamba will be playing for the England Under 21s tonight in and will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run in qualification for the 2011 UEFA Under-21 Championship against FYR Macedonia U21. Meanwhile Ricardo Vaz Te joins the Portugal U23s who take on Poland at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

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TTFF manager takes Jlloyd for a joy ride
Don’t forget to download a free ‘Kevin Davies for England‘ wallpaper for your computer or iPhone.

Advert: Watch the 1958 FA Cup Final : Bolton Wanderers vs Manchester United

England manager, Fabio Capello was at St. Andrews to watch Bolton versus Birmingham which sparked further speculation that Gary Cahill would be called upon for international duty once again.

Gary Megson believes that Cahill will be ready for The World Cup next year.

“Gary is ready in terms of England. I said that six months ago, probably longer than that. He is ready for the World Cup if called upon. All he can do is keep putting in good performances.

Megson rightly went on to point out that Gary will face competition for a place in England’s starting 11 from John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

“He does have to accept he has got two world class centre-halfs in front of him but he can’t do much other than he is doing now.”

Meanwhile, Cahill’s told The Bolton News:

“I had no idea he [Fabio Capello] was in the stands, and that is probably a good thing. You just go about your game the same way as you’d normally do — but I hope he took some positives from my performance.

I keep trying, giving 100 percent and then we’ll see where it takes me. You have to be positive, and confident in your own ability. I am hungry to get there and hopefully it will work out for me in the end.”

Cahill Not For Sale

Thankfully, Megson revealed that Gary will not be put up for sale following his contract renewal this summer.

Speculation about January’s transfer window has started already and Gary Cahill, has been link with AC Milan, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur — apparently Harry Redknapp has £20m set aside for the Bolton defender. Meanwhile Bolton have been linked with “Maccabi Haifa’s highly promising midfielder Lior Rafaelov”.

Megson told the Bolton News:

“Football-wise it would be suicide to sell him in January.”

Megson may not want to let Cahill go, but come on — 20,000,000 quid! Surely The Board wouldn’t let such an offer pass them by.

Sporting Life —Megson Backs Cahill For World Cup
Yahoo! Sport — Megson Not Interested In Selling Cahill

Johan Elmander’s Double Blow

Gary Megson has favoured his latest signing, Ivan Klasnic, over Elmander in Bolton’s last two matches. Megson implies that the Swede is failing to impress during training.

“Johan is part of the squad but he needs to accept like everyone else that he has got to deliver. It doesn’t matter to me how much he cost, where he came from, reputation. He has to deliver. He has got to start doing more. He has got a great touch, great awareness but he has got to start doing a lot more for us.

“We know what we are getting with Kevin Davies. We know his quality in the air, the size, power and pace of him and, most of all, the work-rate that Kevin puts in.

“It doesn’t matter to me whether Johan is an international player from Sweden, or whether they have cost a lot of money, or whether they are young players who have cost nothing.”

Elmander did eventually ‘deliver’ after replacing Klasnic in the League Cup match against West Ham United with his first goal of the year. Sadly Elmander may miss further matches because of a recurrent hamstring injury sustained during a reserves match.

Sky Sports —Elmanda Told to Deliver
Burnden Aces — Elmander Suffers Injury Blow

Birthday Boy Bogdan Off to Crewe

Bolton’s Hungarian goalkeeper celebrated his 22nd birthday last Sunday and agreed a one month loan deal with Crewe Alexandra of League Two. He should be making his debut for the club tonight (Tuesday) when they play Bury at The Alexandra Stadium.

Megson told the Official BWFC Website:

“He is a good lad, hard working, and learning his trade and this is a good opportunity for him to get some first team football under his belt.”

Official BWFC Website — Bogdan Joins Crewe On Loan Deal

Advert: Watch the 1958 FA Cup Final : Bolton Wanderers vs Manchester United

• Saturday, September 19, 2009
• Venue: The Reebok Stadium
• Attendance: 20,265
• Referee: Mark Clattenburg

• Ricardo Fuller [7]
• Kevin Davies [45+1]
• Jlloyd Samuel [51]
• Dave Kitson [53]
• Dean Whitehead [58]
• Matt Taylor (Penalty) [89]

A dismal match in which a late goal provided little consolation for angry and dissatisfied Bolton fans.

I truly wish that there was some creative play and tremendous footballing skills on display in the first 45 minutes of this fixture. Alas, there wasn’t and as a result the only notable incidents were at either end of the half in which two players were booked for what is officially termed as ’simulation’ although better known as cheating diving.

Less than 10 minutes had been played when referee Mark Clattenburg booked Ricardo Fuller for a dive inside Bolton’s penalty area after a possible trip by McCann. Kevin Davies went down after a challenge by Ryan Shawcross, Clattenburg waved away Kevin’s protest. Moments later, before the half–time booing could commence, Kevin Davies also received a yellow card for simulation despite a hard challenge from behind by former Wanderer, Abdoulaye Faye, the referee obviously not impressed with the captain’s ongoing protest. Only replays will provide the truth but such controversial decisions will always cause discontent amongst players and fans.

After the break Gary Megson brought on Ivan Klasnic and Ricardo Gardner and Bolton improved after quelling Stoke’s early liveliness that earned them an early second half corner and a couple more claims for a penalty. Gardner and Klasic combined well to create a great chance for Matt Taylor who struck the ball just beyond the left post.

Stoke instantly fought back and Tamir Cohen looked asleep as Dave Kitson fiented his way past the defended and created enough space for a powerful shot from the far left of the home side’s area. Stoke were ahead and defended well to keep it that way. Gardener was denied a certain equaliser 10 minutes later by a deft defensive header by Shawcross.

Bolton did manage to create a flurry of chances. Klasnic forced a great save by Sorenson. The resulting corner saw a blocked overhead kick by Gary Cahill and a pirouetting Zat Knight on the edge of the six–yard box who ungraciously sent the ball over the bar and perhaps into orbit. Kevin Davies had a couple of shots blocked and Tamir Cohen’s attempt in the last 10 minutes was somewhat wayward.

As Bolton fans began to leave rather than observe what looked like a certain miserable defeat a rash tackle by Danny Collins on Samuel Ricketts gave a glimmer of hope. Mark Clatterburg instantly made the right decision and pointed to the penalty spot. A miss would have been a fair summary of the game but Matt Taylor duly netted the ball choosing placement over power. Bolton salvage a point but nonetheless sheer disappointment won overall.

If you happen to drive past The Reebok Stadium tomorrow do not be surprised to find that a gallows has been constructed overnight.

Official BWFC Match Report and Megson’s Review.
Official SCFC Match Report and Tony Pulis on today’s match.
Video Highlights on MannyRoad

Gary Megson

“Bibi has been out for six weeks and he did well to play 45 minutes. He trained Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and he’s got a natural fitness about him, more than that he gets hold of the ball and he wants to be positive — he’s a terrific lad and a terrific player, he gives us that capacity he takes hold of the ball, takes a touch and it means we can start playing a bit more.

“Ivan came on with a point to prove and I think he did very well in the second half getting hold of the ball and he could have scored.”

Tony Pulis

I’m just desperately, desperately disappointed not to have won the game. It’s an absolute sickener for us and for all of the supporters who travelled. I think we played really well today and we deserved the three points.

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“I was impressed with everything that I saw. The stadium is excellent and everyone at the club has a positive mentality.”

The word ‘positive’ always seems to pop up during player interviews, I’m fairly certain that Kevin Davies, Jussi Jaaskelainen, even Johan Elmander used it preseason, along with the Bolton’s new signings who praised the positive attitudes of their new colleagues.

Should we believe that there is a constant positive attitude amongst the Bolton squad or is it just spin? Perhaps there is a clause in the players’ contracts that stipulates that players must be publicly positive on all occasions and must express this verbally to the media at every opportunity.

Not that there’s anything wrong with being positive, as long as it does not lead to overly overt optimism — know thy limits!

Ivan went on to say;

“The sun was shining on my first day and we went on to win our game at Portsmouth, so I had a very good week.”

Hang on to that fond memory Ivan, it’s going to be a bleak winter and I don’t just mean meteorologically. However, it turns out that Klasnic refused to sign for a Premier League club because of England’s chilly climate.

Former Wigan manager Steve Bruce tried to sign Ivan Klasnic in 2008’s summer transfer window but, according to the Mail Online, the English climate was medically too cold for the Croatian international.

“Bruce’s medical team looked into hit man Klasnic’s background and found out that he needs to play in a warm climate because of a kidney problem.”

There are two explanations for Ivan declining a move to Wigan in 2008. Either Ivan identified that WAFC would be a shit team to play for or cold weather does cause problems but 14 months global warming has made the move to dreary England possible.

Whether the weather affects Klansic remains to be seen but something tells me it won’t.

The Bolton News — Ivan Klasnic enjoying life at Bolton Wanderers
Mail Online — Wigan miss out on Croatia striker Klasnic because of the cold weather

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