A club that are predicted to struggle every season, Bolton finally realised the ambitions of their detractors. Although they managed to avoid relegation, the battle was hard and lasted for an entire season. They are used to thumbing their noses at the bigger teams and now have the opportunity of another season with which to do so. To defy expectation, to ram back the barbs of their critics, this is what these supporters live for. Under Sam Allardyce they were claimed to be a team side, where the sum of the parts were greater than the individual. This season that changed, as their season of strife seemed dependent on individuals.
Sammy Lee
Following in the footsteps of club legend Allardyce would not have been easy for any manager. Let alone one this poor. The disastrous appointment of Sammy Lee made many believe that Bolton would not last another season in the Premiership but would be plummeting down to where many believe they belong. They began the season like this, registering a puny one league win under Sammy. Had Chairman Gartside not taken swift action then Bolton could have been out of sight.
Gary Megson
To say that fans were underwhelmed by the appointment of Megson would be an understatement. A man so unpopular that only Leicester fans were eager to see him come to Bolton, Megson had to deal with the vast majority of supporters wanting him out before the season had even begun. Uninspiring 1-1 draws against Aston Villa and West Ham did nothing to appease supporters’ concerns. However, soon into his tenure, Megson presided over both the 1-0 win against geographical rivals Manchester United and the 2-2 draw away at European giants Bayer Munich, earning him the nickname ‘Ginger Mourinho’.
Nicolas Anelka
One of the most notorious names in football, Anelka’s transfer from Fenerbache to Bolton was the largest in the club’s history by some way. Many did not believe the French striker would remain at the club for the start of the season; interested clubs were reported far and wide. Bolton never expected to keep the player, and his record of 11 goals in 22 games proved too tempting for Chelsea, who signed the Frenchman in January. Bolton’s failure to replace him adequately as a scoring threat led many to believe their days in the top flight were numbered.
Matty Taylor
Should one have told angry Bolton fans that their scoring hopes rested on the slender shoulders of Taylor then depression would soon have set in. Having been signed in January, following the departure of Anelka, Bolton’s followers were less than excited by his arrival. However, Taylor, despite missing a host of chances in his first few games, proved to be the creative force needed in the often toothless Bolton attack. In the last games of the season, where Bolton put together the run of results that led to their salvation, they scored only nine goals. Out of those Taylor scored three himself and created another four, including the last-gasp equaliser against Chelsea. Whilst he cannot solely take over attacking duties, Taylor could well play a key part in Bolton’s future.
2008-2009 Season
Bolton’s near-relegation experience proved an unpleasant reminder of how precarious their position is. Whilst not many believe Megson is the man to take them to greater heights, most have faith in his ability to keep them in the top flight. The big-money acquisition of Johan Elmander is a risk, and one that must pay off for Bolton to survive. Arguably Bolton’s most talented player in Diouf has gone to Sunderland and Megson’s new-look Bolton Wanderers appear to have swapped craft for graft and singular skills for teamwork. Should it pay off and Bolton have a few seasons without struggle, then perhaps Megson can rebuild his reputation.
