Ameobi, formations, and balls in the sea
Bolton have retained their 100% record in pre-season with a 2-1 with against Arbroath at their Gayfield home. Again, I`ve not been, I won`t be going to any pre-season games, but it sounds like a positive night for us for a number of reasons, even if with all due respect to them, it was Arbroath.
Firstly, Adam Le Fondre made amends for his shocking free kick at the weekend by slotting home the opener from tge spot tonight. It was the opposition who had the stray ball angle covered, although they equalised from the spot immediately, the end of the game saw their keeper clear the ball into the sea. Only in pre-season.
It looks like Sammy Ameobi is coming back, having being in attendance tonight. Pre-match, it was confirmed on the Bolton News` Matchday Live blog that he is in talks with the club but that a deal hasn`t been done yet. It would be a great signing, he knows the club, we know what he can do, and that left wing is a position where we don`t have anybody at the moment. It`s a deal that makes complete sense.
In other transfer news, Ben Amos isn`t included at all in the squad that has travelled to Scotland. It was obvious the writing was on the wall for him from that point, then very quickly it was confirmed the club are actively seeking to loan him out. A club picking up half his wages would probably save us around £500,000, which is money that can be invested elsewhere in the squad. Or more likely, absorb any losses.
Two different formations seemed to be tried out tonight, starting with a diamond before going to a 4-2-3-1 system. Both were used last season, and to some success. Good to see we have a couple of shapes up our sleeve.
The next game is on Friday, against Dundee at Dens Park.
Were you are Arbroath tonight? You can submit your own verdict to bolton@vitalfootball.co.uk