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Bolton Wanderers: Bits and Bobs

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A few words on Afobe and Holden…

Evening everyone. It`s one of those weeks; punctuated by the ‘excitement` of international football, and with very little activity of interest. This often leaves the midweek bloggers with scraps to feed on. I`ll do my best, and bring us towards tomorrow`s preview for the Burnley game on Sunday.

It appears that I haven`t really commented on the departure of Benik Afobe from our football club, bar a small exclamation in the deadline day ‘spectacular`. The Arsenal youngster joined Millwall today on a loan until the end of the season, after his year-long deal with the Whites was cut short by Dougie Freedman at the end of January.

Benik never really showed us why he is considered such a prospect in his six months with the club. He didn`t show much at all. After scoring a hat-trick in preseason, it looked like Afobe was going to be a strong option up front in what was expected to be a promotion push. Often only appearing as a substitute, and pushed to the wing, he just didn`t put in the effort (nevermind show the quality) that would get him a regular starting position over SKD, David Ngog and more recently Marvin Sordell.

I am so so far from being upset by his departure, although I am confused by his decision to join a club whose fans only last month chanted racial abuse and him and his teammate.

In other news, Stuart Holden has completed his first ninety minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Euxton. This is a great step forward for Stu, but until I see him put several consecutive first team appearances together, I am trying to curb my excitement. It`s hard though!

People talk about not renewing his contract. Others say that he isn`t the player we have built him up in our heads to be, and that he has only played a very small amount for the club. All I can say to these people is that he has been stellar in every performance he has made for Bolton, and was one of the leading lights of the Premier League before he was brutally hacked down by Jonny Evans.

There is a very good chance that if he hadn`t been injured, he`d be at a big club by now. If he manages to regain his form, and stay away from further injuries, there is still a chance that Holden will reach those heights. Let`s just hope we can get the best out of him before the time comes.

Starting this weekend. I think that the Burnley may be the time we see Holden back in a league game at the Reebok, and I just cannot wait. His midfield engine and creativity may be the spark we need to get out of the trouble we are in.

See you back here tomorrow for some inbred-bashing.

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