My thoughts on Bolton being linked to El-Hadji Diouf. What do you make of it
A lot- too much, actually- has been written about the demise of Bolton Wanderers. Pundits, sports writers, journalists and fans alike have all jotted down their judgments. Most have been serious, some have been jovial, but all dialogue has been depressing.
Adamant on disclosing only fact, the reasoning behind Wanderers` fall from prominence hasn`t been discussed much on the professional circuit. But amongst the supporters, on the social-networks and fan-site blogging, the examination has been rife. Not only has the reasons been widely diverse, whom is to blame has also been varied.
Manager, managers, manager`s assistants, owner, owners, owner`s assistant, player, players, tactics, formations and even luck have all been spoken about as contributors. Most theories have been convincing and some have been ridiculous, but all have been conversed with legitimacy.
Without a solid alibi, the diversity of blame surrounding the Whites` demise can only mean one thing? No-one knows. No-one knows for sure and every fan has an unyielding theoretical solution to the problem. So when I heard there was a bit of transfer gossip linking to the Wanderers, I again became excited? Until I realised who it was. But the more I digested the idea, the more I became convinced this signing could be a stroke of genius- in the loosest sense of the word, of course.
Ex fan-favourite and cult Wanderers` hero, El-Hadji Diouf has been tipped for a Reebok return.
The former Whites` attacker came through 90 minutes for the Leeds reserves against Sunderland on Monday. This outing has proved to Brian McDermott he is over the shin problem that has restricted him to just two substitute appearances so far this season.
Apparently, the Senegal international has been linked with a loan move away from Elland Road but he is also desperate to feature against his former club.
The controversial attacker made 136 appearances during his time at The Reebok and chipped in with 22 goals; including the club`s first-ever in European competition.
Initial thoughts on Diouf returning to the Whites` team were negative. An aging front-man, known more for his antics than his football; followed by notoriety and chases controversy, Diouf seems the antithesis of what a struggling team would need to revolt fortunes. But what is happening at Bolton at the moment isn`t exclusively football problematic. There`s an indifference, detachment and perplexity amongst supporters, also. This disharmony amongst the terraces aimed at the club is breeding negativity as much, if not more than, defeats.
The return of El-Hadji Diouf for footballing reasons makes no sense. Re-recruiting El-Hadji Diouf to re-attach supporters with the club, bring cheer to the terraces, bring fans back to the games and give everyone associated with Bolton Wanderers a lift, may turn out to be the signing of the season.
Who knows, maybe that touch of nostalgia, reminding supporters of the better days, could be just what we need to get things back on track.
If Diouf doesn`t connect us with our club again- next to Big Sam- nothing will.