New writer Robert Wilson’s first post. He discusses the lack of attacking options at the club
Yes, it really is.
When Liam Feeney is running down the wing do you get off your seat with excitement? No, neither do I. Bolton have had several attackers blessed with pace and real quality in the past decade, Jay Jay Okocha being a perfect example. And with Zach Clough and Max Clayton coming through the ranks the future does like bright for the Wanderers attacking force.
However towards the end of the season, with just Feeney and even Janko making that odd appearance here and there, the attacking intensity was extremely lethargic, there was no urgency and especially no quality in the final third. When Lennon announced the signings of both Eidur Gudjohnsen and Emile Heskey, although not in their prime they have still got that special technique that got them to the top of club football, well, Eidur certainly, I’m not sure about the other bloke.
Throughout the season it was very clear that the support from the attacking midfielders was very disappointing, whether it was Feeney with them come nothing crosses or the short bursts from Danns which just ended in trouble and this seemed to become a recurring theme with him, does anyone remember the team hotel shenanigans involving himself and Barry Bannan?
Lennon has clearly made his pre-season plans early as he attempts to shake off the mid-table jinx on Bolton Wanderers, who should in reality be challenging at the top of the table for a shot at the big league. So far 13 players have been axed by Lennon, including a few surprising names, Craig Davies and Andy Lonergan. Also a few high earners in the name of Jermaine Beckford, Keith Andrews and Matt Mills are following them out of the Macron exit door. That leaves the Wanderers with only 2 recognised strikers, pending Heskey and Gudjohnsen accepting their contract offers and that is an increasing worry. Even though Bolton`s cashflow is not fantastic, Lennon does have some money from the newly released players which could be recycled to bring in some quality attacking players.
It seems Bolton are being linked with a new player every day by every national and regional newspaper around and with a month gone since the end of a quite dreadful season, its nearly at the stage where fans start panicking to whether a rumour is going to become a reality. Now, back to the question, the lack of attacking quality is certainly worrying, Ben Pringle the Rotherham attacking midfielder could maybe change that. Linked with Bolton in the news and apparently looking for a way out of the Yorkshire club, the tricky and energetic playmaker, who unlike Feeney can deliver a fine cross, one which would leave Heskey licking his lips. Pringle would most definitely be a great addition to the squad.
On the 8th August, the start of the upcoming season, hopefully we won`t be biting our fingernails at the prospect of another season battling relegation and maybe, just maybe Neil Lennon would have the core of the squad in place and rearing to go to claim one of the play off spots in the league. And before you ask, yes, I am optimistic.