Barney Grumble’s assessment on how we’ve been doing so far
Five games into the new season and we`re half-way to that significant benchmark – the magic ten! Seems a reasonable time to reflect on what we have witnessed so far. To ponder what the future might hold and ask suggestively, “How was it for you!”
Well, considering that we are languishing in the relegation places, for me it has to be disappointing, to say the least….But, let`s face it, hardly a complete surprise!
Although I`m not unhappy with the application and effort over the five games by the team, we do have some outstanding issues to think about.
Obviously, it`s disappointing that we couldn`t afford to buy a quality striker during the summer and that no money at all will be available to purchase new players. Also the ‘one-in-one-out`, policy in existence, is a depressing thought. And to see Tim Ream go in that scenario was indeed unfortunate.
It`s been disappointing to see a lack of quality in crucial areas of the pitch, no doubt exacerbated by another spate of unwanted injuries. And disappointing that we still seem to have no luck in front of goal (or is it just a lack of ability/composure). Also I might say, some of Lennon`s team selections have been a slight mystery at times.
To that end, some fans don`t see the point of persisting with a back three, especially without adequate practice/personnel or recognition of the quality opposition. And more to the point, when it continues to fail!
And finally, just a little disappointing to find that our chairman still takes home a smidgen south of £500,000 per annum and it appears Eddie still wants his money back, despite getting all that interest! He`s hardly going to cut his losses, is he!….What losses!
It`s nothing new to argue that you often need to speculate to generate success. A proven goal-scorer would probably make a huge difference to the Wanderers. It could be the difference between the Championship and League One! The Juke last year or Alfie this year, were both good fits. Neither were long shots. I know their wages would be a massive thorn in our sides, but we really should have found something from somewhere. Broken the bank even! Maybe Eddie and Phil could have chipped in! I notice during the recently failed on-line appeal for Le Fondre, they were particularly tight-lipped throughout!
Because of a lack of investment, we are still witnessing a real lack of quality in certain areas. In part, it is also caused by injury. For me it`s in mid-field and of course, up front (as ever). Successful strikers are like gold-dust. You don`t usually get something for nothing these days. And it appears we haven`t! But you can pick up some very useful players for not a lot! Perhaps in our case, the will is just no longer there!
On the other hand, our defensive acquisitions seem to be very promising. I do like the look of Derek and Prince. Both are quick and strong and can pass a ball. So it`s a well done to Lenny and Co for that! Along with Wheater and Dervite, surely, we can build on that solid base. I have to say, except for the odd hiccup, the back four as a whole, have constantly held firm. They were particularly impressive against Derby. I`m going to ignore the Middlesbrough debacle for a second, because that was partly Lenny`s fault.
Which leads me onto the latter`s fetish for a back three. No doubt, great with the right personnel, trained and fully up to speed. An accident waiting to happen with a new defence, unfamiliar and unsure with each other, and no experienced wing-backs to complement the system…..Result – 3-0 down in no time! With Middlesbrough easing up and feeling sorry for us….Sorry, saving themselves for their next match at Derby!
We must also ask the question, has Lennon put his best eleven on the pitch each week? No doubt every game asks different questions of players and maybe calls for a tweaking of the team/system to compensate. But when it appears obvious, that certain lads are just not in form or simply not up to it, why persist with them, when you don`t need to (eg. Feeney as a striker and Danns protecting the back four) Unless of course, they are there merely for their supposedly indispensible/superior work-rates.
Dougie made that mistake of not knowing his best team and for putting round pegs in square holes. For him, having a good game meant very little in terms of being shoed in for the following week. Lennon, to be critical, seems to almost wilfully at times, ignore the more talented and useful players, particularly in the middle of the park. For the life of me, I cannot fathom why we haven`t seen ‘hide nor hair` of Spearing, after his marvellous performance against Derby.
Or again, how many fans would opt for Danns in mid-field, rather than the talented Josh Vela? I`m more than a little afraid that this policy of ignoring him, or ‘yo-yoing` him in the team, is going to drive that lad eventually into the arms of another better-placed suitor!
For goodness sake, let`s play our best eleven when available!
After reading about Arsenal`s injury problems last season, and their decision to re-lay their practice pitch, it makes you wonder about our facilities – even the Macron patch! Does it need attention! Two Derby players were badly injured in the first match, after the Wanderers have suffered so many cruciates and hamstrings over a short period. On the other hand, maybe a Mourinho would scrap ‘sports-science` and sack the medical staff as being wholly inefficient! (just joking!)
Finally, it seems to me that after four league matches, Bolton are in a somewhat false position in the bottom three (look where Forest are). Their spirit and effort has been exemplary. They have created chances to score over the whole five matches and have had precious little luck in that department. Their approach play has been excellent on occasions and if it wasn`t for a bit more composure in front of goal, may have reaped dividends. And this is not just a case of ‘rose-coloured`, I assure you!
I`m always mindful of Gary Player`s sporting philosophy – “The more I practice, the luckier I get!” Unfortunately, it doesn`t seem to have worked for Madine (I wonder if ‘Sports Science` would countenance hypnosis sessions for him?) But I still feel slightly critical about some of Lennon`s player choices and substitutions (but obviously not in Dobbie`s case. That was masterful!) Having said all that, Lennon is still my man.
We have to admit that certain players like Zach Clough haven`t continued where they left off, for whatever reason, be it rust, timing, confidence or different partners up front. He does seem to be trying too hard at times! But worry not! Like Andy Murray`s mum always says (and she`s right) talent will come through in the end.
A quick word about Tim Ream. So sorry to see him leave, but he does so with our very best wishes. He turned out to be a brilliant asset to Bolton, a true professional, who played consistently every week, with a no-nonsense attitude and generally showed what a thoroughly competent defender he is. We wish him all the best at Fulham, just as long as he is on the losing side against us!