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BWFC Latest: Austria and Derik

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Bolton are currently in the thick of their pre season tour to Austria, and fans can`t wait to see the season get underway.

The 15 minute video released by Wanderers on their YouTube channel is exactly what we want to see going into the new season. We are introduced to new signing Derik Osede, and get to see the lads are being pushed as they work their way back to fitness ahead of the season, giving us a great taste of what is to come. The final five minutes show the squad playing in a training match between themselves, giving us a great chance to take a look at various players. Zach Clough issues a wonderful reminder of his superb ability, showing off his brilliant vision and quality on the ball. Darren Pratley looks a dominant force and commands the midfield, both on and off the ball. Whilst Rob Hall shows us why he isn`t finished yet, with a couple of impressive runs followed by a fine assist to clinical Clough finish.

Admittedly this is only pre season training, but it gives us a glimpse of what we will see this season, and which players will be key to performances as we move forward. There is also a possible illustration of our style of play, direct but not aerial (hopefully!), with a focus on the use of width. We are also shown some players who yet to successfully break into the first team, that we might see next season, like Hayden White at right back or Rob Hall starting on the left wing.



As mentioned, the club has now completed the signing of Derik Osede. After days of speculation, and lingering doubt that the club would fail to pull the deal off, the club were able to announce the signing after several departures. Two of those were Sanmi Odelusi and Alex Baptiste – a high earner – both left for “minimal” fees, freeing up some space to bring in Osede, hopefully there is still more room for arrivals.

Derik is a strong, tall, reasonably quick centre back and from the little we`ve seen of him, he seems decent on the ball too. Full of quality, and even more potential, he could be a wonderful signing for the club in years to come after signing a three year deal.

Perhaps the most reliable reports regarding Derik`s ability come from Gary Neville, who watched him play two years ago in the U20s World Cup in Turkey. Neville praised Derik, stating via Twitter, “His passing from the back is the best I`ve seen in years, not to mention his front foot, aggressive defending.”

Derik was representing Spain at the tournament, however, having played internationally at every youth level for them, he now wants to commit his international future to his father`s homeland, Nigeria. This would mean playing in the African Cup of Nations, leaving him unavailable for a large period every other season.

An article on fifa.com also compares Derik with Sergio Ramos, describing Derik as “Quick to cover his team mates, strong in the tackle, and capable of bringing the ball out of defence?” Let`s hope these reports are accurate as he sounds like a definite upgrade on our current central defenders.

In other news, rumours are still coming and going with regard to Neil Lennon`s future. However, more names are being thrown into the hat for the Leicester job every day, with high profile names like Jurgen Klopp, Guus Hiddink and Claudio Ranieri now up for the job, it seems like talk is starting to move away from Neil Lennon.


Meanwhile, Wanderers’ have officially shut the door on Wilson Palacios’ return to football, after he didn’t travel to Austria for the squad’s pre season tour. His lack of fitness, and poor injury record has been cited as the reason why Neil Lennon has opted not to sign him. Lennon is sticking to his guns after announcing he wants a more “robust” squad this season after being plagued with injuries for the duration of the last campaign

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