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BWFC: Wings

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Another guest article from Nicky Crompton… These ‘wings’ were meant to fly

Guest article. Thanks Nicky…


Dougie Freedman has said that he wants Chris Eagles to play a more central role in the upcoming season, after being our top goalscorer last term. His name suggests that he belongs out on the flanks, however, Sir Douglas of Freedman would like to revolve the team around him centrally, behind the strikers.

Martin Petrov and Gregg Wylde- our two mainstay left wingers- have since left the club, leaving us with (should Eagles play in the middle) just Chungy out wide. Chung Yong Lee was a huge player for us in the Premier League. He bagged many assists and really worked hard on his strength too, to help him get used to the English league. He was linked with many high profile clubs such as Liverpool and Arsenal. Then, his leg was broken in a horror challenge in a friendly against non-league outfit, Newport. Since, he has never really been the same. He doesn`t seem to have the same confidence or desire. He used to run and successfully take defenders on, a huge asset in any league. I feel that next season will be when we learn whether the South Korean will make it back to the same level we saw before the horror tackle. He`s now had a full season under his belt and we really do hope that he`ll get back to where he was and the level we know he can play.

We`ll need at least another two wingers though. Preferably, at least one predominantly left-footed. Rob Hall has been linked with a free transfer following a loan spell at T`Reebok. At only 19 years of age, I`m not sure he`s mature enough to be playing regular first team football. He only managed 37 minutes last year for the Wanderers, before being replaced by Marvin Sordell after playing poorly. However, I think he has potential and the move could happen.

In regards to right footed wingers, Matt Phillis and Tom Ince would obviously be nice. But I think Will Buckley, Chris Burke and Kris Commons would all be terrific and more realistic signings. Dougie Freedman has a ‘no risk` signing system which is intriguing and should be somewhat reassuring for Bolton fans. What we don`t need, however is Dougie fishing around in foreign waters trying to find ‘hidden gems`. We need proven, consistent players who are first-team, Championship ready. Craig Noone, who played a hand in us not making the play-offs, would have been a good signing had Cardiff not been promoted.

The younsgters already at the club should be striving to break into first-team football mindsets. Samni Odelusi and Chris Lester are two young, talented wingers who should be pushing to make the step-up. Even Joe Riley might like to try playing as a winger in order to secure a spot on the first team following the arrival of Alex Baptiste.

I feel that a central role behind the striker would suit Chris Eagles. However, his switch leaves a hole on the wing that needs filling. Hopefully, Chungy will provide ample services from one wing next season, but that`s only telling half of the story…

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