The first of a three part series by Mark Lawrence who goes through the best players to represent our club from countries beginning with A-Z
In times as dark as these, we can all take comfort in reminiscing. Remember the players we used to have? The opposition we used to play? I`m sure you`ll all agree that having a think back to our former glory is at least one way to forget, even if only for a few moments, about what is happening at the moment. The purpose of this article, which will be split in to three is to do precisely that. Taking a wander back through the history books, I plan to put forward my views on our best player from each country corresponding to a letter of the alphabet. The easiest way for me to show you what I mean, is to begin. I`m sure there will be some of these you agree with and others not so much, but it should provide a great talking point!
A – Australia – Ken Grieves
Who? So, this is off to a good start! Whilst he may not be known to many of our younger fans Ken Grieves was a goalkeeper for the Whites, as well as making over 450 appearances for Lancashire`s cricket team!
BWFC Highlight: Whilst he was not always the first choice goalkeeper, his time at the club in the 1950s corresponded with one of the most successful periods in our history, playing in the squad spearheaded by Nat Lofthouse.
Near misses: ‘A” proved more difficult than you`d expect. Only Chris Herd and recently loaned Man City midfielder Luke Brattan provided competition here. Ultimately, a goalkeeping cricketer was the obvious choice!
B – Bulgaria – Martin Petrov
Who? The wide player was no doubt frustrating at times, with his regular over-eagerness to shoot, but there is no doubting he was a player with a good delivery and a cracking left foot.
BWFC Highlight: The one which stands out to me was his goal in the 2-2 draw with Man United. Whilst it wasn`t the most technically brilliant goal, any goal which takes some points of the red scum has to be a highlight, no?
Near misses: Not the toughest decision ever. The only significant challenge came from Brazilians Andre Moritz and Emerson Thome. And who can forget Mario Jardel, despite our best efforts?
C – Croatia – Ivan Klasnic
Who? It`s “the goal machine”, Ivan Klasnic! Need I say more? Both brilliant and frustrating in equal measures. Wonderful eye for goal but wasn`t exactly a workhorse.
BWFC Highlight: Brilliant in the 5-0 win against Stoke, both scoring a couple and providing. For me, even better in the 2-1 win against Stoke. How many players get subbed on, booked, score the winner and then get sent off? Brilliant.
Near misses: Cote D`Ivoire man mountain Abdoulaye Meite- his refusal to play a second half for us against United at Old Trafford was enough for him to not really be considered.
D – Denmark – Per Frandsen
Who? The forceful yet intelligent Danish midfielder was a mainstay in Bolton`s midfield for the best part of 8 years, playing over 300 games for the club.
BWFC Highlight: THAT goal against Middlesborough is an absolute corker, but being vital in two promotions to the premier league may even top it!
Near misses: This has been the toughest to call so far, because our club has been blessed with a number of great Danes. Michael Johansen, Claus Jensen and in particular Henrik Pederson may all consider themselves unlucky to miss out.
E – England – Nat Lofthouse
Who? Do I need to bother? Our all-time leading goal scorer. The man whose iconic image is immortalised outside the Macron. To many, Mr Bolton Wanderers.
BWFC Highlight: Beating United is pretty good. I imagine winning the FA Cup at Wembley isn`t bad either. Scoring the only two goals in a game like that is pretty good too. I think you see where I`m going.
Near misses: Whilst there could be only one winner here, we`ve had some top quality English players – Frank Worthington, Kevin Davies and Sam Allardyce to name just a few. Although, in all seriousness, it was a real toss up between the man above and Danny
Guthrie.
F – Finland – Jussi Jaaskelainen
Who? The flying Finn. Probably the first name on the team sheet for a number of our best seasons in our clubs history.
BWFC Highlight: For a number of years, you couldn`t find a premier league saves compilation without at least a couple from Jussi. The moment in my head is no doubt the same as that in all of yours. Saving two penalties against local rivals Blackburn to secure us 3 points. That`ll do very nicely.
Near misses: The most difficult letter so far. Youri Djorkaeff, the man who Allardyce suggested was the catalyst for the following success. Nicolas Anelka, one of football`s most expensive and prolific players ever. Bruno N`Gotty, one of the most composed centre backs I`ve ever seen. This was so difficult, but ultimately I went with Jussi due to his years of great service.
G – Greece – Stelios
Who? Our Euro 2004 winning, wide man with an eye for goal. The Greek was a tricky player with a good delivery and a natural flair.
BWFC Highlight: We were playing a tough UEFA cup fixture, at home to Zenit and the rain was torrential. Every pass was going a maximum of 5 yards as a result. Whenever this man picked up the ball, he just dribbled with it. The way he adapted was incredible. It was one of the best performances I`ve seen from a Bolton player.
Near misses: Fredi Bobic, who prior to Joe Mason was the last Wanderer to score a competitive hattrick. Also, let`s not forget German Dietmar Hamann, the man who made us a profit without kicking a ball.
H – Hungary – Adam Bogdan
Who? Our immediately recognisable ex-goalkeeper. His time playing for the Whites was hit and miss, but when he was good, he was very good.
BWFC Highlight: Despite conceding 3 goals, the heroics of Adam Bogdan in the FA Cup quarter final against Spurs were quite mesmerising. One double save in particular sticks in the memory.
Near misses: Well. I really can`t think of anyone. Bogdan got somewhat of a free pass on to the list here!
I hope you`ve enjoyed reading my opinions on the first 8 of these players. If you disagree with any of my selections, and I`m sure you will, please comment and let me know! Also, I`d be interested in your views as to who should take up the places in the next two articles.