The second of a three part series by Mark Lawrence who goes through the best players to represent our club from countries beginning with A-Z…
So, after a number of days of deliberation, the second of my three instalments of International Wanderers is ready. A number of these letters provided significant difficulties, which really does remind me what a selection of great players we have had. Without further ado, let`s get into the list.
I – Iceland – Gudni Bergsson
Who? A mainstay in the Wanderers set-up for almost 10 years, making over 300 appearances for the club. The Icelandic defender became very popular amongst Bolton fans and still has ties to the club. He was reportedly instrumental in bringing fellow countryman Gretar Steinsson to the club.
BWFC Highlight: A 35 yard screamer against Barnsley was probably the man`s individual highlight, but being part of the Whites getting promoted 3 times is also a great reflection on his importance to the club.
Near misses: As mentioned above, Steinsson was definitely an option for this category. It was difficult not to like the dedicated right back, not least after his goal against Stoke. Did he mean it? Who cares? Ireland had a few near misses too, such as Keith Branagan.
J – Jamaica – Ricardo Gardner
Who? Bibi was without a doubt one of my favourite Wanderers players in his time with the club. The fact he began his career as a left winger meant, even when moved to left back by Allardyce, he was always keen to get forward.
BWFC Highlight: There aren`t many Bolton players who have scored past Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. In fact, there are two. Super Kev was unlucky not to make this list, so he gets a mention here too. So Ricardo`s goal may have got a deflection, it is still without a doubt one of the moments I cherish the most from my time supporting Bolton. A draw against a team filled with Schweinsteiger, Ribery and Podolski. Incredible.
Near misses: Jermaine Beckford, Hidetoshi Nakata… Moving on. The sooner the better, really.
K – Korea Republic – Lee Chung Yong
Who? At times, without a doubt the most exciting player in the team. Without a doubt hindered by a horrible injury. On his day his link up and ability to beat a man made him almost unplayable.
BWFC Highlight: Involved in many good goals during his time with the Wanderers, one stands out above the rest though. An injury time winner to take us all the way to Wembley, although I`ve forgotten what happened next! He was surprisingly impressive in the air for a winger and this goal epitomised that.
Near misses: There is a reason I put this in ‘K` instead of ‘S` for South Korea – he`s all I`ve got. Do not think this makes his position on this list any less valid though. In my opinion he is more than deserving of being here.
L – Luxembourg – Yannick Bastos
Who? Exactly. The winger joined the club for an undisclosed fee at the end of the January transfer window in 2014. He never made a first team appearance and was released at the end of the season.
BWFC Highlight: Errrm, that time when he held the kit for his picture to be taken. He did a pretty decent job of that.
Near misses: If I could think of anyone for this category, do you really think the main bit would have been on Yannick Bastos? I thought not.
M – Mexico – Jared Borgetti
Who? Arriving with an impressive scoring record for both club and country, Mr Borgetti looked as though he may be the answer to our lack of a clinical finisher. This was not entirely the case, playing only a season for us.
BWFC Highlight: Whilst he didn`t way in with lots of goals, he seemed to find a bit of a knack for scoring in the UEFA cup. The injury time winner against Lokomotiv was a particular highlight, the goal against Besiktas not a bad one either.
Near misses: Who would have thought ‘M` would be so difficult? Get ready for some serious clutching at straws. We once owned Blerim Dzemaili. He hardly played for us because he ruptured his cruciate ligaments. He also played his international football for Switzerland, but he was born in Macedonia – so that counts, surely?
N – Nigeria – Jay-Jay Okocha
Who? So good they named him twice. That`s who. The tricky Nigerian was arguably the most exciting player to pull on a Bolton shirt in our entire history. One of those players you just smile when you`re watching.
BWFC Highlight: This is a tough one, because there were a vast number. I still firmly believe that his free kick against Villa in the cup semi-final is one of the greatest I`ve ever seen. His rainbow flick along the by-line against Arsenal sums him up too. Search him on YouTube, remind yourselves just how good he was. I can`t really imagine searching Liam Feeney on YouTube these days though.
Near misses: Richard Sneekes from the Netherlands is getting a mention here. Partly because he has an incredible name, partly because he was good to watch playing for Bolton`s master`s football team a few years ago. Some of the Northern Irish lads, such as Gareth Farrely probably deserve a mention here too. Do any of these come close to the incredible Nigerian? Probably not.
O – Oman – Ali Al Habsi
Who? There is only one country beginning with O and, at least for the purposes of this list, we are fortunate that our ex-goalkeeper came from this country. Cracking shot stopper this bloke. Distribution was more than a little questionable at times, though.
BWFC Highlight: The biggest game I remember him playing was against Munich. Sure, he conceded 2 that night, but he made some good saves too, one which I remember from Franck Ribery in particular. Worth pointing out that the defence infront of him that night featured Gerald Cid and Lubomir Michalik. Not the easiest task, one suspects.
Near misses: As far as I`m aware, no-one else from Oman has ever played for us. Moving on then.
P – Portugal – Ricardo Vaz Te
Who? “The one for the future”. Or so we all kept hoping. For 7 years. Ultimately left and did quite a good job in the Championship. Ironically, would probably do a job for us these days.
BWFC Highlight: A last minute equaliser in our UEFA cup away game against Vitoria. Rescued a point on a day when, according to Allardyce, we had played very badly.
Near misses: Trying to decide between Vaz Te and Rasiak was maybe the first time I`ve ever had sympathy for Gary Megson, as he may have had to do the same during his spell as manager. The sympathy quickly disappears when I remember that he signed Rasiak. Smolarek wasn`t a particularly good option either. In fact, this could have gone much better.
That concludes this part of International Wanderers. I think this one was harder than the last as there were some letters which just did not throw up a wide range of options. However, with a list comprising of Jay Jay, Gardner and Gudni, things can`t be that bad! If I`ve missed anyone out, and there is a good chance that I have, please let me know in the comments! In addition, please feel free to hit me with your suggestions for the final instalment of International Wanderers.