The third and final instalment of Mark Lawrence’s debut series for Vital Bolton: International Wanderers. Give’t a read
With international break coming to an end, we fell back into the old routine this weekend with a disappointing defeat at the hands of Reading. Let`s look on the bright side though, at least it wasn`t 7-1. In an effort to try and forget about the game, I felt it was time to complete the ‘International Wanderers` series of articles. With some rather difficult letters towards the end of the alphabet, this promises to be a significant challenge. I won`t leave you on the edge of your seats any longer – let`s get started.
Q –
It is with great regret that I cannot find a single ex-wanderer from Qatar. It has been a tireless effort to avoid leaving any letters blank in the past, hence the inclusion of Yannick Bastos. However, on this occasion, I don`t think there`s any way around it! If I`ve missed anyone, please let me know in the comments section.
R – Republic of Ireland – Keith Branagan
Who? Firstly, it is worth pointing out that using Republic of Ireland for ‘R` is stretching the rules a little. Secondly, I must admit to mentioning Ireland in the ‘near misses` for ‘I`. Now my admissions are out of the way, we can all move on. Branagan was the Wanderers stopper for most of the 90s.
BWFC Highlight: Having played a big part in all of our successes in terms of promotions in this period, it is difficult to highlight just one moment. I have decided to point out the 1996/97 season, where the Whites dominated the First Division, winning the league at a canter and securing promotion to the Promised Land. Branagan played 40 times that season.
Near misses: The reason I chose to include Republic of Ireland here is I couldn`t find anyone from Russia, Rwanda or Romania! In terms of other Irishmen, Coyle and Farrelly each had a reasonable shout.
S – Spain – Ivan Campo
Who? Arguably our most recognisable footballer, certainly in the time I`ve been watching the Wanderers. Known for his distinctive hair “style” and his ability to both break up play and use the ball well, he became a fan favourite.
BWFC Highlight: For me, there is one goal in particular hear which springs to mind. The wonder strike which he scored against Spurs will live long in the memory. Apparently the goal was from all of 43 yards. Incredible. Not sure many players in today`s squad could do that (or anything similar).
Near misses: I think this was the most difficult letter so far. Had I listened to my head, you wouldn`t have just read about Ivan Campo. My head said Fernando Hierro. In my opinion, he`s one of the greatest players to ever put on a Wanderers` shirt. I went with Campo for the time he was at the club and for what he meant to the fans. Worth mentioning El-Hadji Diouf here too, who deserved to make the list in his own right. Add to this ever increasing list Scotsman John McGinlay – a wealth of talent to choose from here.
T – Tunisia – Radhi Jaidi
Who? This is potentially a bit biased on my part, but I absolutely loved this bloke. The towering centre half, arguably better for his antics of putting off the opposing goalkeeper when we had a free-kick, thoroughly deserves his spot on this list.
BWFC Highlight: He just seemed to go through a spell of scoring most weeks. He got 8 goals in his time at Bolton and for a brief period it felt like you couldn`t watch a game without him scoring. The highlight for me was his shouldered finish which began the comeback in the 2-2 draw away at Arsenal.
Near misses: Tuncay. Okay, so I`m not really sure you can call this one a near miss. I think just calling it a miss probably suffices. Played nearly 20 times in his loan spell with us. Didn`t score. Did manage to score a belter in pre-season though – an overhead kick if memory serves!
U – United States of America – Stuart Holden
Who? I wish the answer to this question was, “that bloke who plays week in week out for us, in the centre of the park”. Sadly, it`s not. The undoubtedly talented central midfielder whose career has been riddled with serious injury.
BWFC Highlight: One of my favourite ever Bolton memories. We looked set to win the local derby against Blackburn thanks to a rare Fabrice Muamba goal. Three minutes from time, devastation. Blackburn equalise. 3 points become 1. Then, long ball up to Kevin Davies, flicked to Holden, chest, volley, goal. Elation. Winning a local derby is always sweet, especially scoring late on. Adding to that the quality of the goal – incredible.
Near misses: Tim Ream is the other name that stands out here. His ability to play both left back and centre back gave us much needed versatility. He was a good defender and extremely capable with the ball at his feet. Rarely exceptional but almost always consistent. Undoubtedly a good player for us, during his time at the club.
V –
Sadly, as I forecasted, these letters are proving to be difficult. Although, I think I`ve uncovered our problems, we haven`t been signing anyone from Venezuela. Food for thought, anyway.
W – Wales – Gary Speed
Who? The late footballing hero Gary Speed. Loved by fans of every club he played for. Showed desire throughout his career and always gave his all. His work ethic in the centre of the park was something all aspiring central midfielders should look towards.
BWFC Highlight: Playing Liverpool isn`t something I generally have fond memories of. It tends to go badly for us. Although, on one day in particular, we had the rub of the green. Pepe Reina was wrongly dismissed for handling the ball outside his box before kicking it. To compile Liverpool`s misery, up steps Gary Speed to dispatch the free-kick. Outstanding technique, outstanding result.
Near misses: Nathan Blake, the Wanderers forward was relatively prolific (for Bolton standards anyway) during the mid to late 90s, regularly finishing as our second top scorer behind McGinlay. Sam Ricketts, who was allowed to leave too soon, is another player who deserves a mention here.
X –
Okay, this one isn`t my fault. There just aren`t any countries beginning with X. Sorry, all.
Y –
This is getting embarrassing. No Bolton players from Yemen? I didn`t think so. Maybe when I started this series of articles, I didn`t think it right the way through!
Z –
That`s it. I quit. I`m not doing any more letters. How have we had no-one from Zimbabwe or Zambia? We were once linked with a chap from Zambia, Collins Mbesuma, but he instead opted to go to Portsmouth.
I really hope that you`ve enjoyed reading my views and reminiscing about days gone by, looking back at your time supporting the Wanderers. If you think I`ve made any glaring omissions to this list or the previous two, and let`s be fair I probably have, please comment below and let me know! Also, I leave you with this question, if you had to choose one highlight, from your time supporting Bolton, what would it be? I`ll start with the draw in Munich, but there are plenty to chose from!