After Owen Coyle`s sacking, many Whites` fan-choice for manager, Mick McCarthy, brings his Ipswich side to the Reebok this Saturday.
Twelve months on from the above mentioned sacking, Dougie Freedman finds his Bolton side worse-off than when he first took charge, where McCarthy`s men- relegation candidates before his appointment- are now looking at the play-offs.
Make of this what you will?
One could argue: the Wanderers are still in transition. But some Bolton followers just believe it`s a case of, shipping-out the senior ‘Coyle recruits` who don`t want to play for our club anymore.
The truth usually lies somewhere between the two. But with the ominous possibility of Dougie Freedman not being the man to guide Wanderers to any kind of success, still hanging in the air, it makes you wonder where Bolton Wanderers would be now, if McCarthy was given the job in the first place.
Something we`ll never know?
Vital Quotes:
‘Mick McCarthy is a very good manager – Ipswich mugged us last year on two occasions where we performed very well,’
‘We just didn`t quite kill them off, so they took advantage of our lack of killer instinct. It will be a difficult match because they`re well organised, but something needs to change because we`re performing well.`
‘This division is very strange and close – as with us last season, if you go on a winning streak and get four or five results, it can take you from mid-table to top six.`
‘We`ve not started well, but with a few results like Ipswich we could find ourselves up at the top.’
Dougie on auto-pilot, pressing play and repeating himself.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Our long-term absentees, Stuart Holden and Mark Davies are both doing better than expected in their respective rehabs.
Our ‘keeper, Adam Bogdan has continued our injury jinx, by being sidelined with knee ligament damage.
Andy Lonergan should now have substantial playing time to stake his claim in the Bolton goal permanently.
Let’s see what happens…
On a separate note from injuries, the Wanderers will be without Liam Feeney after Millwall recalled the speedy winger from his loan deal.
Player to watch: Jermaine Beckford
Until someone steps up to the plate, Beckford’s name will be used to tedious levels.
Ipswich Town Team News:
Despite my bigging-up of McCarthy, the Ipswich supporters are indifferent towards their manager.
Apparently, Mick is refusing to dispel speculation regarding the Rep. of Ireland job. Also, supporters are disgruntled at the fact, The Tractor Boys aren’t chasing promotion after a summer of promises.
Count yourselves lucky, lads.
Player to watch: David McGoldrick
Even though his away goal-tally isn’t great, you still can’t ignore this lad’s eye for goal.
Mills, Ream? Keep your eye on him, please.
Match Facts & Stats
Ipswich are a slight bogey team for the Whites.
They have the better of us at Portman Road, which isn’t surprising. But at the Reebok, Bolton haven’t had it all their own way, either.
After 17 contests on home soil, it’s an even split of 6 wins each.
We can’t let them take the head-to-head lead on Saturday, surely?
Match Prediction:
I’m really not looking forward to this one at all.
1-1
Next Fixtures:
It’s a long trip to Bournemouth after Ipswich’s visit, then it’s back to the Reebok to face Liam Feeney’s, Millwall.