A review of our midfielders this season
In our latest season review article, we have a look at our midfield. I think I’ve included all our players, but I did almost forget Tom Thorpe, which may be telling.
Darren Pratley
A cameo season, but a big cameo season. Got injured on the opening day against Sheffield United, and wouldn`t come in again until March. Away to Fleetwood, it was a surprise, a tough ask, but he came up big when needed. A pivotal moment of the season really. He still had a injury niggle before the season was out, but came back much quicker on that occasion.
Jay Spearing
Excellent in midfield. I have no idea why Neil Lennon never fancied him. Ah well. He`s the one player who I feel won`t re-sign this summer. I hope we don’t lose him.
Josh Vela
Particularly good in the first half of the campaign in the number ten position, his ‘numbers` to use a modern football phrase went down as he played deeper after January but it was still easily his best season to date in a Wanderers shirt.
Jem Karacan
Only a small number of late season appearances, only starting the last two games, but he could have well earned cult hero status going down the line, especially after scoring the first goal against Peterborough. Delighted he has signed a full deal.
Liam Trotter
Will never accept he`s as bad as some would make out, but at the same time his release was one of the easiest calls Phil Parkinson will make all summer.
Tom Thorpe
Occasionally did his job of breaking up play. Often failed to do his job. I think we can do far better things than seeing him in a Bolton top again.
Mark Davies
Looked a cut above this division before the stark reminder at Charlton in late August that the poor lad is made of glass. I hope he can get fit and one day get something out of what remains of his career.
James Henry
A bit in and out of the side, but provided two of the more memorable strikes of the campaign, the winner at home to Scunthorpe and then the goal at Crystal Palace, which really should have been included In the BBC`s Goal of the FA Cup compilation.
Chris Taylor
He just won`t be good enough for the Championship. Seems to have some talent but from what I saw, not enough application.
Sammy Ameobi
Absolutely excellent while he was with us and provided some X-factor and unpredictability. It was no coincidence that teams seemed to have figured us out for a few weeks after he left. There are (probably nonsense) rumours that he could be coming back. Is he Championship quality? I`m not sure. He is still young and could improve though.
Viv Solomon-Otabor
Err. I don`t know. Not enough game time to make an impression.