The news came through on Tuesday evening that Gary Megson had continued his reorganisation of Bolton`s backroom with the appointment of Steve Wigley as head coach. This left most fans rushing to Google and then inevitably to the new man`s Wikipedia entry.
Initial impressions didn`t look good. Stand out entries are the failure to get Aldershot promoted from the Isthmian League and a period in Premier League management that was only slightly longer than that of Sammy Lee.
Yet Wigley isn`t going to be Bolton manager. Neither is he Gary Megson`s assistant. That duty falls to Chris Evans. Wigley is a coach and has experience of that position at every level, from youth through to the first team. His initial appointment at Southampton was as director of an academy that eventually to produce Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale. The academy at Bolton isn`t in bad shape, but it is yet to repay the investment that has been made. The failure to develop players who had potential, like Leslie Thompson and Johan Smith, is evidence that new input is required.
At first team level, Bolton have needed a coach to improve their attacking play for some time. Ricky Sbragia had a good reputation, but he was primarily concerned with defensive matters. If Wigley can instil some of the attacking flair he had as a player, then his appointment may be the most significant that Gary Megson will make this season.
Steve Wigley. Diamond or Dud? Vote in the latest Vital Bolton poll.
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