Bolton News

Vital Bolton Summer Interview: Robbwfc1958

|
Image for Vital Bolton Summer Interview: Robbwfc1958

He likes Gary Cahill. He dislikes Gary Megson and as for what he thinks about the board…….

Q: When did you become a Bolton fan and why?

I’ve been a Bolton fan since I was around seven years old, but at that time I just wanted to watch football and so, when any opportunity arose to watch any football team, I jumped at it. Bolton as my home team (that’s right Scummers) made it the easiest decision and I’ve been a season ticket holder (and ashamedly, a ball boy for a couple of seasons) since the age of ten, around twelve years now.

Q: The season just gone, good bad or ugly? What did you think of it?

Horrible at times, worse at others but with the occasional glimmer of hope. It was always going to be a tough few months for Coyle to settle in, without including the terrible part that the board played in the fiasco. Employing a man with just twenty-odd days to analyse, rejuvenate and add to a lacklustre and at times spiritless squad was just as ridiculous as allowing Megson’s tenure to go on as long as it did. I’ve always felt that Gartside and Co have held the club back by making accountancy decisions rather than footballing ones (much like our friends down Turf Moor upon Brian Laws appointment not to mention allowing Coyle to speak to us).

Q. Gary Megson. Was he so bad?

How many characters am I allowed to use on this section? Without trying to sound like an Injury Lawyers 4U advert, ‘Yes. Absolutely.’ He was about as much use as being one man short. Not given a chance by the Breezeblock faithful; fair enough. Didn’t try to win us over, very rarely overawed us with inspiring tactical decisions or results and the frustrations of the players were there for all to see. Nobby’s swift booting from the club he loved to the Toon was indicative of this. I remember hearing upon his appointment that Jeremy Peace (I think) had warned potential employers in the past of his, for want of a better word, uselessness. Lisbon was the final straw and it only took an eternity to relieve him of his duties. Cheers Phil.

Q. Owen Coyle. Is he some sort of messiah?

Much more positive football, but hardly the CV to bring in a better class of football player. Then again, Fat Sam managed it. There’s hope yet. I really want him to succeed but he needs investment. If he doesn’t get it, he’ll have to be a messiah to keep us in division next term.

Q: Best and worst moment of last season?

Megson’s release, although poorly timed, was the most inspirational moment of my life. I rank it up there along with being born. The worst moment was probably the collapse away at Sunderland or any of the five occasions where we failed to get a point on the road in the North-West. Who am I kidding? Wigan away was one of the most appalling spectacles I’ve ever witnessed.

Q: Gary Cahill. Is he off? If so, what price (realistically) should Bolton hold out for? And where should he go and why?

Since the extraction of his spare-rib, I’ve heard he can do all sorts of things… but on a more footballing note, a brilliant football-playing defender. I liken him to a good Rio Ferdinand. Brilliant on his day, which was very often. Would be terrible to see him go, but I don’t think any bottom half team could realistically not accept £15m for him. Would like to see it pumped into the striker budget if he does move on. If this six and five rule eventually comes in, the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool could do with another good Englishman in the ranks. Cahill would suit their style of play and probably only have to do one man’s job in a team of that calibre.

Q: What signings (type of player or specific name/s if you wish) would you like to see Bolton buy this summer? Yes, I will allow you to name Petrov.

Left back, pacey (like Jlloyd) but also one that can tackle, mark, pass, have positional awareness and use his pace with the ball at his feet (unlike Jlloyd). Paul Robinson, despite his critics and ‘Angry Dwarf’ tag didn’t actually do too badly last year for me, but he lacks pace and loves a good lunge as we saw at City. Obviously a striker, we’re really struggling in that department, but also a left winger, central defensive cover and a central midfielder. Suffice it to say, I think Owen’s got his work cut out.

Q: Where do you stand on Kevin Davies? Has he got anything left to give?

The man’s been a servant, but I think we should do an Abe Lincoln and abolish slavery. He’s worked hard, with the exception of the majority of last season and, for me, he needs to go. It will take some time to adjust to a style without Davies, but he can’t play forever as he’s proved recently. The longer we play with him, the longer we’ll have this unattractive style, which I don’t think is all that bad, but is certainly limited. There’s two much ‘hoof’ and not enough imagination with him on the pitch. It’s all fine and good using Elmo as the scapegoat, but he can run. Would like to give a Klasnic/Elmo partnership a try and some time. Transfers permitting of course.

Q: Your opinion of Fat Phil and the board?

Dire. Not football fans. No knowledge of the game. There’s one thing not wanting the club to go into admin etc, but doing everything on the cheap will result in our relegation, less money and undoubtedly… administration. Speculate to accumulate lads.

Q: Favourite current player and favourite all time player/s. (This will be used for a future article)

Gary Cahill has been my favourite player for some time. Muamba is just some passing and dribbling skills away from being a second favourite. Favourite all-time players are Bruno N’Gotty, John McGinlay, Jay Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff.

Q: Do you expect progress next season? If so, where do you expect us to be? If not, where do you expect us to be?

Depends entirely on transfers. With six or seven new signings we can get back in the top half, anything less than a bolstered defence and we could be in for another struggle. Whilst we played some attacking football at times under Coyle, we were susceptible to a counter and that usually ended in our demise. Winning each game 6-5 wouldn’t be too bad.

Q: Away from Bolton, and seeing as how it’s now on, where are England going to end up in the World Cup.

Any side that relies on Shaun Wright-Phillips is a weak side. Would have liked to have seen Adam Johnson given a try instead. Not a lot up front other than Shrek. Capello’s record against the bigger teams in friendlies is poor. In my opinion, quarter finals would be an over-achievement and our run there isn’t too difficult. If we come second in the group and have to face Germany, we’re doomed.

Q: Right, lets lower the tone… which celebrity would you most like to bang and which (male I would think) celeb would you most like to thump!?!

Big fan of Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell (Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a good film for me…) and I hope I’m not alone by saying I’d love to smash Phil Taylor’s face in if I could get in behind all that smarm.

Share this article

From the North, In the North.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *