What`s in Store for Bolton Now?

Bolton will be relegated this season, at least according to the Guardian. Given that newspaper`s pitiful record of getting it wrong, this should provide reassurance to Wanderers fans. The rest of the media don`t differ much, with the predominant prediction being for a 17th place finish, ie one place above the relegation zone.

Only a fool or a hopeless optimist would claim that a relegation battle is impossible for the Whites, but basing predictions for this season on the previous one is deeply flawed.

Bolton are in much better shape than they were this time last year. The four top eight finishes under Sam Allardyce were based on having solid centre backs and a midfield that could protect the defence. Gary Cahill and Andy O`Brien provide the former and while Gary Speed, Ivan Campo and Stelios contributed enough to be remembered with affection, the decision to replace them with younger more energetic players is the correct one.

A return to the hard to beat game that served the club so well will ensure that a survival battle is avoided, but how far Bolton can progress toward mid-table or even higher will be decided by the new recruits.

Johan Elmander comes highly recommended by fans of Toulouse and with a goal record of one in three over the past four seasons, he is capable of adding value. So far, no Bolton striker, not even Nicolas Anelka, has capitalised on the efforts of the much underrated Kevin Davies. Elmander may be the one to buck that trend.

Fabrice Muamba adds pace and athleticism to midfield, even though his distribution needs to improve and while Riga Mustapha may take time to settle, the electrifying pace and spectacular finishing ability he has shown in pre-season will tell as the season progresses.

Inevitably, attention will focus on manager Gary Megson. Despite last season`s escape, many fans are yet to be convinced that he`s the right man for job. Megson is an intelligent, logical man rather than an inspirational one. The changes he has made in the back room staff and organisation at the club will be at least as important as anything he says in the dressing room.

One thing he can`t complain about, is the backing given by Phil Gartside. The Bolton chairman has been criticised, sometimes with good reason, but he can`t be accused of withholding resources. Megson has been given more money to spend than any manager in Bolton`s history. So far, there have been no glaring mistakes.

In their latest Premier League stint, Bolton have had four top eight finishes and three relegation battles. There has been no comfortable mid-table placing. Expect that to change this time round. Expect the Guardian and the rest of the scribblers to admit they made a mistake – but only in your dreams.