It`s time for the annual spring clean. Who`s playing next season? Who`s going in the shop window? Who`s being left out for the bin man. Welcome to the Vital Bolton guide to player retention.
Nicky Hunt – It`s ironic, that in Hunt`s best season for years, he`s been replaced. The boo-boys are busy looking for a new target. The Reliant Robin of defenders won`t be at the top of anyone`s shopping list, due to his patchy form and persistent injuries. Verdict : Stay
Jlloyd Samuel – Bolton have more turkeys than Bernard Matthews and Jlloyd`s one of them. Villa fans held street parties when he left and a few more are planned at the end of the season. It`s hard to see him leaving, unless there`s an opposition manager out there with a perverse sense of humour. Verdict : Stay
Kevin Nolan – The uninformed claim Bolton`s captain will be hot property if the club is relegated. This will only be the case if he falls into a vat of curry. Nolan is on easy street at the Reebok, as he doesn`t need to play for his place. Verdict : Stay
Abdoulaye Meite – Still in the naughty corner after he refused to come out for the second round at Old Trafford. Meite has since apologised for something he claims not to have done. The confused one will be sorting his head out elsewhere next season. Verdict : Go
Ivan Campo – Campo used to be good, but funny. Now he`s just funny and occasionally terrifying. Another who is out of contract and won`t be offered another. Verdict : Go
Heidar Helguson – The pink footed goose cost just over £2 million from Fulham, half of which is dependent on appearances. The second chunk of cash isn`t likely to be paid. Could be effective as a striker in the Championship. Has an extremely presentable wife, which could account for the persistent back injuries. Verdict : Stay
Ricardo Gardner – Gardner has had more cruciate ligament operations than he has knees. Dr Richard Steadman must be on a permanent retainer. The dread-locked one hasn`t got quite the pace that he used to have, but he`s still a useful defender. If only he could learn to pass. Verdict : Stay
Gretar Steinsson – Gretski has already said he`s staying, regardless of Bolton`s league status. But then he does look a bit mad. Scandinavians are strange. Verdict : Stay
Andranik – Looked promising last term, but missed pre-season due to international commitments and hasn`t been able to get a foot-hold at first-team level since. Gary Megson puts him on the bench occasionally, just to prove to the Iranian`s relatives that he isn`t dead. Verdict : Go
Danny Guthrie – Guthrie is a willing runner, but would benefit from planning which direction he`s going to go in. Won`t get a chance at Anfield with Fat Rafa unless he changes his name to Daniel El Gutherino. The youngster will be a target of lesser Premier League clubs, and may yet become an able performer with better coaching. Verdict : Go
Mikel Alonso – Xabi`s big bro made four league starts under Sammy Lee before being injured. When asked about the player, Gary Megson said, ‘Mikel who?` Verdict : Go
Gavin McCann – The collective groans could be heard for miles around, when he arrived at the Reebok, but the Badger has proved better than expected. Could be a target for the promoted clubs if Bolton go down. Verdict : Flight risk
Ricardo Vaz Te – This was supposed to be his break through season. Just like the previous three. A serious knee injury on the opening day of the season put paid to that. There might just be one last, last chance Verdict : Stay
Grzegorz Rasiak – The Polish plodder is so slow that many armchair fans wondered if their TV was on the blink. Will be on his way back to Southampton when his loan spell ends. It will probably take him a month to get there. Verdict : Go
Part two this afternoon, including judgment on the jug-eared ginger genius that is Gary Megson
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