And so it is finally here, the first home game of the 2008/2009 Premier League season. And with it comes our first of many Who The F*** Are…? articles, this time only to be published for our home games. So then, this Saturday will see visitors from Bolton bring their best XI out onto the green grass of St. James’ Park. Both teams confident after achieving a good result in their first fixture of the season. Newcastle drawing at Old Trafford, and Bolton beating Premier League new boys Stoke. Based on both teams performances, we could expect to see an entertaining match at St. James’ Park that comes almost with a guarantee for goals. Though, as history will show, Bolton are a very difficult team to face when they are away. They tend to defend themselves great and make the home sides have difficulties starting their play. Though, then again…

Bolton Wanderers FC was formed in 1874 as Christ Church FC, though they changed their name to the current Bolton Wanderers FC only three years later in 1877. Being one of the founding members of the football league, one would assume that the club would have a history with more silverware in it, but the club has had a misfortunate past of almost always ending their competitions as runner ups. They were though, successful in the FA Cup during the 1920s, winning the competition no less than three times, being the most successful club in the cup in the twenties.

During 1935 to 1965 the club managed to stay uninterrupted in the English top-flight, this period is by many a fan regarded as the clubs ‘golden era’, even though the club still didn’t get too much silverware. Though, it was in this time period the club won it’s last major trophy, winning the FA Cup trophy in 1958 after beating Manchester United at Wembley.

The club then went into a dismal period outside the top-flight with the sporadic appearance in between, even being relegated as far down as into the fourth division for the first time in the clubs history after a miserable 86/87 season. Though, Bolton made their re-debut in the Premiership in the 95/96 season after being out of the top flight for 15 years. They would face trouble already before the season started though, as then manager Bruce Rioch left for Arsenal. Bolton went on to appoint Roy McFarland as their new gaffer. Though his effect on the team did seem to be rather bad, as he got sacked mid-season and replaced by assistant, Colin Todd. Bolton remained at the bottom of the table for virtually all season though, and got relegated.

Back in the Championship for the 96/97 season Bolton were almost unbeatable, finishing first with 98 points and scoring 100 goals. This meant they would return to the Premiership after just one years absence. Their return did not go as well as most had hoped this time around either, and once again they got relegated back to the Championship. And after failing to win the playoff final in the 98/99 season, manager Colin Todd resigned from his position.

All this would soon be forgotten though, as a new golden era was starting for the club with the arrival of manager Sam Allardyce from Notts County after the the 98/99 season. Though, the first season under their new gaffer certainly had a sad touch to it, as the club lost in the semi finals of the championship playoffs, the League Cup and the FA Cup. But, in the upcoming season Allardyce and his men got the promotion they were after after beating Preston in the playoff final.

Allardyce’s stay at the club brought the club from being a club many looked upon as destined for relegation into a side many now thinks of as a top ten Premiership club. And it caught many by surprise when Allardyce, after eight successful years at the club, retired at the end of the 06/07 season, leaving the manager position to his assistant, Sammy Lee after qualifying for Europe for the second time in the clubs history.

The new season would bring lots of misery to Bolton, as their expectations for a high league finish were completely trashed as they faced a relegation battle who would last until almost the last game of the 07/08 season. Though, with the sacking of Little Sammy Lee, and the appointment of Gary Megson, the club avoided relegation. Though, the 08/09 season does not bode too well for the team, and they might just have to prepare for a long and hard season again. Though, they might surprise us all, because, after all, Bolton Wanderers have surprised many with their league performances before.

Star Players

Name: Johan Elmander
Position: Striker
Age: 27
Nationality: Swedish

Johan Elmander arrived at the Reebok Stadium in the 2008/09 transfer window for a stunning fee of £8.2 Million, plus Norwegian winger Daniel Braaten moving to Toulouse, Elmander’s old club. Elmander got off to a flying start in the Premier League when he nicked himself a goal in Bolton’s opening 3-1 victory over Stoke City home at the Reebok, following up on impressive displays in Bolton Wanderer’s preseason games. Though, the Swedish player has already proven himself in many different European leagues, including the Dutch Eredivision and the French Ligue 1, and he is almost certain to become a hit with the Bolton fans. As he is almost certain to become a threat to any opposition defence.

Name: Kevin Davies
Position: Striker
Age: 31
Nationality: English

Kevin Davies arrived at the Reebok Stadium in 2003 after an unsuccessful loan spell at Millwall and has since become a fan favourite at the Reebok for his countless tireless performances for the club and his almost always positive demeanour. He can be counted as a massive threat against any opposition if Bolton gets the freedom to play their game.

He is one of five English players to have cost over £7 Million without having had any apps for their national team. It’s commonly believed that Davies is the player in the Premiership that commits the most fouls and is also the most fouled player. Though he himself rarely complains when he is fouled or has committed a foul himself.

Name: Kevin Nolan
Position: Midfielder
Age: 26
Nationality: English

Kevin Nolan, the current captain of Bolton Wanderers have spent his entire professional playing career at the club and is one of their most valued players. He has a total of 277 apps and 43 goals since he signed a professional contract with the club and made his first-team debut as a seventeen year old back in 1999.

As the captain of his team Nolan is definitely someone to be on the look-out for, he appears to be playing with his heart outside his shirt every match he plays, and his will to go on and his power to influence the other players on his team with his will of steel is not something to look at as an easy task to overcome.

Opinion Of The Opposition Fans

I have asked members of the Bolton Wanderers fan forum “The Wanderer” of their opinion on three questions.

What do you think of the upcoming match?

 

• ”you’ll win.” - Batman

• ”I think that it too early in the season to make any predictions, but i’d be happy with a point.” - screech powers

• ”Hopefully we’ll get another draw at your place. 0-0, 1-1.” - enfieldwhite

• “It’s hard to say from what I saw this weekend. We played Stoke, who were decidedly bad. I thought we looked ok going forward, but at times we looked shaky at the back. Not too certain how we’ll cope with pace attacking us! That said, you got a tad luck play ManUre without the top players and looking decidedly off colour. I also though first half you looked a bit shaky at the back, especially Coloccini, although second half was a vast improvement – and it’s being a little harsh given he’s only just touched down. A good point but I wouldn’t say it’s something to judge how it’ll go on.If I was a beating man I reckon you’ll shade – 2-1″ - David Lee’s Hair

• “Queitly confident that we can come away from St James with at least a point. Morale is high in the Bolton camp at the minute, nerves will have calmed after the important factor of getting three points on the board in our first game. More so for the likes of Elmander and Muamba, our two new signings, both of which came through the first game as our best two players. Elmander as for most strikers will feel much more confident having scored on his debut. Though I’m sure Newcastle’s confidence will be just as high after coming away from Old Trafford with a point.We now look a team that is settled at the back and potent up front. Newcastle seems to have a few niggly injuries surrounding your strikers. If Owen, Martins or Viduka is out, it could make a huge difference.1-1″ - Soldier Of The White Army

• “Its really hard to call this early in the season, but I’ll be expecting an opening 20 minutes onslaught from the Mags after their performance at OT, and with an expectant home crowd at SJP. The rest of the game, and the crowd noise, will depend largely on what transpires from this opening salvo. If we manage to contain you, I can see a point in it for us,or even a late-nicked win. But my head says probably the 3 points will be yours courtesy of a 2-0.” - Lord Kangana

What do you think of Bolton’s chances in the 08/09 season?

 

• “we’ll survive.” - Batman

• “Better than what the so called experts think.” - screech powers

• “Better than last. Mid table with (hopefully) a decent cup run.” - enfieldwhite

• “Between 10th-17th. As per every season there will only be single figures between these places, so it’ll be close. The media are as per usual writing us off again, so that’s all we need in the motivation stakes, and from what I saw against an admittedly bad Stoke team we’ll be ok. A lot will depend on if we can score more than last year. Or defensive record wasn’t as bad as many of the teams down with us last season – we conceded less than you with 54 – our main problem was goals. Only Wigan and Derby scored less than us, and it was our Achilles heel both with and without Anelka.I’ll stick my neck out and say….. 14th.” - David Lee’s Hair

• “Quietly optimistic, though I think a lot depends on our back four staying injury free, especially our centre pairing. If Elmander can contunue the form he’s started with, we’ll be treated to a quality creative striker that can give us a 10/15 goal return this season. Yet it’s Muamba that Newcastle will need to avoid on Saturday. The lad looks a real quality signing, with a natural ability to break any momentum the opposing midfield gains. We look a very balanced side at the minute and a long way from the abortion you faced at the start of last season. I see no reason why Bolton will not end this season nicely poised in mid-table.” - Soldier Of The White Army

• “Its really hard to say. I think we are one player short of a nailed-on mid-table side; the talk is of Bullard, and I think he’d fit in well and improve us. I said 16th at the start of the season, and tbh survival without going through the wringer would suite me this year.” - Lord Kangana

What do you think of Newcastle’s chances in the 08/09 season?

 

• “you’ll struggle.” - Batman

• “If you played like you did against the rags, also alot better than what the experts think.” - screech powers

• “Europe through a cup competition. You’ll be mid table too.” - enfieldwhite

• “Well, you’ll start full of confidence, and I’m sure after Sunday the talk of the Toon is Europe, but as ever it’ll be a false dawn. You may get into the top 8, but to be honest I’d say much the same as us. As per usual you’ll be inconsistent, and granted Guittirez and Coloccini had promising debuts, but will they cut the mustard when you visit the Smoggies on a cold night in February? Owen will be croaked half the season, and Viduka isn’t getting any younger. KK may have another hissy fit and quit.Infact I’d be surprised if KK is still your manager come May. What ever the set-up is up there with Wise and the other chap buying players with no input for Keegan, its just mad!Neck out again, and you’ll be in about 10th, Keegan will get fed up when Wise brings in Tore Andre Flo and Jodi Morris, because they’ll add a Chelsea spirit, and resign. Ashley will wonder what to do and it’ll turn out to be Wise’s master plan to get a Premier league job and take over the reigns, and you’ll drop to about 16th.” - David Lee’s Hair

• “My honest answer? Christ only knows! You have so much talent in your team, with so many attack minded players, yet like Spurs, Newcastle never seam to take much care of there defence. Let’s face it; you’ve had some humdingers playing in defence for you in the past. Keegan is a good man manager, great at motivation, yet quite poor as a tactician. Your season will depend on the fitness and form of your strikers Owen, Martins and Viduka (won’t mention Smith as he’s bobbins!). If you had a good defence, you’d have quite some team, more then able to reach Europe. As it is, Newcastle have always spent huge amounts on players followed by appointing poor managers, or not giving a manger enough time to hang up his coat before immediate success is demanded. Can Keegan take Newcastle to a place in the league that would justify the money spent on his squad? I very much doubt it, 9th would be a decent season for your lot this year.” - Soldier Of The White Army

• “For Newcastle read Spurs. Plenty of attacking intent, and some high profile players, but a seeming inability to make the whole reach the sum of the parts, and usually a far from convincing record away from SJP. I think you’ll flirt equally with the mid-bottom and mid-top, then settle somewhere between 8th and 10th. All achieved whilst receiving lottery payouts because of Owen’s injuries!” - Lord Kangana