The Rise of Bolton Wanderers
Is Owen Coyle the new Harry Redknapp? That’s the question everyone is asking as Bolton move up to sixth position in the Barclays Premier League. The win on Sunday against rivals Blackburn brings Owen Coyle’s side that much closer
to a coveted Champions League spot. It’s still too early in the season to be talking about a top 4 finish for Bolton, but there’s no doubt about their exponential improvement in form.
Last season under manager Gary Megson, the Wanderers constantly hovered around the relegation zone. There were serious doubts as to whether the team could remain in the Premier League. A string of poor results finally led to Megson’s
sacking in late December. Owen Coyle, then manager of Burnley and former Bolton player, was Gary Megson’s replacement. At a turbulent time for the club, Coyle brought some much needed stability. Under his guidance, the Wanderers did just enough to avoid relegation,
finishing the season in 14th place.
What a difference a season makes. Owen Coyle has rejuvenated his side and fashioned them into a team to be reckoned with. Up to now, Bolton have lost only 3 games, an impressive feat considering they had lost 9 by this point last
season. The Reebok stadium, while still far from being a fortress, has become a very tricky place to get a result from.
Coyle has made most of the players and worked with what he had, bringing his side back. He plays a 4-4-2 formation with two normal wingers. If the play calls for it, Bolton are willing to go direct as Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander
have proven themselves capable in the air and in bringing each other into play. Under the guidance of Coyle, Elmander and Davies are looking like completely different players. Elmander already has 8 goals in the current season. Davies, meanwhile, stepped his
game up to a level which earned him an England cap.
The Bolton manager’s new signings have been inspired. Coyle has done well on his limited budget, given that recent financial statements have shown the club to be in £90m of debt. He brought in Robbie Blake and Martin Petrov, using
their experience to enhance the club’s young players. American Stuart Holden has been a revelation in midfield. It was his goal that gave Bolton the victory against Blackburn. Owen Coyle won the manager of the month award for November for leading Bolton Wanderers
through an undefeated 5 match run which included a win against Tottenham Hotspur and the 5-1 thrashing of Newcastle at the Reebok. It’s looking like the Bolton boss can do no wrong at the moment.
There is still a long way to go in a season even the bravest pundit would be hard-pressed to predict. As it stands, Bolton are in sixth position and are in the hunt for a place in the Europa League. If they step it up and can come
up with a string of solid performances over the remaining games, they might even be in with a shot of finishing in the top 4. Last year, most would have scoffed at the idea of Bolton Wanderers competing in Europe. But this season….. Well. Who can say?
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