Coyle Denies Formation Is A Problem
Owen Coyle has jumped to his own defence regarding the criticism of his recent tactics against both Norwich and Wigan. The Bolton manager puts the emphasis squarely on the substandard performance of the players and disagrees that the change in formation has had any major effect.
Bizarrely, Coyle said that the reason for bringing back Kevin Davies to partner N’gog was based on their performance together in the reverse fixture at Wigan back in mid-October. Although we did come away from that fixture with a positive result and the two front men did play well, that was nearly 4 months ago now and doesn’t say much for Owen’s selection criteria if he’s happy to overlook the importance of in-form players and the value of a consistent strategy.
Additionally, he offered no reason for dropping Fabrice Muamba from the starting line-up and The Bolton News reported Muamba as saying on his official Twitter page, “I can’t really tell the reason why I wasn’t involved today, that will get me into much trouble but thanks for all your messages”. I’m sure that by now many of you will have seen the ‘with and without’ Muamba statistics that have been going round between fans, which although not completely conclusive do make for an interesting read.
More…
Coyle’s Tactical Madness Defies Explanation
It’s not often that you can say the discontent of angry Bolton fans can make you think of Conservative propaganda, but the loss to Wigan on Saturday certainly reminded me of some.
The Conservative party’s 2010 general election poster campaign used the phrase ‘I’ve never voted Tory before, but…” followed by a reason to vote Conservative.
After reading the messages by fans and listening to them after the game, the majority started their comments with – ‘I’ve never criticised Owen Coyle before, but…’ followed by a resounding criticism of his tactics and formation. And I couldn’t agree more!
Even the pre-match team announcement was met with confusion and groans by Bolton fans. They knew that the exclusion of Muamba and the return of Kevin Davies meant a 4-4-2 formation, and they were not happy about it.
More…
From Disappointment to Frustration
I think that ‘frustration’ has now pushed ‘disappointment’ into a close second place as the word of the season for Bolton fans. The defeat away to Norwich was a timely reminder of the team’s fragile mortality within the Premier League and a kick in the teeth for those, such as myself, that had heralded the recent performances as a new dawn and opportunity to progress.
Owen Coyle’s tactics are coming under increasingly close scrutiny from the Bolton faithful, with many fans heavily criticising the decision to move away from the recently successful formation of 4-5-1 into a 4-4-2 in the second half against the Canaries.
Under Coyle there has always been a sense of riding our luck defensively in favour of getting numbers forward in attack. The game at the weekend highlighted the problem with having a cumbersome back four with very little protection, when playing against a hard working team that will continuously put the ball in the box.
More…
Bolton Wanderers: Transfer Deadline Day – Le Toux Deal Off
January transfer window deadline day is upon us!
At the time of writing this has been a tremendously quiet window, the Sky Sports totaliser stands at a relatively meagre £27,900,00 and over a third of that is generated by sale of Gary Cahill and purchase of Tim Ream.
As we know from recent press conferences, Owen Coyle has stated that he is looking to bring in another 2 players, and some of the possible moves are already known to us.
However, I have been informed that the Sebastien Le Toux bid is dead in the water and has been consigned to the dustbin of transfer rumour history. It doesn’t appear that the French-American national did enough on trial to warrant an approach and the manager prefers to explore other options to bolster the attack.
More…
Can Ream Make An Immediate Impact After Lack Of Football?
Now that Tim Ream has been successful in his work permit application appeal, we are simply left waiting for the official confirmation that the young American has been signed.
The Bolton News has it that Ream has actually returned to America in order to make arrangements and finalise the practicalities of his move to England, and as a result will not feature in Bolton’s FA Cup tie with Swansea at the weekend.
One particular concern that has gone slightly under the radar and one that sticks out when also considering the potential transfer of Sebastian Le Toux from Philadelphia Union, is the lack of recent game time.
More…
What To Do With A Super But Old Kevin Davies?
If you’re reading this then you already know that supposedly a host of clubs, which include West Brom, Sunderland, Wolves, Celtic and Rangers – are interested in relieving us of Bolton stalwart and club captain, Kevin Davies.
It has come as no surprise, due to his advancing years, that the bestial Yorkshire man and scourge of the centre half has finally lost his regular starting position for the Whites. Some may have suspected it to come sooner given Coyle’s reputation for the passing game, but with typical indomitable spirit, Super Kev battled on regardless as the squad slowly underwent an overhaul and refit around him.
Sentimentality is misplaced in the cut and thrust of modern football and it appears that both parties are willing to move on from their longstanding relationship, but only if the deal is right.
More…
