Bolton's Forecast for the Season

Last season was spectacularly mediocre for the Wanderers. With relegation a real possibility for most of the season it was easy to forget that we finished in the last 16 of Europe in 2007-2008. As with many lower table sides they were Jekyll and Hyde, playing like they deserved to finish in the single digits some days, other days playing in a fashion that would embarrass the Championship. The Chelsea game last April, which ended Chelsea 4-3 Bolton, is the perfect example. Bolton were a good enough side to come back and almost draw (Matty Taylor was incredibly close to equalizing in stoppage time) with a Big Four club from 4-0 down, but the issue is that they got 4-0 down in the first place.

This season finds a squad with many holes. A shaky defense, an unconvincing midfield, and no consistent goal scorer. The most urgent issue is the goal scoring. Johan Elmander does not deserve a place in the squad (yes, even a squad as bare as Bolton's). We desperately need a striker, but it is not looking as though Megson is keen on signing one.

Hopefully the new signings, Lee Chung-Yong, Zat Knight, Sam Ricketts, Sean Davis, Paul Robinson (who actually a loan), will strengthen the squad, I am however unconvinced. I have looked at their highlight videos on Youtube, but these are highlights so of course they look good. If they improve the midfield (and I'm especially hopeful for Chung-Yong), then Kevin Davies will not have to drop back to get the ball as often, leading to more goals.

While I doubt that Bolton will finish in the top half of the table this year, I also don't think we'll get relegated. And, sad as it is, I believe us Wanderers fans will have to be happy with that.