Why I Think Bolton Wanderers Fans Need to be More Patient with James Henry

Bolton Wanderers fans are impatient.

I know that is hardly the most revelatory statement of all time.

We signed James Henry on Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan back on that busy 31st August afternoon where it seemed that we signed half of the Football League.

"Great", we all thought - remembering with fondness that amazing goal that Henry scored for Wolves at the Reebok the year before.

We collectively assumed that we would be signing a creative force who would cut a swathe through the division, proving that class is permanent despite his sidelining at a newly-minted Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It hasn't quite worked out like that.

Following an impressive debut at home to Southend United just three days after signing, Henry has found himself relegated to the bench more often than not of late, only to be seen in the latter stages of games and without pressing home too much of an impact.

He has, along with Chris Taylor, been written off by a portion of the fanbase. It appears that, some poor performances and costly misses in front of goal have dented his confidence and that he is playing well within himself.

I think, however, that we need to be more patient with the man.

Henry's departure was lamented by the Wolves fans - fans who have seen him make close to 100 appearances for the club, scoring at a rough rate of a goal per five games.

This sort of ratio is exactly what a goal-shy Bolton Wanderers midfield needed at the time and we thought that he would fill that void easily. I still believe that he can and that he will.

Look at Sammy Ameobi. A player who has emerged from an uncertain start at the club and who is now one of the most important players in our squad and is beloved by the fans. Zach Clough is another example of how a lean spell does not necessarily mean that the player is done for.

Henry has two good feet and an eye for a goal. I think that his loan spell may indeed have been disappointing to date but you can't keep a good player down for too long.

His previous experience at this level, with Millwall, was hugely successful and Henry will be chomping at the bit to get back into the side and into our good graces.

It would be nice of us to do our bit and help him as best we can - the rewards, and they will come, will be worth it.