We Remain: Those Bolton Wanderers Have Kept in Defence

So those who are being kept on at Bolton Wanderers, at this point, for next season became clear the other day. Here are my thoughts on, most of, those who play in defence.

Ben Amos

Our short sighted keeper is still contracted for a few years to come. His high wage makes it very likely that the powers that be will look to move him on over the summer. This may be a difficult task as he has shown some very fundamental weaknesses over the course of the season.

There is a good keeper down there somewhere and hopefully either someone will recognise that or it will come to the fore next season. With the quality of those who will currently be defending ahead of him we will really need Amos to come good should he stick around.

A shoo-in as first choice as things stand with no competition which could be a major issue.

Lawrie Wilson

Has experience at League One level as recently as last season having been on loan at Peterborough United. He showed himself to be a dependable if not flawed played last season and will no doubt prove a useful player in the wake of Oscar Threlkeld and Niall Maher being released.

We could certainly do worse than having Wilson at right back next season and it is highly unlikely that he will be the weak link in what promises to be a hapless defence.

Francesco Pisano

Yep he is still a Bolton player for another season. He struggled to break through last season, though was never really given that much of a chance by Neil Lennon. It will be interesting to see if he hangs around or whether he gets a move back to Italy on a permanent basis. If he does hang around it will be interesting to see if he can adapt to League One football.

If he can adapt then he has aptitudes which means he could be a useful player at both right back and also right midfield due to his pace. Time will tell if he can be an asset or not.

Rob Holding

Likely to be the first retained player to leave with Arsenal sniffing around and rumours of interest from Everton and Bournemouth. This doesn’t even take into account Championship side Reading who no doubt maintain their interest from January.

A player it would be nice to keep but money will end up talking and he will likely leave the club. Hopefully the money can be put to good use, but in all reality it will be dragged into the black hole that is Bolton’s finances.

Derik Osede

Derik has had a tough first season in English football, by his own admittance. He showed more at the end of the season when moved into midfield and could be an important player next season. In a way he should be in the upcoming midfielders’ part of this series but given the lack of centre backs it is very possible he will get used in defence.

But it is possible that someone will come in for him at Championship level after the way he played in the midfield. He is one player I would not be surprised to see leave despite his insistence he will stay and fight for the club.

Dorian Dervite

Yeah I know right, I know exactly what you’re thinking it is just not fair. Dervite is now the experienced centre back in the squad and that is a very scary prospect. If we can sign players this summer an experienced centre back should be high on the list of targets.

I have literally no reason to believe that dropping down the League One level will mean that Dervite comes good and if the rumoured interest in him is true it would be one of the happiest days of my life, and no that is not an exaggeration my life is that sad…

Alex Finney

The youngster had a nightmare of a first start for the club at the backend of this season but has shown potential. If Holding and Derik leave then he may well become part of a first team centre back partnership next year. Let’s hope that he works hard over the closed season hey!

Tyler Garratt

The end of season breakthrough act has been offered a deserved professional contract. Having lost Threlkeld and Maher he will be an important player next season, especially with what I will say about Moxey next in mind.

He has shown clear potential and hopefully can kick on next season in League One. Really could be a player who will make us a little money in a couple of years’ time.

Dean Moxey

Another high earner who the powers that be will look to move on in the summer.

He is a player who has at times played well for Bolton, and if he were to stay next season and play like that he could be a real asset. But he has also shown a lack of interest in the club and could continue to play like that. If so he would be a waste of space and Garratt would likely become first choice with little real competition.

We have to hope either he leaves or regains a little interest, even if it is just so that he can leave. If he can play with interest then he is a player with experience at League One level and could be a welcome experienced member of a young team.

Next up is our world class midfield starring Darren Pratley.