Five things: Bolton Wanderers 0-2 West Bromwich Albion

1) The Revolution will be Televised

Hard to start anywhere else really. Following the organisation of planned demonstrations from a wide range of Wanderers fans groups, the Bolton support protested in their thousands before the game. The message was clear, Bolton fans are unhappy with the current direction of the club.

2) In a game but can you win a game?

Bolton for all intents and purposes played well and even controlled the game for extended periods both in the first and second half. This issue is, you just knew that Bolton were always going to struggle to find the net. Bolton couldn’t create anything meaningful, but I don’t think that was the fault of their creative players. For me, Clayton Donaldson doesn’t move enough to fashion his opportunities. It is a two-way street, particularly when chances and space are at a premium for a so called ‘less talented’ side. I fully understand and agree with the need for a physical presence at the sharp end of the team. Part of the physical presence is the mobility, this is what made Gary Madine so effect, he moved around the final third and once he moved the ball on, he was able to get himself into a dangerous position. Josh Magennis is much better and seems to relish putting himself about.

3) Noone on the Money

Playing Craig Noone on the left is quite simply a must. His ability to whip a ball in from the left is simply vital to the Wanderers cause, the only meaningful chance created in the game against Wes Bromwich Albion was fashion from the winger as the returning Gary O’Neil met a dangerous cross only to head wide. When you are struggling to create chances, teams will naturally look to move the ball wide and having a bit of quality in that position could be critical to our survival chances.

4) A New Signing

It was great to see the return of Gary O’Neil from his recent injury/embargo issues. In terms of work rate and quality, O’Neil is our most effective central midfielder and other than maybe Vela on one of his motivated days’ our most influential player. I must admit when we signed O’Neil I had expected a Karl type pivot player where we were relying as much on guile than action but O’Neil’s dynamism has impressed me.

5) Up for the Cup

I know it’s a tough draw but come on Phil, give it a go son!