Lion Of Vienna Suite - Stu Holden starts in reserve match for Bolton WanderersThe World's Number One Bolton Wanderers Websitehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50739/lovs-fav.png2013-01-09T19:15:15+00:00http://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/rss/stream/36158752013-01-09T19:15:15+00:002013-01-09T19:15:15+00:00Stu Holden on His Glorious Return Plus Highlights
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<p>Can you tell that we're excited?</p> <p>For our latest coverage of, as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lionofviennasuite.com/2013/1/9/3854412/bolton-wanderers-reserves-vs-oldham-athletic-reserves-stu-holden-returns">Chris dubbed it</a>, THE RETURN OF THE KING, we get to hear from the great man himself. In case you've been in some sort of cave or something, Stuart Holden <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lionofviennasuite.com/2013/1/8/3852054/holden-completes-70-minutes-in-reserve-run-out-bolton-wanderers-usmnt/in/3615875">completed 60 minutes for the reserve side</a>, and there was much rejoicing. We've already<a target="_blank" href="http://www.lionofviennasuite.com/2013/1/9/3855074/dougie-freedman-praises-stu-holden-performance/in/3615875"> heard from Dougie Freedman</a> on the merry occasion, and now it's Stu's turn. It was great. I felt good, sharp and fit. It was good to put some tackles in, to get on the ball and to be playing in a real game. I now feel that I am getting closer to making my return to the first team.</p>
<p>After the match<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/article/holden-step-by-step-9.1.13-588759.aspx"> Stu said</a>,</p>
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<p>It has been a long road but it is one in which I have maintained perspective and I have been taking it at the right pace. It is now important that I don't get carried away at this late stage. But as far as how my knee felt and how I felt out there, I think I can come away from that feeling really good about it all and now I need to do the proper things during the recovery and prepare myself for the next game.</p>
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<p>As far as return to the first team is concerned, obviously he's not rushing into it,</p>
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<p>If all goes well from this then I don't anticipate any reaction and I can now take the next step. That will be playing a bit longer and then I think I will be ready to roll with the full 90 minutes. I am very close now. I have worked so hard to get to this stage and I don't want to do anything now to mess that up.</p>
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<p>He also had some words on the new manager that he came back to,</p>
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<p>The manager said that I had done well after the game. He has been very encouraging and understanding about the situation since he got here. I am very thankful for that and he doesn't put any pressure on me to rush back. We have all got the long-term goal in mind. Training has been great. It has been so intense and it has been nice to learn the manager's perspective of the game. He was a good player in his time and he has got a lot to teach and I am willing to listen and learn to make myself a better player.</p>
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<p>Stu has had some incredibly rough luck as far as injuries are concerned. It takes a very strong person, mentally and physically, to constantly bounce back after so many set backs, to put in the hours of solo work required. It is <i>so</i> fantastic to see that hard work paying off. And on that note, even if you couldn't make it to Leyland, you can see Stu in action as the club as posted some highlights. It's like Christmas all over!</p>
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https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/2013/1/9/3855834/bolton-wanderers-stu-holden-glorious-return-video-highlightsMatilda Hankinson2013-01-09T15:53:13+00:002013-01-09T15:53:13+00:00Dougie Freedman praises Stu Holden performance
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<p>When all was said and done, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110924/stu-holden" class="sbn-auto-link">Stu Holden</a> had <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lionofviennasuite.com/2013/1/8/3851834/stu-holden-starts-in-reserve-match-for-bolton-wanderers">put in just over an hour of play on the field.</a> It was about the same amount of time that he played a few weeks ago in a closed-door match against Wigan. This time, Holden was on display and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lionofviennasuite.com/2013/1/9/3854412/bolton-wanderers-reserves-vs-oldham-athletic-reserves-stu-holden-returns">according to people at the ground</a> and manager <span>Dougie Freedman</span>, Holden looked good.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/wanderersnews/10148040._/?" target="_blank">Speaking in the Bolton News</a>, Dougie shared his take:</p>
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<p>"It was great to see him out there. To get 65 minutes, we are very pleased, and a very good 65 minutes at that. I thought he was very influential in the game as well.</p>
<p>"Having been out for so long but to be involved in most of the match is very encouraging and also very pleasing for Stuart."</p>
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<p>Dougie also warned the fans to not expect too much right away as Holden has been out for a long, long time. However, the signs from training have been encouraging:</p>
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<p>"We have got to remember that because he's been out for so long, we have to put Stuart first and foremost. He has got to be given time and he has been given that. And he has to be given a pat on the back as well.</p>
<p>"All round it was a very pleasing night. We have put him into some very tough training sessions. We put him under a lot of pressure and stress.</p>
<p>"There are different ways of treating people. We have put him in losing teams to see how he reacts; we've put him in overload teams and young teams to see how he reacts.</p>
<p>"But he has come through that because that's the type of guy he is. We are training Stuart with every possible way and he is coming through the tests with flying colours."</p>
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<p>Finally, Freedman shared his praise for Bolton's medical staff. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lionofviennasuite.com/2012/9/6/3296222/trotters-await-stuart-holdens-status-stateside-bolton-wanderers-us-soccer">Despite the fact that Holden spent the majority of his rehabilitation Stateside, Bolton's medical team was in constant contact with him and were very involved in his progress:</a></p>
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<p>"They have been fantastic in working with him. I have only been here a few months and I can see they are a very good medical staff.</p>
<p>"To bring Stuart back from such a long lay-off and to keep him at a good fitness level before he hits the grass is very crucial. He has not far to go."</p>
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https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/2013/1/9/3855074/dougie-freedman-praises-stu-holden-performanceMark Yesilevskiy2013-01-09T12:16:04+00:002013-01-09T12:16:04+00:00RETURN OF THE KING: Bolton U21s v Oldham Res
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<p>The return of Stuart Holden to action has been anticipated for nigh on two years and we sent our man in the stands to run a keen eye over his performance.</p> <p>A few hundred hardy souls braved the cold weather and headed up to The County Ground, Leyland ostensibly to see Bolton Reserves take on Oldham Reserves in the Manchester Senior Cup - however the bumper crowd, for this level, were there for one reason only - the return to action of Stuart Holden.</p>
<p>The American midfielder had been out injured for the best part of two years barring an ill-fated cup game against Aston Villa, and so there was a keen sense of anticipation as he took to the field as both midfield lynchpin and captain.</p>
<p>He was cheered and high-fived onto the pitch by eager supporters who had previously been given the disastrous news that the caterers had run out of pies. For a moment there was some tension in the stands as a riot was briefly considered, until the parties involved backed down and bought some weak tea instead.</p>
<p>As the game developed and Holden began to ease his way back in, it was instead his midfield partner <span>Josh Vela</span> who began to dictate play from a slightly deeper position. Vela was sharp in the tackle and positive in possession - I have been watching this lad since he was 16 and he is a real talent. No wonder the rumoured bid from Liverpool in Summer 2011 was rejected.</p>
<p>It seemed that the entire <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/">Bolton Wanderers</a> backroom staff were in attendance also, with Jimmy Phillips, Sammy Lee, Julian Darby and Lennie Lawrence being spotted and they cannot fail to have been impressed by the young Whites performance. They were comfortable at all times despite the odd Oldham counter-attack, and deserved to get the victory.</p>
<p><span>Jack Sampson</span> put the lads 1-0 at half time with a neat turn and left foot finish, with the second and third goals coming from Chris Lester and <span>Tom Eaves</span> respectively.</p>
<p><span>Dougie Freedman</span> will be encouraged by the levels of fitness shown by the returning Holden and Vela, who managed 65 and 80 minutes before being withdrawn. Once these boys are back in the first team squad alongside Wheater and <span>Mark Davies</span> then there are reasons to be optimistic going into 2013.</p>
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<p><i>Team: <span>Jay Lynch</span>, Niall Maher, <span>Alex McQuade</span>, Oscar Threlkeld, Ben Dennis, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110924/stu-holden">Stu Holden</a>, Chris Lester,Josh Vela,Tom Eaves, Jack Sampson and Samni Odelusi.</i></p>
<p><i>Subs <span>Joe McKee</span> for Holden and Luke Woodland for Vela</i></p>
https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/2013/1/9/3854412/bolton-wanderers-reserves-vs-oldham-athletic-reserves-stu-holden-returnsChris Manning2013-01-08T20:40:01+00:002013-01-08T20:40:01+00:00Holden completes 60 minutes in reserve run out
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<p>Stuart Holden's return for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/">Bolton Wanderers</a>' reserves is now complete and he has gone off the field. Bolton Wanderers are 2-0 up on Oldham Athletic at the County Ground in Leyland thanks to Chris Lester and <span>Jack Sampson</span>. Holden completed 70 minutes and looked comfortable on the field.</p>
<p>When Holden was involved in the play (which wasn't a huge amount), our man at the match, Chris Manning, described him as "running the show." Most importantly, Holden was looking fit. There were a few tweet after the match about Holden's knee but Chris, who is at the ground, is refuting that.</p>
<p>In all of the commotion about Holden, we don't want you to forget that young <span>Josh Vela</span> was also a part of the action for the reserves. He looked "solid" on the field, as Chris described him. We can't wait to see what he can do for Bolton in hopefully the near future. Vela ended up going 75 minutes.</p>
<p>There is a chance that these players will see action against Sunderland.</p>
https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/2013/1/8/3852054/holden-completes-70-minutes-in-reserve-run-out-bolton-wanderers-usmntMark Yesilevskiy2013-01-08T19:54:02+00:002013-01-08T19:54:02+00:00Holden looking fit in reserve start (with photo)
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<p>A brief report from the County Ground in Leyland as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/">Bolton Wanderers</a> are (currently) leading Oldham Athletic 1-0 in a Manchester Senior Cup clash. Both <span>Josh Vela</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110924/stu-holden">Stu Holden</a> are making their long-awaited returns from their respective knee injuries. Stu Holden is wearing the number 6 shirt and the Captain's armband.</p>
<p>Chris Manning, who is at the ground, said that Holden looks "fit and healthy and is running the show." Others at the ground are chiming in on Twitter saying that Holden had a comfortable first half. Others are saying that Holden really looks up for it and has been passing the ball really well.</p>
<p>Holden is still a few weeks away from a full first team return but this appearance (for both him and Josh Vela) is a massive step forward. The two will not get any time against Millwall at the weekend but could see some minutes in the FA Cup replay vs. Sunderland next tuesday.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="47648_10152426774835381_1875717410_n_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1983025/47648_10152426774835381_1875717410_n_medium.jpg"></p>
<p style="text-align: right;">-Photo by Chris Manning</p>
<p>The photo is a bit blurry, yes, but it's dark and shot with a cell phone. Also, it's better than nothing. Also, it's Stu!</p>
https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/2013/1/8/3851842/holden-looking-fit-in-reserve-start-with-photo-bolton-wanderersMark Yesilevskiy2013-01-08T17:58:17+00:002013-01-08T17:58:17+00:00Stu Holden starts in reserve match for Bolton
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<figcaption>Oldham Athletic warm up prior to facing Bolton Wanderers, with Stu Holden and Josh Vela in tow. | Chris Manning</figcaption>
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<p>It's been a long, long, long 21 months since Stuart Holden was stretchered off injured at Old Trafford following a painful 50/50 challenge that saw <span>Jonny Evans</span>' studs damage his knee. In that time, Holden has managed just one competitive appearance for <a href="https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bolton Wanderers</a>, a Carling Cup match against Aston VIlla in September, 2011.</p>
<p>He is making what may be the largest step in his recovery bid tonight as he steps on the field against Oldham Athletic in the Manchester Senior Cup. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110924/stu-holden" class="sbn-auto-link">Stu Holden</a> has been given the start alongside fellow-knee-injury-carrying Bolton Wanderer <span>Josh Vela</span>.</p>
<p>Holden had previously completed over an hour of play in a closed-door match against Wigan Athletic and is just a few weeks away from a full first team return.</p>
<p>Josh Vela has been out injured since August when he was hurt in a Capital One Cup match against Crawley Town following a rash tackle.</p>
<p>The sight of them on the field is just brilliant.</p>
https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/2013/1/8/3851298/stu-holden-starts-in-reserve-match-for-bolton-wanderersMark Yesilevskiy