Many believed Bolton wouldn't be the force they were following the departure of Sam Allardyce at the tail-end of last season. The team held their nerve and finished in a UEFA Cup spot. How times can change in the space of a year. Fighting for their Premier League lives, it goes to show the fantastic job Allardyce did in his time at the club, and he has recently criticised the handling of affairs since he left. Sammy Lee was appointed Bolton Wanderers manager in the summer, and promised more exciting, attacking football. This was the main criticism of Bolton under Allardyce, an apparent lover of the long-ball tactic. Lee didn't last long in a job following a disastrous start to the season, and was soon replaced by current manager Gary Megson. Megson started well, with a 1-0 win against Manchester United. However after selling their only goal threat in Nicolas Anelka, and failing to replace him, Bolton have struggled to score and struggled to keep clean sheets. Now with two games to go Bolton find themselves just above the relegation zone. They have seemed to hit form at the right time, with seven points out of a possible nine and face a crucial game at home to Sunderland. Seeing as they end the season at Stamford Bridge, a win against Roy Keane's side will be seen as essential.
So what is needed to turn this team back into UEFA Cup challengers rather than relegation battlers? Perhaps Megson's biggest mistake in his short tenure would be not getting a goalscorer to replace Nicolas Anelka. While Kevin Davies works hard, he's not prolific and Wanderers are screaming out for someone with a natural ability to finish. Megson has already gone back to the gritty style of football that brought so much success under Sam Allardyce, and has seen the team's fortunes improve as a result. They are currently missing goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, and question marks remain over his future. If he does leave, a replacement will need to be sought. A bit more creativity in midfield may also help Bolton become more of an attacking threat. If they stay in the division, expect a busy summer at the Reebok Stadium. And don't be surprised if the manager follows the players out of the door.
Player Of The Season: Kevin Davies
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