SAM Allardyce has looked ahead to the forthcoming clashes with The Big Three after the 1-0 success over Aston Villa and warned it will be difficult to repeat last season's amazing successes. Wanderers meet Manchester United away, Liverpool at home and
WANDERERS lost their proud unbeaten away record but they made a real fight of it at Villa Park, taking a shock early lead then stunning Villa with a brave fightback. Michael Ricketts maintained his incredible scoring streak to stun John Gregory's men
JUSSI Jaaskelainen cranked up the pressure on West Ham when he insisted: "I wouldn't swap places - definitely not!" Saturday's survival showdown with Glenn Roeder's Hammers could be the game that secures a third successive top flight term for Wanderers
ROCK bottom Wanderers are stubbornly refusing to throw in the towel. Failure to beat West Brom in Saturday's basement battle at the Reebok was the latest in a string of setbacks but all the talk after Per Frandsen's late point-saver was of courage, character
SAM Allardyce will give a team talk with a difference tomorrow night . . . it will take place on the coach and he won't say a word. The Wanderers boss will get his players in the mood for the Manchester United derby by playing a video of last season's
CHIEF Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock's exclusive reports for this website. 14:48: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2002. BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP BOLTON WANDERERS V WEST BROM MICHAEL Ricketts, without a goal in open play since January, paid the price for his scoring
STEVE Banks left Villa Park on Saturday bearing the scars of battle and carrying Peter Schmeichel's shirt as a souvenir of his Premiership debut. Wounded by the trailing boot of Villa striker Darius Vassell and disappointed to have been on the losing
WANDERERS fans anticipating an historic double victory over mighty Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow night would be well advised to back their hunch. For while the supporters may believe that the Whites will rise to the occasion, the bookmakers
SAM Allardyce has called for referees' chief Philip Don to keep officials away from clubs where they have caused controversy. The Wanderers' boss was furious with the Premier League supremo for assigning Leeds referee Mike Riley to the basement battle
WANDERERS may be a forward looking club but on Saturday they took a step back in time as the players sported a kit design which dates back to their formation. The special 125th Anniversary shirt celebrate the club's long history which dates back to 1877
WANDERERS did well up to a point over 90 minutes and can justifiably point to Gardner's wrongful dismissal as a watershed moment writes Neil Bonnar But schoolboy defending and errors which handed Birmingham all three goals will cost them dear no matter
MONDAY: AN own goal by Phil Babb ten minutes from time rescues a point for Wanderers in the clash of the Premiership's bottom two at the Reebok. Michael Gray put Sunderland ahead with a blistering 25-drive and while the football was instantly forgettable
WHAT you need to know Ground: Loftus Road Nickname: The Cottagers Manager: Jean Tigana Position in table: 16th Top scorer: Facundo Sava (five) Last time out: FA Cup - Fulham 3 Birmingham City 1 How they lined up: Taylor, Finnan, Goma, Djetou, Harley,
Nickname: Blues. Manager: Steve Bruce. Current position: 13th. How to get there: M62 to M6. At junction 8 (junction with M5) keep to right hand lanes (signposted London M1 and M40). A38(M) junction 6 (A38/A38(M)/A5127) branch left (signposted Birmingham
OLD Trafford star Gary Neville hailed Wanderers' "fantastic" manager Sam Allardyce writes Neil Bonnar The United and England defender even likened Big Sam to his own legendary manager Alex Ferguson and said Wanderers would be mad to ever let him go. Bolton-based
JEAN Tigana knows exactly what he wants to avoid being sucked into the Premiership relegation battle writes Richard Mulligan Five wins and two draws will suit him and with eight home games still to come, two of them against struggling West Brom and West
FATHERS and sons were left reeling with shock after Bolton Wanderers' fantastic win over champions Manchester United. Delivery driver Steve Dwyer was celebrating the win and gloating after getting one-up on his teenage son while dedicated United fan Nick
SAM Allardyce confirmed today that he is prepared to make allowances for Michael Ricketts as long as he continues to score the goals that will keep Wanderers away from the Premiership danger zone. The Reebok boss revealed he has had cause to mildly chastise
STEVE Bruce paid tribute to Robbie Savage for helping to destroy Wanderers and build a firm foundation on which he believes Birmingham could survive in the Premiership. The St Andrews boss believes Savage has fulfilled all the expectations they had when
THEY have beaten the best so bring on the rest. It was certainly time for celebrations in Bolton this weekend when the mighty Wanderers shook Old Trafford to its foundations with an historic victory over Manchester United. Everyone wanted to pat the Whites
3 mins: Saha shot on target but easy for Jaaskelainen after a Fulham counter attack. 4 mins: Brevett gives away to Frandsen, sees Taylor off line and shoots from distance. Attempt is wide. 5 mins: Pedersen shoots just over after a Frandsen ball over top
7 mins: Darren Purse is forced to make a fine last ditch tackle to deny Youri Djorkaeff a clean run on goal. 12 mins: Clinton Morrison wriggled free on the right and crossed for the unmarked Lazaridis at the near post where his flick was turned away for
Born Bolton, August 27, 1925 September 4, 1939 -- Joined Bolton Wanderers. March 22, 1941 -- Bolton debut v Bury (scored twice in 5-1 win). August 31, 1946 -- League debut v Chelsea (scored twice in 4-3 defeat). November 22, 1950 -- England debut v Yugoslavia
BIRMINGHAM CITY 3, WANDERERS 1: COINS raining down on the fans, a torrential downpour and a deluge of disappointment at the final whistle. Basically a complete washout writes Neil Bonnar There was little in it until referee Chris Foy handed the initiative
IT was said Wanderers would need a miracle to beat Manchester United ... and that was just what they got. Jussi Jaaskelainen's sensational double save to deny Paul Scholes and Andy Cole five minutes before half time ranks alongside the amazing goalkeeping
Blues 3 - Bolton 1 by Richard Barker This report comes from http://www.birminghamcity-mad.co.uk/HERE BLUES bounced back to winning ways on Saturday afternoon with a good 3-1 victory over Sam Allardyce's Bolton Wanderers. In what was being billed by local
THE dedication of his second autobiography - "The Lion of Vienna" - said everything about one of the most famous Boltonians writes Gordon Sharrock Celebrating 50 years as a Wanderer, Nat Lofthouse wrote: "To the people of Bolton. Without you, none of
BO Hansen tempted fatewhen he suggested Manchester United's "dodgy" defence was not up to scratch before the match. The dashing Dane has seen chinks in the Reds' rearguard that offers Wanderers a glimmer of hope in the Old Trafford derby. "Comparing this
PETER Reid will watch Monday's Reebok clash when Wanderers meet his old club Sunderland with an open mind. But he knows the basement fight between the club where he began his career and the team of players he assembled at the Stadium of Light could be
ALL you need to know aboiut the visitors Ground: Stadium of Light Nickname: The Black Cats Manager: Howard Wilkinson Position in table: 18th Top scorer: Flo (six) Last time out: Premiership - Man Utd 2 Sunderland 1 How they lined up: Macho, Wright, Craddock
Manager: Howard Wilkinson Current position: 19th. Last time out: Sunderland 0 West Ham 1 (Sinclair) How they lined up: Macho, Wright, Gray, Reyna, Babb, Craddock, Piper, McCann, Kilbane, Phillips, Stewart. Injury update: Goalkeeper Thomas Myhre faces
STAND-in keeper Bo Hansen, who made impressive saves from Craig Bellamy and Alan Shearer, joked as he suggested he might have done even better if he'd had some tips from goalkpeeing coach Fred Barber. "I should probably have saved the free kick," the
JEFF Smith was the star man at the Reebok and admitted he was already looking to have another crack at Sunderland in the replay. Although not certain of selection in the return fixture, his exciting left wing performance will surely have earned him another
SAM Allardyce is ready to make big changes in pursuit of a home victory over Sunderland. The Bolton boss has a fully-fit squad to choose from for the first time this season as he prepares for the televised clash at the Reebok, and is ready to make the
SUNDERLAND boss Howard Wilkinson was at pains to point out that he had not fielded a weakened team for the FA Cup tie - simply the only one that was available to him. Injury had ruled out Kevin Kilbane and Gavin McCann was another casualty after being
JUSSI Jaaskelainen says Wanderers must stop shipping in goals or face a winter of discontent. The Reebok keeper believes the antidote to Wanderers' Premiership malaise lies in keeping clean sheets. Wanderers went ruefully close to keeping a third shutout
FAN'S VIEW by Phil Topham ANOTHER frustrating day at the office for the Wanderers who again struggled to convert superior possession into clear cut chances. Just as the penalty miss against Sunderland was the turning point a fortnight ago, Jaaskelainen's
DEAN Holdsworth won the admiration of one of his legendary predecessors when he refused to let Newcastle dent his determination. Wyn Davies, the Welsh centre-forward who led the Wanderers attack in the Sixties before winning European honours with Newcastle
WHO did what against Sunderland WANDERERS (3-5-2) KEVIN POOLE...6 The stand-in 'keeper made crucial saves from Phillips and Oster, and was in control although had a few jitters at the end. ANTHONY BARNESS...6 Captain for the day did not show the same
SUNDERLAND have been boosted by the return to full fitness of defensive duo Emerson Thome and Joachim Bjorklund. But former boss Peter Reid, fired earlier this month after seven years in charge at the Stadium of Light, believes that it is the return to
SAM Allardyce has defended his decision to field a virtual reserve side in the FA Cup against Sunderland at the Reebok on Saturday. Only 10,000 fans turned up to watch the 1-1 draw which has left both relegation-threatened teams facing a replay at the
KEVIN Phillips is backing himself and strike partner Marcus Stewart to score the goals that will propel Sunderland back up the table. That is bad news for Wanderers who will come up against the deadly duo on Monday night at the Reebok Stadium. Former
DELROY Facey was a relieved man to have finally started a game for Wanderers on Saturday, after surviving a debilitating illness that has dogged his Wanderers career. The 22-year-old was diagnosed with pneumonia shortly after joining the club in the summer
THE game was a draw but beforehand Sam Allardyce had suggested it would be lessons learned about the players coming in for a rare first team opportunity which would be the important feature of this FA Cup tie writes Richard Mulligan For the record, only
WANDERERS 0 NEWCASTLE UNITED 0 Wanderers (4-5-1/4-3-3) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 6 Great saves then a rush of blood ANTHONY BARNESS ... 6 Sacrificed in a tactical switch GUDNI BERGSSON ... 6 Disturbed by Bellamy's pace MIKE WHITLOW ... 6 Unfortunate to be
ANTHONY Barness says he and his fellow defenders should not be reluctant to fight their way out of trouble - even if it means playing unattractive football. "We can say we've played well on three occasions against some of the better teams - Liverpool,
SPURS boss Glenn Hoddle was full of praise for his two goalscorers in the 3-1 victory over Wanderers. Robbie Keane lit up White Hart Lane with a superb performance and Simon Davies continued his climb up the success ladder with another super show capped
WANDERERS travelled to Villa Park with their confidence higher than at any point of the season after going three games unbeaten and boasting their first clean sheet for 16 matches at Everton on Saturday. So it was a doubly disappointing performance, and
Aston Villa 2, Wanderers 0: DISAPPOINTING Wanderers crashed to defeat at Villa Park where Dion Dublin and Darius Vassell scored the vital goals. Vassell put the home side two goals up with just 10 minutes remaining to confirm a disappointing start to
TOTTENHAM 3, WANDERERS 1 WANDERERS 4-3-3/4-5-1 JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Super saves denied Carr and Sheringham but he was left stranded for all three goals ANTHONY BARNESS ... 6 Honest to goodness defending but collectively the defenders had to carry
NOT quite doom, but plenty of gloom, from ITV Sport's studio pundits, writes Chris Sudlow Andy Townsend and Tony Dorigo used the opportunity of their visit to the Reebok to predict tough times ahead. Well, most people knew that anyway. Cheerful Townsend
CHIEF Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock was at White Hart Lane to file these reports. 15:52: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2002. BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP SPURS V WANDERERS CHRIS Armstrong made a shock return to White Hart Lane - the stadium he left in the summer - when
SAM Allardyce's TV gamble paid off against Forest as the end fully justified the means. He had gambled to a certain extent when he sanctioned the switch which brought the tie forward 24 hours, the £100,000 TV fee more than compensating for not having
Aston Villa 2 Wanderers 0: SO near yet so far is fast becoming the story of Wanderers' season writes Neil Bonnar They could so easily have emerged from this game with a point and maybe more. But how many times have we said that this season? Last minute
SPURS 3, WANDERERS 1: THE Premiership might be the only place to be but not when you are at the foot of the table. The thrill of playing in arguably the best league in Europe, if not the World, is impossible to quantify and the pride in seeing your team
NICKY Southall set his sights on the Premiership last night after helping guide Wanderers into the last 16 of the Worthington Cup. "We need to get three points on Saturday," the midfielder insisted after picking up the Man of the Match award and instantly
Wanderers (4-3-3) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Got away with a rare handling mistake LEAM RICHARDSON ... 7 His enthusiasm is heartwarming BRUNO N'GOTTY ... 8 No-nonsense defending, effective on set plays COLIN HENDRY ... 7 His first full 90 minutes of the
MANAGER Sam Allardyce was delighted with the point at Goodison Park, although admitting the performance of Wayne Rooney had been the shining light on an otherwise drab afternoon. He said: "A clean sheet at last is a moral victory. We weathered the storm
SAM Allardyce has hailed his Christmas heroes who have propelled Bolton out of the Premiership drop zone writes Richard Mulligan A draw at Everton on Saturday was enough to send Bolton out of the bottom three as the Whites have stood up to the festive
WHO did what, and how they rated, by Richard Mulligan Wanderers (4-4-2) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN...8 A fabulous performance in keeping out the threat of Rooney. He commanded the area, although dropped a couple of crosses. SIMON CHARLTON...7 As usual did the
THE board of the Bolton Primary Care Trust will be advertising for a new non-executive director. Former director Cliff Morris has left to become chairman of the Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust Board. He was joint vice-chairman of the trust board.
SIMON Charlton and Jussi Jaaskelainen were all smiles at the end but there was a point midway through the second half at Upton Park when the two Wanderers looked set to come to blows. "It was a bit of 'handbags'," Charlton said, laughing off the 64th
SAM Allardyce is aiming to put the accent on attack next season. The Wanderers' boss gave the first clear indication of how he hopes to approach his second Premiership campaign after the final whistle sounded at Upton Park on Saturday. The result was
WEST HAM 2, WANDERERS 1 WANDERERS (4-3-3) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 8 His saves from Carrick, Defoe and Kanoute were top class ANTHONY BARNESS ... 6 One or two first half slips under pressure from Sinclair and Winterburn GUDNI BERGSSON ... 7 Had to work
17 mins: Wanderers have strong appeals for a penalty turned down as Pearce trips Ricketts, dumping the striker on his backside. 23 mins: Jaaskelainen launches himself full-length to turn Carrick's right-footer round the post, frustrating the Hammers'
SAM Allardyce was delighted with the lucky decision which earned Wanderers a much-needed point at Upton Park And he was even more pleased that Michael Ricketts had finally broken his duck of scoring in open play. He said: "Michael at last has come off
MIKE Whitlow says the famous Bolton spirit can be the key to survival. The defender played a big part in winning a point in Saturday's relegation dogfight after coming on at half time. His performance typified the determination and resilience which was
MICHAEL Ricketts, whose crucial equaliser kept Wanderers off the foot of the Premiership table at the weekend, joined Bolton from Walsall for just £400,000 and became the club's star striker as his goals catapulted the Whites to promotion from the First
Nolan's an inspiration for youngsters "Sam's vision is to eventually have at least 50 per cent of the players in the first team squad being home grown," reveals Wanderers' academy director Chris Sulley. Chris Hall investigates further . . . IF English
Wanderers (4-4-2) Jussi Jaaskelainen...7 An excellent all round display. One magnificent save, several decent ones and a safe pair of hands throughout. Anthony Barness...7 Determined, tenacious in the tackle and willing to move forward in support. A big
SAM Allardyce has a vision -- that he will leave a legacy at Bolton Wanderers that will stand as a testament to his tenure as manager. Three years into the job, he is still striving to establish the club as a force in the Premiership but his open-minded
READING all the tributes to Fred Dibnah (Bolton Evening News, November 10) a statue of Fred on Victoria Square looking towards the Town Hall would be a wonderful gesture to a great character and a true son of Bolton. God bless you Fred. You were 'Bowton's
I FELT I had to write in thanks of Fred's life. I don't know exactly what it was about him that made him loved by so many, even folk who show no interest whatsoever in steam engines, mechanics, or in anything structural for that matter. I suppose it must
Now that Fred Dibnah has passed away, a comparison could be made with that other great Boltonian - Samuel Crompton, who invented the spinning mule at Hall i'th' Wood, and hence changed the face of the cotton industry. Both individuals had humble, working
SIMON Edwards' ban is an absolute disgrace. He was merely doing what 24,000 BWFC supporters wished they could have done. I agree with the recent ban imposed on fans convicted of violent behaviour, but is the same penalty needed for a much lesser 'offence
SAM Allardyce refused to be drawn into any discussion about Robbie Savage's role in the sendings-off of Paul Warhurst and Dean Holdsworth. "That's down to Dave Bassett to sort out," he said. "It's his player and if he feels it wasn't right I'm sure he
AS A lifelong supporter of the Wanderers, I would like to register my utter disgust at the life ban issued to Simon Edwards. I do not condone Mr Edwards' behaviour, it is clear that it was a spur of the moment act, and one that he is truly sorry for.
MIDDLESBROUGH 2 WANDERERS 0 WANDERERS (4-3-3) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 6 A valiant attempt to keep out Ehiogu's header; beaten twice, little else to do. ANTHONY BARNESS ... 6 Victim of Job's thumping challenge leading to Boro's second; okay after shaky
GOALS 4, Sendings Off 3 - that was Des Lynam's brief intro for ITV's coverage of the Wanderers match on The Premiership on Saturday night writes Chris Sudlow Short and sweet, in typical Des style. Unfortunately, his producer must have taken this to heart
THE club that I have supported all my life seem totally unable to differentiate between an act of hooliganism and something that I would class as a minor misdemeanor. The ban imposed is totally disproportionate to the offence. There must be thousands
DAVE Bassett explained that it was a "professional decision" to pull off Robbie Savage after the Welsh international had been involved in the two incidents that saw referee Mike Riley brandishing red cards to Paul Warhurst and Dean Holdsworth. "I haven't
I SAW the incident from the North Stand and at no time did I see the man charging at the referee in an aggressive manner. When the fan at the recent Birmingham v Aston Villa game ran on to the pitch before confronting Villa keeper Peter Enckleman, the
SURELY the Board after consultation with the supporters' club ought to have reviewed this case, not made a faceless quick non-negotiable ban. To ban a fan for life is a very big thing. Not even Eric Cantona was banned for life and we all know that his
WHAT has Mike Riley got against Bolton Wanderers and their supporters? Whenever he has officiated in a Bolton fixture we always seem to suffer unduly and Saturday was no exception. If I performed as well in my job as he does in his I would expect to be
BEING a life-long Bury fan, I hate Bolton Wanderers. I do. However, to single out an individual and ban them for life, for other people's mistakes, (notably in this case the referee and BWFC for having such a poor team) is a disgrace. When BWFC were in
COLIN Woodthorpe is claiming the goal that gave Bury a stunning Worthington Cup triumph at the Reebok. Wanderers' French full-back Bernard Mendy was credited with an own goal for appearing to turn John Newby's cross into the net as he tried to prevent
IAN Marshall needed no explanation when Sam Allardyce suggested Wanderers will need to adopt the "Dogs of War" approach if they are to survive in the Premiership writes Gordon Sharrock "I was one of the originals," says the seasoned campaigner, drawing
HOWEVER painful the experience, players, managers and supporters are of the same opinion -- the Premiership is the only place to be. Wanderers have savoured the delights twice in the past six years and they are hungry for more. Not only that but, having
HENRIK Pedersen is determined to make a name for himself in England -- but not the same one he made for himself back home in Denmark. The 26-year-old striker could be excused for suffering from a temporary identity crisis when he hears people using his
ECSTATIC Shakers boss Andy Preece says Bury's shock Worthington Cup triumph over Premiership neighbours Bolton has finally exorcised the ghosts of their administration misery writes Chris Hall Not only did the 12,000 attendance and a place in the next
SAM Allardyce's hackles rose at the suggestion that Wanderers had been installed as favourites for relegation from the Premiership. It was not the fact that the bookies were writing off his team and, consequently, tipping him to be the first top flight
Ground: The Hawthorns. Nickname: Albion or Baggies. Manager: Gary Megson. Current position: 19th. Top scorer: Jason Roberts - three. Last time out: Albion 1 (Clement), Manchester City 2 (Anelka, Goater). How they lined up: (3-5-2) Hoult; Gregan, Moore
Referee: Graham Poll (Tring). Attendance: 23, 378. Goals: Leeds - Mills 11mins, Fowler 16 mins, Wilcox 73 mins. Shots/headers on target: Wanderers 9 Leeds 5. Corners: Wanderers 5 Leeds 3. Offsides: Wanderers 5 Leeds 5. Fouls committed: United 11 Wanderers
WANDERERS are top of the league in all games between the clubs. They have won 40, against United's 38, with 22 drawn. In the FA Cup United have two wins to Wanderers' famous one in 1958. The first game between the clubs ended in a 4-1 win for Wanderers
SAM Allardyce believes that Bolton must reverse their awful home record if they are to have any chance of staying in the Premiership. The Whites lost for the third time at the Reebok this season with a 3-0 reverse against Leeds last night to add to the
WANDERERS didn't need the bookies to tell them they will be the underdogs in the Premiership. They are under no illusions down at the Reebok. They are in for a rough ride -- but at least they know it and they have players who have been there ... and survived
4 mins: Per Frandsen produces the first effort on goal with a long range free kick that is deflected just over the bar. The Dane almost repeats Christian Ziege's goal from Sunday's North London derby. 8 mins: Jay Jay Okocha breaks up a Leeds attack and
WANDERERS 0 BURY 1 WANDERERS 3-5-2 KEVIN POOLE ... 7 Two excellent early saves from Dunfield shots. DANNY LIVESEY ... 7 The youngster looked steady in his first senior start. DAVID HOLDSWORTH ... 7 Made his experience count; working hard for a contract
Man of the match: Harry Kewell - THE Aussie was a constant menace to Bolton's defence. He was effective playing alongside Fowler in attack, but even more so when coming from deep and the left flank. MOAN OF THE MATCH: HOW can Wanderers have so many chances
WANDERERS defender Simon Charlton is still leading the field in Premiership appearances. To date, the full back has played in every one of Wanderers 23 Premiership games making him the only ever-present in the league this season - and is determined to
KEVIN Nolan has the feeling the good times are about to return. The 20-year-old's season has mirrored that of Wanderers so far this season - talented but not producing results. He admits he has felt low this term as he has struggled to recapture the form
LOFTY the Lion and Fred the Red are ready for the off ahead of Tuesday's exciting clash between Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United. The two mascots -- each vital to their team's own preparations -- enjoy friendly rivalry on the pitch. And they are
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has called for 'controlled aggression' from his players as they prepare for the derby battle with Wanderers. Rovers have ended up playing with 10-men in two of their last three visits to the Reebok after Garry Flitcroft and
FAN's VIEW by Phil Parker Phil saw his first Wanderers game in 1964 and watches games from the lower West Stand WHO would be a football manager? Forget the fame and huge salaries, the game has a never ending propensity for making a mug out of you, and
BLACKBURN'S success this season comes as no surprise to Sam Allardyce. Rovers' rise to ninth in the Premiership has bred confidence down the road at Ewood Park and staggered some who felt they would be more likely to find themselves around the lower regions
PAUL Scholes has challenged his Manchester United team-mates to go on another eight-match unbeaten run, starting tonight. Liverpool ended United's eight-game winning streak last week, and pegged the champions back just when it looked like they might open
JAY Jay Okocha says Wanderers are heading for the drop unless they can sort out their home form. Saturday's last second equaliser for Blackburn cost Wanderers two more home points and pointed the finger at the problem which is keeping Wanderers rooted
SATURDAY: WANDERERS suffer a last-gasp defeat for the second successive Saturday, Kanu's goal in the third minute of overtime securing a 2-1 Arsenal win that keeps the Champions on top of the Premiership. Thierry Henry gives the Gunners the lead on 27
HOW they rated by Neil Bonnar WANDERERS 1, ROVERS 1 WANDERERS (4-3-3) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN...6 Bad handling on crosses but two spectacular saves made up for it. ANTHONY BARNESS...7 If he gets any more consistent than this he'll inherit the Mr Reliable tag
GORDON Strachan had just seen his Southampton side denied their first away win of the season yet was still able to show the ready wit that is as much his trademark as his sometimes fiery temperament. Youri Djorkaeff's equaliser two minutes into injury
14:42: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2002 BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP: WANDERERS V SOUTHAMPTON MICHAEL Ricketts returned to the starting line-up as Wanderers came off the back of impressive performances against the Premiership's big guns, aiming to take all three
THEY say Manchester United have the biggest supporters club in the world -- but Bolton FC are not nicknamed the Wanderers for nothing. Their fans have wandered all over the planet and the distant echo of their cheers will be heard when Big Sam's lads
YOURI Djorkaeff has dedicated his dramatic last-gasp equaliser to the supporters who kept Wanderers going to the last kick of Saturday's Reebok duel with Southampton. "My goal is specially dedicated to the fans because it was crazy out there," the Frenchman
ARSENAL 2, WANDERERS 1. LUCKLESS Wanderers were beaten by a last-gasp goal for the second week running as they went down valiantly to the Champions in dramatic fashion at Highbury. Kanu prodded home the Arsenal winner in the third minute of overtime to
I WOULD like to send my sympathy to Simon Edwards. I can't understand where the club is coming from. In my opinion they are being pathetic and childish. This decision makes the board look as if they don't know what they are doing. How they can complain
GARETH Farrelly could get his wish this week with a second chance to re-establish himself in Sam Allardyce's survival squad. The Republic of Ireland international, close to becoming the 'forgotten man', came from nowhere to play a prominent role as Wanderers
SAM Allardyce voiced fears today that successive last-gasp defeats could dent the confidence of his brave battlers. "The performances have been there," the Reebok boss said, reflecting on the back-to-back defeats by Liverpool and Arsenal when late goals
I AM writing with regard to the lifetime ban for the Bolton Wanderers supporter who was banned for invading the pitch and pointing at his watch. In my opinion this is a total over-reaction by the club towards a life-long supporter who let his frustration
10 mins: Djorkaeff delivers a sliderule 50-yard pass into Holdsworth's path but Campbell and Keown converge, sandwiching the striker, who appeals in vain for a penalty. 12 mins: Henry misses a penalty, hitting the post after Bergsson is penalised and
GUDNI Bergsson drew consolation and comfort from defeat at Highbury when he maintained Wanderers are better equipped for top flight survival than they were last season. "Twelve months ago we were top of the table so you probably can't say that," the Reebok
ARSENAL 2, WANDERERS 1 WANDERERS 4-3-2-1 JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Excellent saves but hesitant once or twice; a mix-up with Bergsson first half ANTHONY BARNESS ... 7 A neat and tidy contribution to a brave rearguard action. GUDNI BERGSSON ... 7 Had a
IT was the day that the heavens opened and Bolton wept. A favourite son was gone. But thousands turned out in relentless rain to show that Fred Dibnah will never be forgotten. The only great pity was that Fred himself was not there to see it because he
DRENCHED, defeated and disappointed but not demoralised! That was the word from the dressing room after Wanderers' mini-revival skidded off course on a rain-soaked Maine Road. A three-match unbeaten run had boosted hopes they might pull away from the
SAM Allardyce has sprung to the defence of teenage debutant Danny Livesey, refusing to let the young defender carry the can for Liverpool's second goal in Saturday's Reebok thriller. The 17-year-old Salford boy was thrown in at the deep end after just
Fan's view by Paul Cooper ONE word sums up the whole Maine Road experience - joke! From arriving an hour before the game to find we were crushed into the uncovered seats on the scaffold in the corner of the stadium - without enough plastic ponchos to
Ground: Anfield. Manager: Gerard Houllier. Nickname: Reds or Pool. Current position: 4th. Last time out: Liverpool 2 (Murphy 25, Gerrard 49), Birmingham 2 (Morrison 61 and 90). How they lined up: Dudek, Carragher, Hyypia, Henchoz (Heskey 45), Gerrard,
FATE and timing - factors that can have as much influence on a sportsman's career as talent and determination - have conspired to pitch Paul Warhurst into a derby duel with the team he has supported since his childhood. The Stockport-born Wanderer, whose
Fans' View by Peter Simmons TWO of the so-called 'big three' now out of the way and three valuable points to show, but how things would have been different if Liverpool's finishing had been anything less than clinical. Wanderers dominated the play for
WHILE Thierry Henry is being hailed the best striker in Europe, it is another Frenchman who is taking Kevin Keegan's breath away. Nicolas Anelka is everything the City boss thought he would be when he splashed out a club record £13m in the summer - and
SATURDAY: BULENT Akin flies to Belgium for a fresh round of treatment from specialist Lieven Maesschalli to speed his recovery from the knee injury holding up his Wanderers' debut. Burnden legend Eddie Hopkinson, who holds the club's appearance record
DEAN Holdsworth has scrapped plans to move on and is now hell bent on seeing out the remaining year of his contract at the Reebok. "I'm not going anywhere for the rest of the season," the striker confirmed today as he looked forward to playing his part
SAM Allardyce has offered rival boss Kevin Keegan a piece of financial advice ahead of Saturday's Maine Road derby. At the end of a week in which Manchester City had cause to deny rumours that their manager had quit in a row over transfer funds, the Wanderers
SAM Allardyce wrestled with mixed emotions after seeing a point won and lost in the space of 30 dramatic seconds at a packed, sun-drenched Reebok on Saturday. Ivan Campo, signed on loan from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day, crowned his home debut
MANCHESTER City will be leaving their Maine Road home for the City of Manchester Stadium this summer. Saturday's game between City and Wanderers was the last between the two at the ground which the Blues have occupied for almost 80 years. The first game
SAM Allardyce is hoping his depleted defence can keep Kevin Keegan's strikeforce out of harm's way at Maine Road on Saturday. He is hoping they can produce the shut-out that has proved so elusive since Wanderers last triumphed in Manchester in that famous
SIR Alex Ferguson must hate the sight of Sam Allardyce and his enthusiastic players arriving at Old Trafford - the home fans certainly do! writes Chris Sudlow. For the second time in a year Wanderers sent fans of their deadly rivals home in a complete
8 mins: Ricketts climbs high to tee-up Djorkaeff with a neat header but Ferdinand blocks the Frenchman's way to goal. 14 mins: Beckham takes Veron's angled pass in his stride, races beyond Charlton and tests Jaaskelainen with a low drive. 26 mins: Djorkaeff
THERE was no doubting the relief on the face of smiling Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri after Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's late leveller had rescued a point for his side. But he was at pains to make it clear that this is a new Chelsea; a side that approaches
WANDERERS 4-3-3 JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 9 Three late saves denied United an equaliser they worked hard to get ANTHONY BARNESS ... 8 Singled out for praise by Allardyce for keeping Giggs quiet GUDNI BERGSSON ... 9 Cultured, composed and commanding at the
WANDERERS 1 CHELSEA 1 WANDERERS 3-5-2 then 4-3-3 JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 8 Outstanding saves from Gallas and Hasselbaink kept Wanderers in the game at key times ANTHONY BARNESS ... 8 His rich vein of form continues; one stunning interception on Hasselbaink
CHIEF Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock provides live web reports for every Wanderers match. This is how he covered the Chelsea game with a preview, half-time report and full-time summary. 14:51: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2002. BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP BOLTON
CHIEF Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock's exclusive live match report for our website from Old Trafford on Wednesday, September 11, as Wanderers beat Manchester United 1-0. 19:47: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2002. BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP MANCHESTER UNITED v
MANCHESTER UNITED 0, BOLTON WANDERERS 1: THE most ardent Wanderers fan doubted that lightning really could strike the same place twice. A little more than 11 months ago they savoured the unforgettable experience of witnessing a derby victory that turned
MANCHESTER United's Phil Neville is backing Sam Allardyce's summer signings to propel Wanderers into mid-table this season writes Richard Mulligan The Bury-born defender was part of the United side that lost at home to Bolton last year, and he is expecting
WANDERERS will attempt 'mission impossible' when they go for glory at Old Trafford tomorrow night writes Neil Bonnar Sam Allardyce will send his players with tactics to frustrate Manchester United and capitalise on any chances which fall their way. But
WYN Davies has a foot in both camps in any Manchester United versus Bolton Wanderers clash writes Peter Keeling But when he says "we" he is talking about Wanderers as he looks forward to Wednesday's attempt by Big Sam's men to prove that lightning can
Ground: Old Trafford (Capacity 67,603). Nickname: Red Devils. Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson. Current position: 4th. Season to date: United 1, Middlesbrough 0; Sunderland 1, United 1; Chelsea 2, United 2; United 1, West Brom 0. Last time out: Wednesday, Sept
MICHAEL Ricketts' confidently-taken 55th minute penalty after Villa goalkeeper Peter Enckelman had brought down the industrious Henrik Pedersen gave Wanderers three richly-deserved points. It was a performance full of character and resolve in which the
Ground: Villa Park. Nickname: The Villains. Manager: Graham Taylor. Position: 13th. Players in: Marcus Allback (Heerenveen, £2m), Stefan Postma (De Graafschap, £1.5m), Ulises de la Cruz (Hibernian, £1.5m), Lee Grant (York, undisclosed), Michael Boulding
SATURDAY: IVAN Campo undergoes a 6.30am medical before completing his loan switch from Real Madrid. His registration is lodged and by lunchtime Wanderers receive international clearance from Spain - just hours before the transfer deadline. Sam Allardyce
GRAHAM Taylor was upset with the decision that cost his side dearly at the Reebok. He saw a second half effort from Juan Pablo Angel that would have levelled the scores wiped out after a controversial offside decision. But Taylor's anger was not directed
13:46: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2002 WANDERERS V ASTON VILLA IVAN Campo was not at the Reebok to see his new teammates attempt to collect their first points of the season. The 28-year-old Real Madrid defender, who signed a season-long loan deal with Wanderers
MIDFIELDER Born: England, June 28, 1980 Signed: January, 2000 from Macclesfield (free) International caps: 0 Appearances: 3 Goals: 0 Previous clubs: Macclesfield, Bishop Auckland, Hartlepool
MIDFIELDER Born: Denmark, August 14, 1969 Signed: February, 2002 from SV Hamburg (£250,000) International caps: 41 Appearances: 6 Goals: 0 Previous clubs: SV Hamburg, Aarhus, MSV, Odense, AGF
MIDFIELDER Born: France March 9, 1968 Signed: July, 2002 (free) International Caps: 82 Appearances: 12 Goals: 4 Previous clubs: Kaiserslautern, Inter Milan, PSG, Monaco, Strasbourg, Grenoble
MIDFIELDER Born: England, September 26, 1969 Signed: November, 1998 from Crystal Palace (£800,000) International caps: 0 Appearances: 70 Goals: 0 Previous clubs: Palace, Blackburn, Sheff Wed, Oldham, Man City
STRIKER Born: England, November 8, 1968 Signed: October 1997 from Wimbledon (£3.5 million) International caps: 0 Appearances: 171 Goals: 49 Previous clubs: Wimbledon, Brentford, Swansea, Port Vale, Carlisle, Watford
Born: Dudley October 19, 1954. Joined Bolton Wanderers: 1969. Position: centre half. Turned professional: November, 1971 League debut: November, 1973 Clubs: Left Wanderers in1980 to join Sunderland for £150,000. Made 214 first class appearances for the
THE bookmakers may be taking Wanderers lightly again this season but it is unlikely that the Premiership's big guns will be following suit. Wanderers' success against England's biggest teams last season will ensure the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool
IF Jussi Jaaskelainen can avoid the red mist, he could earn himself the distinction of being a Premiership ever-present this season. The Reebok ace has everything going for him: talent that makes him Wanderers' undisputed number one and one of the best
ONE of the most pertinent questions asked of Sam Allardyce when he announced the signing of Jay Jay Okocha was whether he was no longer interested in bringing Youri Djorkaeff to the Reebok. Surely he was not thinking of playing them both in the same side
BY common consent, Paul Warhurst is considered the most talented player in the Wanderers' squad. Mike Whitlow - the all-seeing, all-knowing sage of the Reebok dressing room - makes no bones about it: "When Paul Warhurst plays, we rarely lose." The only
MEMORIES of a glittering past were revived when it was revealed Youri Djorkaeff will wear the number six shirt for Wanderers next season. Despite insisting he had no qualms about wearing number 13 when he arrived at the Reebok from Kaiserslautern 17 months
THE signings of Youri Djorkaeff, Jay Jay Okocha and Bulent Akin have underlined Sam Allardyce's determination to inject quality into his midfield in the coming season. Good news for those who see greater competition for places as the key to a successful
Nolan to fight for his place KEVIN Nolan has pledged to fight to keep his Premiership place as Wanderers bid to bounce back from the disappointment of their opening day defeat at Old Trafford. The fiesty midfielder was upset at being substituted after
RARELY in the proud 125-year history of Bolton Wanderers have supporters looked forward to a new season with greater excitement and expectation writes Gordon Sharrock Premiership football is bigger and better than ever and the boys from the Reebok will
BY his own admission, he is a nuisance, a mitherer. He does not set out to get on people's nerves but that is often an unavoidable by-product of his fierce determination to get his own way. On only rare occasions does he not get what he wants and then
GOAL hero Per Frandsen summed up the joy and relief in the Reebok camp. "The pressure is nothing new," he said. "I have been through it nearly every year but it has been mentally difficult in the last few months. "I have never scored a more important
ALLAN Partridge writes from Abu Dhabi: MY family here will be watching The Lads clinch their Premiership place. Big Sam has told the supportors to produce a stadium of noise. We have many friends here, we watch live Premiership games every week at our
YOURI Djorkaeff reflected on the survival campaign and said: : "We showed in the last 10 games how much we want to stay in the Premiership. "It was a big game in my life and I have never lost these big games. "The manager has a big job in the summer.
WEST Brom manager Gary Megson is a surprise hit among Wanderers fans. In our latest poll we asked fans to vote who is the best manager of the teams involved in the Premiership relegation battle? Big Sam was excluded from this vote! And of the 259 votes
SAM Allardyce is doing nothing different this week in the build-up to the vital game with Middlesbrough on Sunday. Training will be the same as usual, although he will want to be satisfied over the make-up of the defence considering Gudni Bergsson will
SAM Allardyce took a swipe at the Football Association today after Kevin Nolan was re-routed to Italy with the England Unders 21s as he was packing his bags for Dubai. The Wanderers' boss said it was "ludicrous" that U21s coach David Platt gave them just
SAM Allardyce says the pressures of the transfer window had forced him to sign his new continental trio of Spaniard Salva Ballesta and French duo Pierre-Yves Andre and Florent Laville purely on their CVs. "There was no time to watch them," he explained
SAM Allardyce has played down the hostile response Wanderers fans gave Michael Ricketts at Newcastleon Wednesday night. "I wasn't surprised by it," the manager said, reacting to the chorus of boos from the away section of St James' Park as the wantaway
IVAN Campo has been called everything from a clown to an overweight pub player this season writes Neil Bonnar. And the biggest barrage of abuse hurled at him from television pundits came during his previous week's performance in the North East at Sunderland
WEST Ham are banking on Middlesbrough's financial needs to save their Premiership skins. The Hammers, who have to better whatever Wanderers achieve against Middlesbrough on Sunday to avoid the drop, reckon that while they need points, Boro need pounds
WANDERERS boss Sam Allardyce fears poor refereeing decisions and equally poor finishing could condemn his team to an uphill fight for Premiership survival. Allardyce was talking after last night's narrow 1-0 defeat at St James' Park which saw third placed
SIR Tom Finney was always given a hard time when he played against Bolton Wanderers for Preston. But he does not hold any grudges and he will be cheering on the Whites in their make-or-break survival mission against Middlesbrough on Sunday. Burnden Park
SAM Allardyce wants Wanderers fans to create a Reebok Roar that will frighten the life out of Middlesbrough on Sunday. Allardyce believes a passionate capacity crowd can spur the team to the victory which will preserve the Whites' Premiership lives. The
IT was party time in Bolton on Sunday night as the whole town celebrated Premiership survival writes Chris Sudlow. For Wanderers have confounded the soccer world by staying in the mega-money Premiership after their nail-biting 2-1 Reebok Sunday Survival
Ground: The Valley. Nickname: Addicks. Manager: Alan Curbishley. Last season: 14th. Top scorer: Jason Euell 11 (Premiership). Corresponding fixture: Wanderers 0, Charlton 0. Players in: Gary Rowett (Leicester, £3.5m), Paul Rachubka (Man Utd, £200,000)
RICHARD Rufus, the defender at the centre of the two penalty verdicts that stunned Wanderers on Saturday, is being tipped for England honours by Charlton manager Alan Curbishley. The Addicks' chief considered handing Rufus the team captaincy after selling
FOUR Wanderers fans and one Rovers supporter were arrested on Saturday. Police also ejected 11 fans from the Reebok stadium following a pitch invasion during the game.
WANDERERS 1 CHARLTON ATH 2: NOBODY is panicking but the manager is worried his players might start feeling the pressure and the players are asking the fans to be patient. Old friends are offering words of comfort and encouragement. This is not how it
IT was of no consequence to Nicky Southall at the time but, when he clipped in the free-kick that earned Gillingham a point at the Reebok in March, he did serious damage to Wanderers' promotion prospects. They would eventually miss out on an automatic
PER Frandsen topped the fans' text message man of the match award in Saturday's game against Fulham. The Danish midfield star won 28 per cent of the votes ahead of second placed Jay Jay Okocha who polled 22 per cent with central defender Ivan Campo coming
SIR Alex Ferguson reflected on that shock defeat by Wanderers in the programme notes for the Leeds game the following Saturday. He wrote: "The run up to the Olympiakos match was certainly not ideal and our performance against Bolton was especially lethargic
THREE-QUARTERS of the fans who entered our poll agreed that Sam Allardyce was correct to field a weakened side against Bury on Wednesday.
JEAN Tigana had plenty to smile about as he enjoyed the distinction, albeit briefly, of seeing Fulham on top of the Premier League. The toothpick-chewing Frenchman does not see the "cottageless" Cottagers challenging the elite but, in beating Wanderers
FULHAM 4, WANDERERS 1 WANDERERS (4-3-2-1) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Good first half saves from Legwinski and Marlet kept the score down BERNARD MENDY ... 5 Had a baptism of fire on his debut; struggled against the threat from Brevett and Boa Morte GUDNI
THE winning goal at the Reebok goal itself was a source of much debate. It was almost impossible to decipher whether Jon Newby's cross was forced home by Colin Woodthorpe or if Bernard Mendy had crowned his home debut with an own goal among a tangle of
SAM Allardyce did not need to point fingers or name names after seeing Wanderers thrashed 4-1 at Loftus Road. His double substitution at half time of Jay Jay Okocha and Bernard Mendy spoke for itself and when he referred to the "woeful" defending that
ANTI-racism flags were handed out to fans at the Manchester United v Wanderers match on Saturday as part of a nationwide bid to kick into touch racism in soccer. Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly has pledged her support to end racism in football. Hundreds of
IT might pain him to say it today but Sam Allardyce did warn us. He did not anticipate a four-goal thrashing in the opening fixture, of course, but he did make a number of telling points in the days leading up to Saturday's Premiership opener: Having
GOALKEEPER Born: Finland, 17/04/75 Signed: November, 1997 from Vaasa (£100,000) International caps: 7 Appearances: 146 Previous clubs: VPS Vaasa, MP Mikkelin
IT was definitely one for the fans. And a result which the 3,000 faithful who went to Old Trafford with crossed fingers and left with arms aloft will relate to their grandchildren. A win against Manchester United, at Old Trafford, by Premiership newcomers
AN ecstatic Bolton Wanderers supporter photographed in the BEN on her mobile phone during last weekend's Old Trafford clash was ringing a Manchester United fan -- to gloat. Geography teacher Jenny Norton, aged 23, could not wait to rub it in when the
DEFENDER Born: England, December 7, 1965 Signed: July, 2001 from Blackburn (free) International caps: 0 Appearances: 13 Goals: 0 Previous clubs: Blackburn
HAVING been one of the unfortunate and entirely innocent victims of "Fergie fury" in the past, it was extremely heartening and somewhat surprising to hear the Old Trafford supremo so magnanimous in defeat last Saturday. The Manchester United manager's
SINCE its inception some nine years ago, Manchester United have never lost a Premiership game at Old Trafford to a team that they have taken a lead against. Until now that is! Most Wanderers supporters claim their most harrowing match witnessed at Burnden
STRIKER Born: Denmark, October 6, 1975 Signed: July, 2001 from Silkeborg (£650,000) International Caps: 1 Appearances: 15 Goals: 2 Previous clubs: Silkeborg
SAM Allardyce flew in the face of widespread popular opinion when he set out the reasons he believes Wanderers should have no fears about taking on the might of Manchester United at Old Trafford. The consensus is that the David and Goliath derby is the
GOALKEEPER Born: England, 21/07/63 Signed: October, 2001 from Birmingham (free) International caps: 0 Appearances: 3 Previous clubs: Birmingham, Leicester, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa
SIR Alex Ferguson has assured Wanderers that they should have no fears about life in the Premiership after seeing his Champions humbled at Old Trafford. The United manager was magnanimous in defeat, conceding that Wanderers deserved to win, praising Sam
STRIKER Born: England, April 22, 1980 Signed: July, 2002 from Huddersfield (set for tribunal) International caps: 0 Appearances: 0 Goals: 0 Previous clubs: Huddersfield Town
DEFENDER Born: France, August 20, 1981 Signed: July, 2002 from Paris St Germain (on loan) International caps: France under-21 Appearances: 0 Goals: 0 Previous clubs: Paris St Germain
RADCLIFFE BORO 1, WANDERERS 1: WANDERERS' build-up to the new Premiership season started quietly with a less than full strength side held to a 1-1 draw at Radcliffe Borough. Richard Landon put Boro ahead on 53 minutes but Mark Moran equalised for Wanderers
MIDFIELDER Born: Belgium, August 28, 1979 Signed: July, 2002 from Galatasaray (free) International caps: 0 (Turkey) Appearances: 0 Goals: 0 Previous clubs: Galatasaray, Denizlispor
DEFENDER Born: England, February 25, 1973 Signed: July, 2000 from Charlton (free) International caps: 0 Appearances: 56 Goals: 0 Previous clubs: Charlton, Southend, Middlesbrough, Chelsea
IT'S obvious Wanderers are having a splashing time at their pre-season training camp in the Italian Alps. Michael Ricketts and Kevin Nolan, above, and Youri Djorkaeff, left and Mike Whitlow are at the forefront as they enjoy a moment of relaxation in
BURNLEY 1, WANDERERS 1: JAY Jay Okocha will have license to roam when the new Premiership season kicks off on August 17. The gifted Nigerian international, whose free transfer from Paris St Germain could turn out to be one of the steals of the summer,
Cardiff City 2 Bolton Wanderers 1 PER Frandsen was philosophical after Bolton's 2-1 defeat by Cardiff City at Ninian Park on Saturday writes Richard Mulligan The Second Division side pipped Premiership Wanderers with two goals in the last eleven minutes
ONE e-mailer pointed out: "I was standing near the queue and overheard a Scouser asking for 'Five tickets for this stand' pointing to the stand behind the ticket office, and the person at the ticket office sold them the tickets knowing they were Everton
DID you see any problems at the Reebok on Saturday? E-mail Internet Editor Chris Sudlow on csudlow@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk with your views. And if you have a solution to the problem, then let us know. Some clubs make fans answer questions about their
WHY is all the South Stand not given to the fans of the opposing teams? It is a reflection on the current game that fans do not sit easily with the opposition. It hardly took highly paid executives to realise the Everton allocation would be over-subscribed
MARJORIE Armstrong of Little Lever writes: "What has happened to crowd segregation? Not a lot, judging by the amount of Everton who were in the middle of the Bolton fans on Saturday. "Saturday's game was one of the ones which should have been made all-ticket
FOLLOWING the events at last week's game its quite clear that while we have a Premiership stadium and, at long last, a Premiership team, we still have an amateur organisation behind the scenes. At no other ground have I ever been to in the Premiership
SATURDAY'S Reebok derby against Blackburn Rovers is a 27,000-plus sell-out and supporters are warned not to turn up without a ticket.
JIMMY Floyd Hasselbaink, who scored the vital goal which gave Chelsea an undeserved 2-1 half-time lead, admitted: "We started badly. "But with a little bit of luck and a little bit of good play in the last five minutes of the half we got back into the
RELIVE the excitement of the 1-1 draw between Wanderers and Rovers earlier in the season. Click HERE for the BEN verdict Click HERE for reports from the Blackburn-based Lancashire Evening Telegraph
FREDI Bobic - still looking for his first goal since joining Wanderers on loan from Borussia Dortmund - is looking forward to his first taste of a Lancashire derby - a game which could go a long way in determining both clubs' survival ambitions. He fears
YOURI Djorkaeff has caught the derby fever as Wanderers stepped up their preparations for Saturday's Reebok relegation showdown with Blackburn. The French World Cup winner, who made his Premiership debut in the scoreless draw at Southampton, acknowledged
SAM Allardyce fuelled the atmosphere ahead of Saturday's Reebok clash with local rivals Blackburn Rovers when he recognised the fixture as having a major bearing on his team's survival prospects. "We know we've got teams in the next three or four games
WANDERERS fans worried about their team's Premiership survival chances hope to be counting their blessings at 4.45pm. They know the club's future could rest on the relegation battle against Blackburn Rovers at the Reebok. And they will be praying that
SAM Allardyce today sympathised with the thousands of Wanderers fans who snubbed Saturday's FA Cup clash with Sunderland. Bolton attracted just 10,123 supporters through the turnstiles, with almost 3,000 visitors travelling from Wearside. But the gate
WANDERERS and Sunderland go into Monday's FA Cup Fourth Round draw after a 1-1 draw at the Reebok - but are they too concerned? And do the fans care? Manager Sam Allardyce had no doubts where his priorities are lying - next week's Premiership clash with
A WOMAN who made a suicide pact with her husband has returned home. Wendy Ainscow arrived home in the Wirral after spending more than week in the physiatric ward of a hospital in Tenerife. The 64-year-old was rescued by fishermen after walking into the
BORO boss Steve McClaren, already upset at losing out on Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan, who chose Manchester United over the Riverside, was not a happy man. McClaren said: "The disappointment is that we could have had the game won by half-time. "We started
AN 11-year-old girl is still in hospital after a firework exploded in her face. Jaya Varsani was celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali in Adelaide Street, Daubhill, on Saturday night when the rocket toppled over as it was lit. Hundreds of people who
Middlesbrough 1, Wanderers 1:BO Hansen scored his first goal for 11 months to rescue a point as Wanderers - the comeback kings - did it again writes Gordon Sharrock Trailing to Noel Whelan's first half goal and without the services of midfield ace Per
SOMEONE should have told this lot the strike was off! It's not often you'd opt for Christmas shopping rather than the Premiership, but sorry lads, this was a shocker Steve Bates in the Sunday People Big Sam knows his side have to start winning at the
Fans' View by Dave Pritchard AT the risk of starting with a clich, football is a cruel game. The actions of 25 men should not spoil 20,000 people's weekends, but that is the way it is. You will note I cited 25 men as having a say in the fans' weekends
HOW the action unfolded 4 mins: The balls drops for Djorkaeff after a bout of head tennis but the midfielder hits his shot wildly over the bar. 6 mins: Thompson whips in a low cross and Bergsson has hearts in mouths as his clearance just misses his own
SAM Allardyce had no one else to blame but his players for the loss of another two points from a home game. While Wanderers' fans were ready to work out their frustration on referee Neale Barry, Allardyce clearly felt the official should not be held responsible
THE hunt is on for the Bolton Evening News readers' favourite restaurant. Thousands of votes are expected from food fans across the borough, keen to highlight a variety of popular restaurants and pubs. The voting forms are now available in dozens of local
YOUNGSTERS from a Bolton children's club will be helping to choose the winner of the Nestle Smarties Book Prize. Children from School's Out Kids Club, which has three centres in Bromley Cross and Edgworth, will become judges for the national competition
Wanderers 1, Blackburn Rovers 1: MANAGER Sam Allardyce was fuming after yet another late goal cost Wanderers more vital points at the Reebok on Saturday. Wanderers were stunned by the last kick equalising header by Blackburn Rovers skipper Craig Short
WANDERERS stars mingled with guests at a glittering charity evening which helped to raise thousands for Bolton Busting Breast Cancer. Ivan Campo, Dean Holdsworth, Gudni Bergsson, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Mike Whitlow changed from their soccer kits into
NICKY Hunt was caught in the crossfire as England U21 captain Glenn Johnson was controversially sent off in last night's friendly in Spain. Johnson, who has already been booked, wasordered off in the 70th minute for sarcastically applauding German referee
SAM Allardyce has sent a "minder" to ensure Jay Jay Okocha gets the best of care while on international duty with Nigeria. The Wanderers boss allowed his injured skipper to fly to South Africa, where he will have the privilege of meeting Nelson Mandela
JULIO Cesar will escape a Premiership ban despite being sent off in last night's reserve match against Blackburn Rovers. The Brazilian centre-back, who has not figured in the Premiership since Wanderers' August defeat at Fulham, saw his hopes of getting
WANDERERS have arranged their Second Round Carling Cup tie against First Division Walsall for Wednesday, September 24 (ko 8pm).
SAM Allardyce today admitted that last night's home defeat by Everton plunged his side into "grave, grave danger," with the next two games against Birmingham and West Brom now crucial in the fight for survival. "The 21 points we have taken from our 25
YOURI DJORKAEFF: SHOWED his class when it was needed. His free kick invited an equaliser but his finish which gave Wanderers a lifeline was inspired. MOAN OF THE MATCH FLORENT Laville's first booking was hard to take and could have big repercussions if
WEST Ham have piled the pressure back on Wanderers just when Sam Allardyce's heroes thought they had finally edged clear of the Premiership drop zone. Wanderers' magnificent fightback draw with Arsenal on Saturday has still left them with all to do after
WANDERERS emerged with all the credit and virtually confirmed their Premiership survival after a famous 2-2 fightback draw with title-chasing Arsenal which ended with an amazing six minutes added time, and a furious blast from manager Sam Allardyce at
WHAT happened - and when 7 mins: Campo is robbed by Parlour and Henry leaves Laville in the box and crosses marginally behind Ljungberg a yard out. 12 mins: Pederson strikes a sweet left footed shot just wide of the far post after Okocha's long range
SAM Allardyce was as influential to Wanderers 25 years ago as he is today, Today's manager and yesterday's no-nonsense central defender, settled the Second Division match against Charlton Athletic at Burnden with a trademark header from a Peter Reid cross
