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Farwell to friends

9:09am Saturday 26th April 2008

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THE Reebok will be a hive of transfer activity this summer, regardless of what division Wanderers end up in.

Gary Megson will use the close season to put his personal stamp on the squad he inherited last October and the chances are that a number of players who have become familiar faces at the Reebok in recent years, are likely to be on their way.

Jussi Jaaskelainen, Ivan Campo and Stelios Giannakopoulos are all out of contract while El-Hadji Diouf has already said he wants out, even if they do survive in the Premiership.

Others, who have been marginalised since Megson replaced Sammy Lee - notably strikers Daniel Braaten and Heidar Helguson and midfielder Blerim Dzemaili - could also be deemed surplus to requirements while loan status offers neither Mikel Alonso or even Danny Guthrie any guarantees. The Spaniard certainly looks like he has no future at the Reebok.

The manager, understandably, is refusing to comment on speculation regarding who will be going or staying and who will be coming in. The fight for Premiership survival, he insists, is all-consuming.

But he hinted at a summer shake-up when he spoke of his desire to put his own hallmark on the club rather than being judged on his record with a squad made up almost entirely of players recruited by his predecessors, Lee and Sam Allardyce.

"What any manager wants is to come to a club on day one of pre-season and go from there," he said. "Then you can shape the training and the squad the way you want. I would like that opportunity."

All the indications are that he will get it.

For, while the Wanderers hierarchy have made no comment on the manager's future, the indications are that 48-year-old Megson will be in charge for the start of next season.

Whether he is preparing for life in the Barclays Premier League or the Coca-Cola Championship will be determined by results over the next fortnight. Clearly, that will influence his transfer policy and could dictate whether Wanderers are prepared to negotiate a satisfactory outcome, or instance, of Jaaskelainen's contract wrangle, which has dragged on now for the best part of a year.

"We can't do that until we know where we are," the manager has said repeatedly to explain why the club's longest serving player has been left in limbo.

Relegation is still a distinct possibility, of course, but Megson's bosses factored that into their reasoning when they appointed him in the first place, believing that, if the worst came to the worst, his record at West Brom suggested he had the credentials to get teams into the Premiership.

That belief was echoed by Leicester owner and chairman, Milan Mandaric, who was scathing of Wanderers for taking his manager, just six weeks after he had taken the reins at the Walkers Stadium.

"I hired a proper guy in Gary Megson," the Foxes supremo reflected, lamenting Leicester's struggles in the Championship. "He knows his business and has tremendous capabilities of getting teams out of this division. If Bolton do go down, Megson will get them back up. He's firm, disciplined, organised. He gets the best out of players.

"I know my supporters weren't fond of him and he's not going to play the prettiest football. I can't stand the long-ball stuff. But at the end of the day, I desperately want to get out of this division. I would work with the devil if he could get me what I wanted."


Your Say YourThe Bolton News

Bolton Blogger, Bolt says...
9:20am Sat 26 Apr 08

Which is why we need to get rid of Megson now - before he totally destroys the club's future!!!!


Now you see why some fans, including myself, want rid of him NOW!!!

Some players mentioned in the report have never actually been used by Megson - why??????

This guy it totally inept and should go NOW - for the sake of the clubs future!

Camposcomb, westhoughton says...
9:23am Sat 26 Apr 08

God help us if he stays.The man has no credentials or credibility whatsoever.

Bolton Blogger, Bolt says...
9:24am Sat 26 Apr 08

Breezeblock (Howard) says that Bolton's reputation was damaged under Allardyce - how wrong you are - it is now beyond repair with Megson in charge and ready to DESTROY the clubs future by getting rid of some of the more real decent players (e.g. Blerim Dzemaili) which have NEVER been given a chance by Megson!!!

Notice how the report doesn't state Cohen, Rasiak, Mccann or even Jlloyd - that is really worrying!!!!!!!!!!

Keep the faith and for the sake of the clubs future:-
Megson OUT
Gartside OUT
Curtis OUT

*hitonutd, MANCHESTER says...
9:30am Sat 26 Apr 08

Megson will only be given a chance if we renew our season tickets.So to show Gartside we mean business forget the protesting and resist purchasing season tickets until we have a proper Premiership class manager.I say go for John Collins or even Owen Coyle.But please don't keep Megson not after Lisbon.

Camposcomb, westhoughton says...
9:31am Sat 26 Apr 08

Megson states he wants to put his own hallmark on the club...He has already succeeded by tarnishing the good name of BWFC by his atttude towards the UEFA cup and his team selections.The mans an embarrassment.
Suppose he dd the same at Forest and look at what happened to them.

jpl, bangkok says...
9:35am Sat 26 Apr 08

well my beach holiday in Bolton will be soon over and it will be back to the heat of Bangkok. While I have been here, I have seen the boys in white pick up 2 wins in 2 and if I dont mind saying I think I am the reason for their success(tic). Now last week I predicted the results and apart from fulham who lost and i predicted would be a draw I was amazingly spot on. Do I quit while I am ahead absolutely not, so here we go....

Birmingham win....Fulham lose....Reading draw...and wait for it (drum rolls).............B
olton lose.

I am all out of positivity, but come on anyway, I can't be right 2 weeks on the trot so my predictions have more thought than you think behind them.

Good luck ladies and gentleman, your town needs you:)

Bolton Blogger, Bolt says...
9:36am Sat 26 Apr 08

For, while the Wanderers hierarchy have made no comment on the manager's future, the indications are that 48-year-old Megson will be in charge for the start of next season.


Gordon, have you forgotten the press release (claimed to be written by yourself!!) staing that Megson's job is safe for next season.

How easily you forget!!!!

GOD HELP US!!!!

Keep the faith and for the sake of the clubs future:-
Megson Out!
Gartside Out!
Curtis Out!
Sharrock - to have the new injection in his back to help with his Alzheimers!!!!!!

Camposcomb, westhoughton says...
9:38am Sat 26 Apr 08

Mr Sharrock..if you will not ask the questions that matter get someone in who will.

Tom, Blackburn says...
10:16am Sat 26 Apr 08

As a rovers fan, I sympathise with the situation at the Reebok, finding yourselves in a relegation tussle after years of top half solidarity is very disappointing. However, I think Megson does have the credentials to take you up if you actually end up going down. Most rovers fans were disappointed with the appointment of Souness but he got us up and we stood by him.

You guys need to stick together cause if the clubs half split, you could find yourselves in a lot of serious trouble for a long time, there are too many examplers to even reference.

Good luck, I genuinely hope you stay up

Julie Moores, Bolton says...
10:23am Sat 26 Apr 08

The communication between club and BN seems to have worsened the past couple of years. There was always information on players not available, injuries etc. Now all we do is speculate.

More recently we were being told to " watch this space " for an in depth interview with Mr G. Still nothing from the invisible man, but just you watch him hog the limelight when we manage to scrape 17th place on goal difference. Be prepared for a huge slagging of fans/protestors/non-
believers etc.

He would be very wise not to antagonise fans further. Personally, I would settle for an apology to the fans for a lack of communication, a reflective look back on a poor season and some kind of statement on where he sees the club going- eg enthusiasm for cup comps. Who can ever get excited again about a top 5 finish knowing the following season we will go reluctantly into the UEFA cup?

Perhaps it,s me, but I just dont see the point of being a BWFC fan under this regime. Someone quite cleverly on here said our only reason for staying in the Prem was to watch and admire players from other clubs, not because we have a chance of ever winning anything. Sadly, I think this will be recognised at season ticket time, where I expect no more than 10,000 renewals for the Prem and around 6000 for Championship. And if that does happen, the club will have brought it on themselves.

hatemanu, bolton says...
12:35pm Sat 26 Apr 08

Jussi , steilos, campo and diouf have been great servents to the club . They are a big part in why we have done so well over the last few years . They all deserve a standing ovation . In years to come they will be mentioned as one of the best bolton team ever . jussi and diouf have had a bit of stick for not staying loyal but all the good years they have put in for us , should not be forgotten . I personally wish them all the best and good luck for the future.

Jacko, Little Lever says...
1:03pm Sat 26 Apr 08

hatemanu wrote:
Jussi , steilos, campo and diouf have been great servents to the club . They are a big part in why we have done so well over the last few years . They all deserve a standing ovation . In years to come they will be mentioned as one of the best bolton team ever . jussi and diouf have had a bit of stick for not staying loyal but all the good years they have put in for us , should not be forgotten . I personally wish them all the best and good luck for the future.
I still cant forgive the club for the way they got rid of Jay Jay & Bruno without giving them a proper goodbye!!.

matty_c, Bolton says...
1:18pm Sat 26 Apr 08

il be sad to see campo and stelios go as they have been along with djorkaeff and okocha a symbol of the good days when bolton were permenant underdogs and relished it. diouf has always been a favorite of mine but i expected him to leave in jan when anelka was sold so good luck wherever you go. jussi however i wont be sorry to see go although an excellent keeper his attitude stinks and has given us nothing but trouble regarding contracts a shame really that the clubs logenst serving player would have to leave on such a sour note

Ewan in Edinburgh, says...
2:33pm Sat 26 Apr 08

Megson and Gartside out! Before they destroy our club (not their club). Oh and Gordon its farewell not farwell mate.

lever ender, ireland says...
5:31pm Sat 26 Apr 08

the first one out should be megson , and as for putting his mark on the club god forbid .
if he stays god knows what will happen .

P, North West says...
9:44pm Sat 26 Apr 08

Julie Moores wrote:
The communication between club and BN seems to have worsened the past couple of years. There was always information on players not available, injuries etc. Now all we do is speculate. More recently we were being told to " watch this space " for an in depth interview with Mr G. Still nothing from the invisible man, but just you watch him hog the limelight when we manage to scrape 17th place on goal difference. Be prepared for a huge slagging of fans/protestors/non- believers etc. He would be very wise not to antagonise fans further. Personally, I would settle for an apology to the fans for a lack of communication, a reflective look back on a poor season and some kind of statement on where he sees the club going- eg enthusiasm for cup comps. Who can ever get excited again about a top 5 finish knowing the following season we will go reluctantly into the UEFA cup? Perhaps it,s me, but I just dont see the point of being a BWFC fan under this regime. Someone quite cleverly on here said our only reason for staying in the Prem was to watch and admire players from other clubs, not because we have a chance of ever winning anything. Sadly, I think this will be recognised at season ticket time, where I expect no more than 10,000 renewals for the Prem and around 6000 for Championship. And if that does happen, the club will have brought it on themselves.
I wont renew if Megson stays as manager even if we avoid relagation, At last i feel I can dictate my time to the club, and possibly buy the odd ticket for decent games,Instead of the premier league dictating to me what i can do at the weekends, and to be honest Im quite looking forward to spending time doing other things, I ve been a ticket holder for 17yrs,I dont want to avoiding the bottom 3 each year.

aberwhite, Aberford says...
10:18pm Sat 26 Apr 08

Bring on Freddy Shepherd and BSA!

Madagasca, Sharples, Bolton says...
8:51am Sun 27 Apr 08

http://www.ipetition
s.com/petition/bwfcp
oll/

956 signatures now - can we get 1000!!!!!

Deatheater, Cheshire says...
11:19am Sun 27 Apr 08

Dear Mr Gartside,

I read in today's press that the club has hired a media guru, presumably to enhance the image of both the club and the manager. I fear in the case of the latter it is far too late. Anyway, I was hoping he would not be with us beyond this season.

Do Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid or Barcelona have someone in a similar position? Yes I know they are far bigger clubs and they may, but it is hardly needed because they play attacking and attractive football.

Megson's post match mutterings yesterday left me ashamed to be associated with him. He appeared to blame the players for the Spur's equaliser.

When you select a team to defend for 90 minutes, there is at some stage, bound to be a lapse in concentration from one of the ten behind the ball, a poor refereeing decision or a deflection, which causes havoc.

Unfortunately, with one or two honourable exceptions, our five man midfield is incapable of shielding the defence. Similarly they have neither the pace nor the guile to support the solitary attacker when needed.

That may not have been so bad when we had Anelka, precipitously sold. Admirable as Kevin Davies is, he needs far more support.

At present we have no consistent goal poacher, who plays regularly under Megson. I fail to see why Stelios is not in favour. He is the one player who can latch onto the ball when it is pinging about in the opposition penalty area, and score. Let's face it that is how most of our scoring chances arise, from dead ball situations.

If and when Gardner is fit, I would be tempted to play him up front with Davies. He has pace and trickery. BSA coverted him to full back as a matter of necessity at the time. He made such a good job of it that is where he remains. What a waste. Incidentally, is he not also out of contract at the end of the season ?

Frankly, I despair if Megson is to be allowed funds to " build his own team." One media guru will be totally insufficient.

Yours sincerely,


hatemanu, bolton says...
12:28pm Sun 27 Apr 08

Jacko wrote:
hatemanu wrote: Jussi , steilos, campo and diouf have been great servents to the club . They are a big part in why we have done so well over the last few years . They all deserve a standing ovation . In years to come they will be mentioned as one of the best bolton team ever . jussi and diouf have had a bit of stick for not staying loyal but all the good years they have put in for us , should not be forgotten . I personally wish them all the best and good luck for the future.
I still cant forgive the club for the way they got rid of Jay Jay & Bruno without giving them a proper goodbye!!.
Out of order pal , but big sam was one of the reason for that . Was at end of season do at reebok and my mate asked jay jay could he give us one more season . He said that after the match, he found out that he was not being offered a new deal . He looked gutted . No way to treat a legend . Your completely right pal it was disgusting . We should have a campo day and all turn up in silly wigs , you never no , it might get the atmosphere going .

truss, tyldesley says...
2:00pm Sun 27 Apr 08

Big Sam has just said on Sky that BWFC do not have financial problems and there was no need to sell Anelka. He also said there was no buy out clause in Anelka's contract. He said they could have waited until the Summer, when perhaps, with Anelka's ability to score goals and the clubs 12 clean sheets this season, our Premiership status could have been assured. Why then was Anelka sold? The only reason I can think of would be to add the profit from Anelka to the parachute cash so that fat executive salaries and perks could be sustained for a little longer in the lower leagues. Please come back to us Sam prferably before Saturday. Just a thought about our last game at the Reebok in the Premiership. Villa hammered us 4-0 but Sunderland beat Villa 0-1 at Villa Park. Don't expect any team of Roy Keane to give anyone an easy ride.

Jacko, Little Lever says...
3:42pm Sun 27 Apr 08

truss wrote:
Big Sam has just said on Sky that BWFC do not have financial problems and there was no need to sell Anelka. He also said there was no buy out clause in Anelka's contract. He said they could have waited until the Summer, when perhaps, with Anelka's ability to score goals and the clubs 12 clean sheets this season, our Premiership status could have been assured. Why then was Anelka sold? The only reason I can think of would be to add the profit from Anelka to the parachute cash so that fat executive salaries and perks could be sustained for a little longer in the lower leagues. Please come back to us Sam prferably before Saturday. Just a thought about our last game at the Reebok in the Premiership. Villa hammered us 4-0 but Sunderland beat Villa 0-1 at Villa Park. Don't expect any team of Roy Keane to give anyone an easy ride.
Did you notice how Big Sam still says "US" when talking about Bolton,bring him back ASAP!!.

davie, leigh says...
8:30pm Sun 27 Apr 08

FORGET MEGSON AND GARTSIDE UNTIL AFTER THE SEASON .
JUST GET BEHIND BOLTON WANDERERS NEXT SATURDAY BECAUSE A VICTORY WILL KEEP US UP.......I HOPE AND PRAY!

Andy, Staffordshire says...
8:36pm Sun 27 Apr 08

Jacko wrote:
truss wrote: Big Sam has just said on Sky that BWFC do not have financial problems and there was no need to sell Anelka. He also said there was no buy out clause in Anelka's contract. He said they could have waited until the Summer, when perhaps, with Anelka's ability to score goals and the clubs 12 clean sheets this season, our Premiership status could have been assured. Why then was Anelka sold? The only reason I can think of would be to add the profit from Anelka to the parachute cash so that fat executive salaries and perks could be sustained for a little longer in the lower leagues. Please come back to us Sam prferably before Saturday. Just a thought about our last game at the Reebok in the Premiership. Villa hammered us 4-0 but Sunderland beat Villa 0-1 at Villa Park. Don't expect any team of Roy Keane to give anyone an easy ride.
Did you notice how Big Sam still says "US" when talking about Bolton,bring him back ASAP!!.
Not bad for a bloke who played only 40% of his career with Wanderers and walked out on them twice.

davie, leigh says...
8:56pm Sun 27 Apr 08

SUNDERLAND ARE IN DREAMLAND . IF WE CANT BEAT THEM WE DONT DESERVE TO STAY UP .
SIMPLE AS


1

Jacko, Little Lever says...
9:25pm Sun 27 Apr 08

Andy wrote:
Jacko wrote:
truss wrote: Big Sam has just said on Sky that BWFC do not have financial problems and there was no need to sell Anelka. He also said there was no buy out clause in Anelka's contract. He said they could have waited until the Summer, when perhaps, with Anelka's ability to score goals and the clubs 12 clean sheets this season, our Premiership status could have been assured. Why then was Anelka sold? The only reason I can think of would be to add the profit from Anelka to the parachute cash so that fat executive salaries and perks could be sustained for a little longer in the lower leagues. Please come back to us Sam prferably before Saturday. Just a thought about our last game at the Reebok in the Premiership. Villa hammered us 4-0 but Sunderland beat Villa 0-1 at Villa Park. Don't expect any team of Roy Keane to give anyone an easy ride.
Did you notice how Big Sam still says "US" when talking about Bolton,bring him back ASAP!!.
Not bad for a bloke who played only 40% of his career with Wanderers and walked out on them twice.
Oh what a short memory you have!,hope you are enjoying the glory years with Megson!!.

Bristolwhite, Bristol says...
10:15pm Sun 27 Apr 08

truss wrote:
Big Sam has just said on Sky that BWFC do not have financial problems and there was no need to sell Anelka. He also said there was no buy out clause in Anelka's contract. He said they could have waited until the Summer, when perhaps, with Anelka's ability to score goals and the clubs 12 clean sheets this season, our Premiership status could have been assured. Why then was Anelka sold? The only reason I can think of would be to add the profit from Anelka to the parachute cash so that fat executive salaries and perks could be sustained for a little longer in the lower leagues. Please come back to us Sam prferably before Saturday. Just a thought about our last game at the Reebok in the Premiership. Villa hammered us 4-0 but Sunderland beat Villa 0-1 at Villa Park. Don't expect any team of Roy Keane to give anyone an easy ride.
Mmm, Anyone see the "Richest in Football list" in todays Sunday Times? Eddie Davies makes number 23 whilst who should be at number 11? The Warburton Family....aren't they something to do with the Wanderers or have been for decades? They are rated at a mere £430M. Thats £100M more than Steve Gibson and Dave Whelan put together!

wes t howfen, howfen says...
10:20pm Sun 27 Apr 08

FARWELL?? I know that times are,erm,not the best,but spelling mistakes.... Ohhh dear ps gartside and megson out out out

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