side down

BEFORE the Carling Cup Final we had veiled threats from Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff.

One stated that he would sign again if Bolton won and earned a place in Europe.

The other said winning would not alter his position over signing a new contract.

Now the cup has not been won, it is time to look at the contribution that these two players made in the game.

Youri Djorkaeff missed three easy chances, tapping the ball to Schwarzer. If the chance had fallen either to Nolan or Davies they would have smashed it into the net.

Okocha had one free kick straight at the goalkeeper.

Winning or losing is in the players' own hands on the field -- not in the hands of the manager or the fans.

I would have expected a better showing from the two aforementioned players.

A. S. Wilson

Crab Tree Lane

Atherton