HALF TERM REPORT: How have Bolton Wanderers' players fared?

Despite making an impressive start, Phil Parkinson’s side is now one point behind where they were 12 months ago. And with Rotherham United right in the relegation mixer, the Boxing Day clash at the University of Bolton Stadium promises to be a critical juncture of a season which has faded quickly.

Wanderers have used 24 players in the Championship, the eighth-highest in the division, of which 15 are new signings.

Which have impressed? Which have disappointed? Chief football writer Marc Iles offers his half-term report on a squad which finds itself in familiar territory.

BEN ALNWICK

Last season’s player of the year remains one of Parkinson’s most consistent customers.

There have been minor grumbles about kicking and distribution but Alnwick rarely makes obvious mistakes and consistently comes up with big saves. One wonders how bad things might have got for Wanderers without such a dependable presence in goal?

Grade: B+

MARK LITTLE

Has made just two starts – one of which was against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup – which is quite puzzling considering his contribution last season.

Pawel Olkowski’s form has obviously been a roadblock but Little’s lack of game-time really is one for Mulder and Scully.

Grade: N/A

ANDY TAYLOR

Before a ball was kicked, people were predicting that Taylor would play second-fiddle to any new arrival on the left side of defence, but despite some injury issues in the first couple of months he has come back strong.

Isn’t the most attacking full-back but never hides from the ball.

Grade: B-

JASON LOWE

Has stepped into Darren Pratley’s sitting midfield role and has also inherited some of the flak which comes with it. A strong character and organiser, Lowe does need to show more intent to move forward with the ball at times – but he does the job he’s been asked to do.

Grade: C

MARK BEEVERS

It was headline news when his long-standing centre-back partnership with David Wheater was broken up at the start of the season but Beevers has reacted well since dropping out of the side.

Other than Wheater, he is the only Bolton player to average more than seven in The Bolton News’ weekly match marks.

Grade: B-

JOSH VELA

After being the go-to man for Parkinson in his first two seasons, Vela has suddenly found it harder to nail down a place in the side. Still looks to have passion for the cause but in the final year of his contract, the home-grown midfielder seems to have a lot of work to do if he wants to be centre stage again.

Grade: C

ERHUN OZTUMER

The diminutive playmaker was somewhat of a wildcard signing in the summer, and we all pondered ‘where will he fit in Parkinson’s side?’ A few months down the line, we are no closer to finding out.

Oztumer has gained fans with his busy style but, crucially, has struggled to convince his manager he can play regularly at number 10.

Grade: C-

CLAYTON DONALDSON

Looks more effective when played on the right, rather than through the middle, and has never let the side down for effort. The big problem is a lack of goals – in five starts and nine sub appearances he has not hit the net once.

Grade: C-

CHRISTIAN DOIDGE

It has been a difficult debut season at this level for the likeable former Forest Green striker and his razor-sharp finish at Rotherham suggests there is more to come.

Doidge is having to learn on the job, however, and in a team which has struggled to create opportunities that makes life even tougher.

Grade: C

SAMMY AMEOBI

Lots of pressure on his broad shoulders as the one Bolton player who really can create something out of nothing – but, in truth, consistency has been a real problem this season.

Ameobi hasn’t shone since returning from injury and Parkinson desperately needs him to get his groove on.

Grade: C

WILL BUCKLEY

Boasts a fine CV at this level but while there have been flashes of form, and no shortage of running, Wanderers need more from Buckley.

Too often we are left talking about him drifting out of games after a missed opportunity.

Grade: C-

CRAIG NOONE

Plenty of industry, loads of heart, always willing to have a punt at goal, but there is no guarantee of an end product at the moment for the winger.

Provided the moment of the season so far when he scored against Derby County and celebrated with Stephen Darby.

Grade: C
 

JACK HOBBS

Looks to have conquered his fitness demons and forced his way in to become a regular starter.

Calm and composed, Hobbs has been one of the rare success stories of the season so far.

Grade: B+

LUKE MURPHY

Fans are considering taking out a missing persons ad on the former Leeds United midfielder, who has disappeared without a trace since the 3-0 home defeat against Sheffield United in August.

Mentioned in despatches by Parkinson in November – but rarely seen on a team-sheet at first team or development squad level.

Grade: N/A

PAWEL OLKOWSKI

Looked to be a sensational capture in the first few weeks of the season before a dip in form around the end of October. Has since stepped up his game again and recaptured a measure of form.

Grade: B-

MARC WILSON

Has struggled to win over the Wanderers fans, particularly when used in midfield. Wilson is another whose CV suggests he can comfortably handle this level of football – but the former Stoke City man has plenty to prove.

Grade: D+

GARY O’NEIL

Experienced midfielder who has been quite impressive in his few forays into the first team. Spent a fair while out with a groin injury but returned at Brentford to put in a very decent display.

Surely done enough to warrant a contract extension at the end of the season?

Grade: B-

REMI MATTHEWS

Has looked a very capable deputy to Ben Alnwick in his four games to date in league and cup.

Grade: C

JOE WILLIAMS

Everton’s youngster is certainly learning some life lessons in a tough season at Wanderers but looks up for the fight. Has fared better when pushed up, rather than sitting in front of the back four.

Grade: C+

LLOYD DYER

Veteran signed as a wing-back when Wanderers were considering a move to 3-5-2. The experiment was a disaster, and Dyer’s future looks in some considerable doubt.

Grade: D

JOSH MAGENNIS

Started as a snarling striker who grabbed four goals in his first eight games but has since cut a much more frustrated figure on a long barren streak.

The Northern Irishman may have been starved of chances – but he has also struggled to see out games since arriving at Wanderers.

Grade: C

JONATHAN GROUNDS

His lack of a pre-season at Birmingham City made him a surprise loan choice at the start of the season when Wanderers were looking at competition for Andy Taylor.

Sadly, he was rushed into action and has struggled to recover from some below-par early performances. Definitely a better player than he has been able to show thus far.

Grade: D

YANIC WILDSCHUT

Probably Wanderers’ highest-profile signing of the summer, and not one that has paid off.

Wildschut has failed to nail down a regular place in the side and looks uneasy being used as an impact sub. A considerable talent on paper but decision making has been poor.

Grade: D-

DAVID WHEATER

Like Alnwick, a very reliable presence – albeit the club captain has not been automatic first choice this season.

An old -fashioned defender, perhaps, but one that Wanderers fans know they can rely on.

Grade: B+