Aug 2008

Polish Striker Due Before Deadline

The transfer windows closea at midnight Monday and so far the only ‘late business’ Bolton seem to be involved in is a ‘loan swap’ with Racing Santander - Ricardo Vaz Te will got to Racing on a year’s loan while Polish international striker Ebi Smolarek will come to the Reebok. Bolton have the option to buy at the end of the deal. I haven’t been able to confirm if the same is true of Racing although you’d imagine if they made an offer for Vaz Te Bolton may well accept - while the Portuguese striker is certainly talented, he doesn’t seem to have been able to make a strong impression at the Reebok and both parties may be suited by a transfer.

Scoreless Against the Baggies

Bolton drew 0-0 with West Brom at the Reebok yesterday although lord only knows how. Bolton had at least two strong claims for a penalty turned down along with two goals disallowed. Baggies midfielder Kim hit a 25 yard rocket against the Bolton bar that appeared to me to bounce down over the line and Ishmael Miller fluffed an easy finish from the rebound.

Kicked by the Cobblers

Not at all a good week in the world of the Wanderers. Firstly Kevin Nolan had a penalty saved against Newcastle at the weekend shortly followed by Michael Owen scoring in a 1-0 home win. Then a changed but not necessarily second string side lost 2-1 to Northampton Town (!) in the Carling Cup second round. Not only did they get knocked out but Gary Cahill was given a straight red card for a dangerous challenge and will now miss at least two games. Northampton’s goals were both scored by Akinfenwe, the first from the penalty spot while Kevin Nolan came off the bench to score for Bolton. I don’t have footage of it, unfortunately.

A Very Good Start

Bolton made the best possible start to the season yesterday, beating Stoke City 3-1 at the Reebok stadium. Gretar Steinsson opened the scoring with what was either a brilliant goal or a complete fluke depending on who you ask, then set piece headers from Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander gave Bolton a 3-0 lead at half time. The second half was much less eventful, but Ricardo Fuller did score a consolation goal for Stoke in injury time.

Goals are
here.

Northampton in the Carling Cup

Bolton will play Northampton Town at the Reebok in the second round of the Carling Cup. The game kicks off at 8PM on the 26th of August.

Meite Ships Out

Abdoulaye Meite, who pretty much did for his Bolton career by walking away half way through a match last season, has finally left the Reebok to play for West Brom, the Baggies paying about £2 million.

Prepare For The Comedy Headlines

Bolton have signed Watford central defender Danny Shittu on a three year contract, apparently for around £2 million.