Despite their shaky start to the 2011-12 Premier League season, Bolton could be poised to make a move up the Premier League table.
Recent signings are adjusting to the squad and they are having a key player return from injury.
Owen Coyle did yet another impressive job in the transfer window.
He did his best to replace the sold Johann Elmander with the purchase of Liverpool’s young striker David N’gog. If N’gog can provide the same spark that Daniel Sturridge brought last season it will look like very good business.
Bolton also bolstered the attack with the loan acquisition of Tuncay. He should be able to provide a veteran approach to the club along with his ability to strike a ball from distance.
That wasn’t the only loan however, Coyle also did a fantastic job acquiring another young talent on the verge of a breakout, but in need of playing time in Dedryck Boyata. Boyata yields from Manchester City and his presence should mean Bolton’s defense will be improved.
One would have to believe he was initially brought in to fill the hole left when Gary Cahill was sold, but with him not moving on Boyata will have an opportunity to make the right back position his own.
Speaking of Cahill, having the whole “where will he go” saga being temporarily over should put the club at ease. And, for those who were adamant that Coyle should have sold, Cahill will still have value in the January transfer window and the club will have an opportunity to capitalize having the international defender for those extra games.
Aside from Cahill staying, perhaps the most important acquisition for Bolton however, is not a signing, but the return of midfielder Stuard Holden. Holden operated with Fabrice Muamba in the engine room of the pitch last year to much success, matching and out playing much more heralded midfielders.
Holden’s hard work and skilled distribution are vital to the Wanderers success as evident by Bolton’s struggles last season after Holden was injured via the Johnny Evans collision. Holden has been playing in reserve matches and regaining fitness and may return to the line-up sooner than expected (possibly as early as Tuesday’s Carling Cup tie). And, the sooner the better as summer signing Nigel Reo-Coker fits more into the Muamba role than the type Holden plays.
Will Holden’s return boost the Wanderers? Are the signings going to be enough? Will it help or hurt that they’ve already faced a number of the big clubs?
Enjoy what you read? Be sure to follow on Twitter via @TheZRoberts.
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
Fancy watching Bolton face off against Chelsea from the luxury of the Hospitality suite?
For an opportunity to win VIP Chelsea tickets, please click HERE!