A fair share of fans have already expressed their delight at the signing, as the Whites boss reportedly fought off a pack of Premier League teams, including newly promoted Hull City.

Baptiste looks to have agreed to a three year deal, which of course will be rubber stamped once his medical has successfully been completed.

The post Baptiste Set To Join Bolton On 3 Year Deal appeared first on Voice Of Bolton.

When we look at the other clubs relegated alongside the Wanderers, it shows the Championship was no pushover, and to be honest attending the games, the championship is a highly complex, diverse, gruelling and enigmatic league. However, we had one of the highest wage bills and some of the more high profile talents.

We’re in the process of writing our end of season review and it would be great if you could help us out by voting for your player of the season via the link below.

http://poll.fm/48a0r

The post Vote For Your Player Of The Season 2012/2013 appeared first on Voice Of Bolton.

However, sometimes things don’t always work out that way do they? Unfortunately this was one of those times. Almost a sell out crowd at the Reebok for the first time this season, and the early atmosphere was positive, with chants of “we’re going up” reverberating around the stadium.

Bolton looked visibly shaky from the off, and within 35 minutes had been hit by two blows – goals from Sylvestre and Phillips leaving their playoff hopes in tatters. Many would have been thinking of likenesses with the FA Cup Semi-Final embarrassment of 2011 until a quick-fire double from Eagles and Craig Davies restored parity just before the break to the jubilation of the supporters.

Wanderers looked the stronger side in what was going to be a very important 45 minutes, Pratley blazed over, Chung Yong firing wide but that final breakthrough just could not be found in the second half. As other results were transpiring, until the 91st minute Bolton were in the final playoff place until an Anthony Knockaert goal at the City Ground broke both Forest and Bolton hearts. The most unlikely candidate at the start of the day, Leicester City, grabbed a dramatic last minute winner to take that final playoff place.

Unfortunately the journey ended here for Bolton, but it’s not all doom and gloom, the last three months of the season are definitely something to feel positive about – we’ll look to bring you a proper season review over the coming weeks.

However, with Hull securing that final automatic promotion place on Saturday in dramatic circumstances of their own, there is still a score to be settled. Four teams will face off for the ultimate prize of Premier League football – Welcome to the Playoffs! I know who my money is on – I’ll share this with you below, however you can make the most of this season’s Playoffs and get your betting bonus by taking advantage of the odds provided by William Hill.

The Contenders

Watford (finished 3rd)

Zola’s men have been prolific in front of goal this season, finishing as the league’s high scorers with 85 goals. Vydra and Deeney have scored 39 goals between them, however will the club be able to get over the agony of narrowly missing out on automatic promotion on the last day of the season in such painful circumstances?

Brighton & Hove Albion (finished fourth)

Defensively Brighton have been solid, no team has conceded less, with just 69 goals conceded in 46 games. Poyet has established a solid structure defensively, who knows where they would have been now if top scorer Mackail-Smith wouldn’t have missed the last couple of months of the season? Brighton have lost just two of their last 16 games in the league, and emphatically beat Blackpool 6-0 a couple of weeks ago. The seaside club will be formidable opponents for anyone in the playoffs, and will be going in as the in form team.

Crystal Palace (finished fifth)

Palace started very brightly, but have faded away in recent weeks, only securing their place on the final day courtesy of a 3-2 win at home against Peterborough, condemning them to League One football next season. Julian Speroni has been ever present between the sticks this season and Glenn Murray was the league’s top scorer with 30.

Manchester United bound Zaha will be hoping to leave Palace with a bang, and let us not forget, Holloway has won the playoffs once before famously with Blackpool in 2010.

Leicester City (finished sixth)

Like Palace, Leicester started so brightly, occupying an automatic promotion place for the majority of the season. However, in their last 13 games, they have only managed two victories. These victories arrived against their main rivals Forest and Bolton – those wins were priceless, as they secured their place in the 91st minute!

Their recent form is not great, but the form of ever present Schmeichel has been brilliant, surely he has to be one of the Championship players of the year, making game changing saves all season. Leicester will also be hoping Nugent can fire them to the Premier League as the club’s top scorer on 14. Confidence must be sky high as the goal of reaching the playoffs has seemed highly unlikely for the Foxes over the last few weeks.

Possible Projection

It’s never easy to call, but from the Semi-Finalists, I still believe Watford will have too much for Leicester City in the first Playoff Semi-Final, and in the second it would take a brave person to back against Brighton because of recent form and defensive stability all season.

Because of the form and defensive stability I’m backing Brighton to overcome a tight final and make an emotional return to the big time. Who do you think will make it?

The post Who Will Take The £120 Million Prize? appeared first on Voice Of Bolton.

I’m sure that at one stage in added time Dougie was waving his men back to defend as Leicester and Forest were drawing. Then word went round the Reebok, Leicester had taken the lead in the ninety first minute and, suddenly, our dream was over. It’s been a pulse-quickening end to the season but, when push came to shove, we weren’t quite good enough. Paul Ince’s Blackpool side looked good and, if this game was any indication, they will be a prominent contender in next season’s Championship.

I’ve given up trying to guess what team Dougie will send out and his selection for yet another ‘most important match of the season’ was definitely left field. The smart money was on David Wheater to take the place of Craig Dawson but instead the manager went with Tim Ream. The real shock, however, was the appearance of the diminutive loanee, Rob Hall, making his Bolton debut on the right wing, with Chris Eagles playing just behind the loan striker. This was presumably an attempt to fill the attacking midfield void left by the injury to Mark Davies, a problem that has been glaringly apparent in recent games. For the record we began with Bogdan; Ricketts, Knight, Ream, Alonso; Medo, Pratley; Hall, Eagles, Chung; Craig Davies. Stuart Holden was among the substitutes; Kevin Davies wasn’t.

With a 25,000 crowd, a bright sunny day and some unnecessary rousing banter from the Reebok announcer, the scene was set for another home victory and a consequent place in the playoffs. It was soon apparent, however, that the game wasn’t to be a cakewalk. We’ve become accustomed to a quick-fire start from the Wanderers but not this time. It was the visitors who passed the ball around neatly while the men in white appeared anxious, disorganised and bewildered. Blackpool had obviously read the wrong script. Within a minute they cut through our defence and crashed a chance into the side netting. The roar from three sides of the stadium subsided; angst kicked in early.

For ten minutes, it was a steady bombardment with Philips on the Blackpool left wing creating havoc. However, though they won corners and free kicks they didn’t manage to create a clear cut chance and gradually we weathered the storm; we began to function as an attacking force but without ever looking totally convincing. Victory clearly wasn’t going to be as straightforward as I had anticipated but I still had no doubt that we would win. Davies sent a shot over the bar and Alonso put one wide; sooner or later somebody would hit one right.

They did, but it wasn’t a Bolton player. With twenty minutes played, and following an intricate passing move, Philips placed an unstoppable shot past Adam Bogdan. This definitely wasn’t supposed to happen. Still, it was only one goal; it might kick start the Wanderers into action.

The experiment of playing Eagles in the hole clearly wasn’t working and he and Hall changed places. The adjustment led to one or two half chances. The best was a shot from Hall that the Blackpool goalie spilled but Davies wasn’t alert enough to take advantage. The crowd was still subdued; we weren’t doing anything on the field to rouse them. The only glimmer of hope was that Leicester and Forest were drawing.

Then, ten minutes before half time, even that glimmer was doused. Blackpool scored again and it was another good goal. It came from a raid down their right where Alonso was faced with two men to mark because Chung hadn’t tracked back. My thoughts drifted to Wembley, not the semi-final mauling by Stoke as you might have expected, but the comeback against Reading from a two nil half time deficit. I still had hope. Surely we couldn’t blow it after the magnificent climb up the table from twentieth to sixth.

One major difference between Dougie Freedman and Owen Coyle is that the current manager is ready to admit to a mistake. Immediately after Blackpool’s second goal, Rob Hall was replaced by Sordell and we reverted to 4-4-2. At last we began to function and put some real pressure on the Blackpool goal. The crowd responded and hope was revived. If we could just get a goal before half time we had a chance. The forty five minutes ran out without any change in the score but we had three minutes of added time to try and snatch something. Cometh the hour ….. Chris Eagles carried the ball forward from inside the Wanderers half, slipped it wide to Alonso and, when the return pass came, he placed it in the top corner. It was a terrific goal and just what was needed before the whistle blew.

But there was more to come. Eagles was involved again but it was Craig Davies that scored with a shot from the edge of the box that took a deflection and left Gilks floundering. We had seen three top class goals; this one was lucky, but who cared? The Wanderers left the field to thunderous cheers. A return to the top flight was clearly our destiny.

This thought was confirmed five minutes after the resumption when Forest equalised; we were back in sixth place. I can’t remember much about the second half as attention flicked between the phone and the pitch but I never thought we weren’t going to win. The goal almost came when there was an almighty scramble in the visitor’s goalmouth with Davies and Sordell busting a gut to force the ball over the line. We had plenty of corners without any profit, Alonso curled a free kick towards the bottom corner, which Gilks saved, and Pratley caused some panic with a low cross.

With fifteen minutes left Tom Eaves replaced Craig Davies; no disrespect to the youngster but probably every one of the Wanderers supporters would have preferred to see Kevin Davies taking the field and scoring the winner.

Pratley wasted a good position with a wild shot from distance and then, with just five minutes remaining, came what was to be the defining moment of our bid for glory. Chung had been terrific in the second half and, when Eagles rolled the ball to him, he looked certain to score. Unbelievably, the normally ice cool winger hit the side netting. He held his head in his hands; he knew he should have won the game.

No matter, there was still time and we were still in a playoff position anyway. ‘We are the one and only Wanderers’ still echoed round the ground. Notwithstanding the score at Nottingham, we were going all out for victory. The game was now wide open and only a terrific tackle from Knight prevented another Blackpool goal. At the other end Eaves almost won cult hero status with a shot in the ninetieth minute, which ran narrowly wide, Wheater replaced Ream presumably because he offered more in attack, and Alonso blazed a shot over the bar from thirty yards in a bid for glory. In the dying minutes Bogdan preserved our sixth position with a fine save before, as the Reebok celebrated, Leicester scored at Nottingham and crept above us on goal difference. After all the excitement, the game ended with a whimper; it took time to sink in that our season was over.

Some will look back and dwell on goals conceded, chances frittered, and all the points we’ve lost after being in the lead. Let the Jeremiahs do that if they want but I would rather reflect on a series of results that almost achieved the seemingly impossible. Dougie Freedman has done a fine job and despite injuries to Mark Davies, N’Gog, Spearing, Andrews, Wheater, Mills, and Riley, the illness of Mears, and the slow recovery of Stuart Holden, he has maintained the momentum and continued the upward surge. Outside of the first team the Under 21 Development Squad (formerly the Reserves) finished second in their league on goal difference, despite hardly winning a point before Dougie’s arrival. The Under 18s have also had a good season and I am convinced that, for the first time in a while, the club is going in the right direction.

The result in the final game was a disappointment and we were never at our best. Eagles, Chung, Alonso, Medo, Knight and Bogdan all deserve praise. Tim Ream did ok without ever looking like an adequate replacement for Dawson. The team as a whole never gave up trying and there is clearly a good spirit in the club. The Reebok gave Kevin Davies a rousing send off as he walked round the ground with his young family. He’s the last player from Sam Allardyce’s reign and his departure marks the beginning of a new era; hopefully he will return to the club in some capacity in the future. Meanwhile, despite the disappointment, Bolton Wanderers are in good hands and the future looks bright. There is much for Dougie to do in the summer. There are obvious weaknesses in defence, particularly if Alonso leaves as seems likely. It would also be good to have a striker that could actually strike, but they tend to cost more money than we have. The cameos from Eaves have been encouraging; he’s big and strong but it remains to be seen if he can score regularly.

So, that’s it for this term. Have a good summer or winter, depending on your hemisphere. I look forward to recording our promotion winning performances next season.

The post Wanderers 2 Blackpool 2 appeared first on Voice Of Bolton.

Imagine if he did feature and he managed to make an impact of old on the pitch, the atmosphere would be ecstatic no doubt. Either way an exciting afternoon awaits us all tomorrow, even if Davies is robbed of his goodbye on the field.

Whether you’re going to the game, listening on the radio, following on the BBC website or shadily keeping tabs on twitter, cross all your fingers if you’re that way inclined, but most importantly get the behind the team, as a whole. The club needs our support as much as ever tomorrow, let’s be heard and not let them down, if karma serves well the team may not let us down.

Thanks for voting and may the best team win (hopefully Bolton).

The post [Poll Results] Should Kevin Davies Be Given A Final Chance To Shine On Saturday? appeared first on Voice Of Bolton.

One team hoping this will not be their final game of the season are our very own Bolton, who know a victory against Blackpool at The Reebok tomorrow should be enough to secure a playoff spot and carry on the incredible journey of the last few months. Confusingly there are so many potential outcomes, with four contenders separated by four points battle it out for the final two playoff places. Brighton are assured of a place, and whoever fails to get promotion on the final day from Hull and Watford also at least get the consolation of a place.

Crystal Palace know a win against Peterborough will guarantee themselves a place, but anything less could see them slip out at the final stage, if Bolton and Forest win. If Bolton draw, only a share of the spoils between Forest and Leicester can see Bolton in the playoffs on goal difference with Forest.

A win for either Forest or The Foxes tomorrow would give them the prize of creeping into the playoffs at the final hurdle, what a game that one is sure to be.

Back to the Reebok and the Wanderers versus the Seasiders. Paul Ince and co secured Championship survival with a win against Derby on Saturday so are playing for pride and a strong end to the season. Will the Seasiders be able to carry on at the same level of intensity whilst knowing their fate for next season? The scalp of their rivals whilst costing them a playoff place will surely be enough to motivate the Blackpool players.

I’ve read Bolton are on their best home run for 20 years now, winning 8 in a row. A near sell out crowd will be hoping and praying for 9, and who knows, some will be dreaming by the end of next weekend for 10.

Final comments on what could be our last day in the league, it’s been a real rollercoaster of a season, expectations so high going in to the season in August, to such a horrific start and hugely inconsistent season up until February, lowering fan expectations considerably, some even concerned about relegation. Since then has seen Bolton seriously pick things up, and a playoff place in our own hands with 90 minutes to play. Yes it would be great to go back to The Premier League, the glitz, the glamour, the TV coverage and so on, but I for one have thoroughly enjoyed this year much more than I thought possible.

Competition is much more fierce and tight than in the elite division, so each game is exciting. No game is guaranteed which is preferable than those potentially drubbings at trips to Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge for example. Yes we’ll be disappointed if we don’t get a positive outcome tomorrow, but we must make sure to get behind the team fully and show our appreciation, the last few months at least are worthy of our merit aren’t they?

What The Managers Say

Dougie Freedman:

“It’s the same as usual, we’ll prepare in exactly the same way,”

“Our programme has suggested over the last month that training intensity should come down, which we’ve done. We’d have done that whatever position we’re in. “Our programme tells us exactly what to do in the last week of the season and it’s been like that for many months.

We’ve done exactly what the programme says – intensity has come down, preparation is exactly the same, the freshness is around them. “The lads are very relaxed in terms of having been in this position for the last three months – having to win games of football. “They’re very comfortable in what they’ve got to do on Saturday.”

Paul Ince:

“We’ve made a few offers to players, but it’s a long process.“We are still half thinking about the game on Saturday.“We don’t want to take the focus away from Saturday’s game.“The minute we finished last week I think everyone was thinking about getting things done.

“But unfortunately we have another game to play.“We have to go and do it for the fans and do it for ourselves.“If it means having to take next week too, then we have to.“The players are looking forward to Bolton, then after that they’ll start thinking about the future.”

Team News

Bolton

Freedman has no new injury concerns ahead of the Seasiders clash, with perhaps the biggest question mark being who will replace Craig Dawson at the heart of Bolton’s defence. Any one of Tim Ream, Matt Mills or David Wheater could be called up with the latter touted as the favourite. All are without much game time and are thrown straight in at the deep end in a do-or-die scenario.

The career of Kevin Davies at Bolton Wanderers will shortly come to an end, many will be looking to see if he is included in the matchday squad. It’s likely Freedman will revert back to the 4-4-2 formation, with the probable partnership of Marvin Sordell and Craig Davies.

Injuries – Joe Riley , Mark Davies (Knee), Keith Andrews (Achilles), Tyrone Mears, Jay Spearing, David Ngog (dislocated shoulder)

Blackpool

Championship survival was secured last weekend for Ince’s men, and this is the last chance some players will get to impress the manager before the end of the season. It’s unclear whether The Guv’nor may experiment with a couple of fringe players before making decisions on contracts next week.

Ince does have a relatively injury free side with no known new injury worries picked up against Derby last weekend.

Injuries – Ian Evatt (Knee)

League Appearances

Bolton – Zat Knight (42), Adam Bogdan (40)
Blackpool – Matt Gilks (44), Alex Baptiste (43)

Current League Position

Bolton (6^th)
Blackpool (15th)

Odds

(from 188 Bet)

Bolton – 1.50
Blackpool – 5.90
Draw – 3.80

Head To Head

Bolton (Win) – 36
Blackpool (Win) – 30
Draws – 26

60 years ago to the day yesterday, undoubtedly the most famous game between the sides was in the FA Cup Final of 1953, when Blackpool came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3, the game historically named as the Matthews final.

In the reverse fixture the rivals shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at Bloomfield Road. Bolton have only won once in the last 7 meetings, a 3-0 victory at Burnden Park on the 1st September 1993 the date, almost twenty years ago.

Form Guide

Bolton Wanderers – D-W-L-W-W
Blackpool FC – W-L-D-W-L

Both sides are on fairly reasonable form, but Bolton’s home form is the best it’s been in almost 20 years. Can they carry it on for one more game here?

The last away game Blackpool won was against Watford at Vicarage Road on 9th March.

Home record for Bolton – Won 14, draws 5, lost 3. (2nd overrall)

Away record for Blackpool – Won 6, drawn 7, lost 9. (19th overall)

Goals

Bolton – Craig Davies, Chris Eagles (11), David Ngog (8)
Blackpool – Tom Ince (18), Nathan Delfuouneso (6), Gary Taylor-Fletcher (5)

Assists

Bolton – Chris Eagles (12)
Blackpool – Tom Ince (14)

Shots

Bolton – On Target – (309) Off Target – (237) Hit Woodwork – (10) Highest Player – Chris Eagles (78,62,5)

Blackpool – On Target – (273) Off Target – (259) Hit Woodwork – (23) Highest Player – Tom Ince (82,50,5)

Discipline

Bolton: Fouls (529) Yellow Cards (83) Red Cards (4) Penalties conceded (10).

Dirtiest Player – Kevin Davies – Fouls (70) Yellow Cards (5) Red Cards (0)

Blackpool: Fouls (401) Yellow Cards (58) Red Cards (3) Penalties Conceded (5)

Dirtiest Player – Isaiah Osbourne – Fouls (43) Yellow Cards (6) Red Cards (1)

Attendance

A whole seasons work is at stake and the home fans will surely flock in great numbers to see their side in the hope of overcoming their local rivals to secure a playoff place. Home form has been nothing short of admirable this season for the Wanderers, according to some sources this week the game is heading for a sell out. If you haven’t already, it’s advised to get your ticket today rather than leaving until tomorrow.

Referee – Roger East

East, from Wilsthire is 48 and has been the man in the middle for 16 Championship games so far this season, handing out 55 yellow cards, and although he has yet to issue a red in this league, he has issued 6 in other competitions. It’s the first time he takes control of a game involving either club this season, managing it on the final day.

Players to Watch

Bolton – Zat Knight – During the last 3 months playing at the heart of the Wanderers defence must have been a dream, the back four has been solid, consistent with personnel and Knight has been lucky to have a completely reliable partner in Craig Dawson. It could be seen as a turning point in the season this partnership but alas this came to an end at Cardiff this week. Whether Wheater, Mills or Ream get the nod to partner Knight, our new captain really needs to stand strong and hold the defence together more than ever before, leading by example.

The ability and effectiveness in this task could be a major factor in the final result.

Blackpool – Tom Ince – The managers son has been sublime and unplayable at stages during this season, creating more goals than any other players in the division, and only 6 players have managed to score more than him also. His pace can be frightening, and ball control brilliant, it’s only been a matter of time the big clubs come calling and I’m afraid without doubt it will be this summer. In his final game for the club, he’ll want to bow out in style and establish a massive dent in Wanderers playoff hopes.

Prediction

If what Paul Ince said in the comments earlier are anything to go by, Blackpool already have already started their summer holidays. It would be foolish to think this way, especially against one of the oldest and fiercest rivals however. All eyes are on who will be chosen to partner Zat Knight at centre back. Positive thinking I’m going for a home win, but a tight one.

2-1

Lineups In Their Previous Fixtures

Bolton Wanderers

Blackpool

The post How Will Bolton Manage The Tide Against The Seasiders? appeared first on Voice Of Bolton.

However, he’s now 36, and in the last 12-18 months has had some notable spells out of the side, and it’s unclear if his distinct style of play has been missed of late. The last time Davies put on a Wanderers shirt was away at Ipswich – almost two months ago, and has not featured in the last few match squads altogether.

Whilst we understand a contract isn’t going to be offered to Davies in the summer, Saturday could be the last chance the player and the fans get the opportunity to say goodbye on the playing field.

Our good friends over at Lion Of Vienna Suite made a valid point that Davies is the end of the legacy of our most successful years, which makes his farewell even more symbolic, following Jussi and Gardner’s departures last year. Is it even fair to bring sentiment into play here in Davies case?

So, we’d like to ask your opinion on the matter.

The post [Poll] Should Kevin Davies Be Given A Final Chance To Shine On Saturday? appeared first on Voice Of Bolton.

Going into the game this weekend, the Whites have it all to play for – a must win game to seal the deal, to ensure neither Leicester or Nottingham Forest pip us to the post for the last sought Playoff place.

This time around, we only have 1 pair of tickets to giveaway. These are Match Tickets, and as always – entering the giveaway couldn’t be simpler – you’re required to complete the 2 steps below to register your entry!

Step 1: Ensure you’re following Voice Of Bolton on Twitter

Follow @voiceofbolton

Step 2: Simply click on the button below to tweet a message about our giveaway – simples!

Tweet #bwfc

The giveaway will end at midnight tonight (30th April 2013)! The winner will be notified and announced tomorrow.

If you fancy placing a bet on the game this weekend, visit www.188BET.com

Important Note

- You MUST be following our Twitter profile (@voiceofbolton) in order to enter this giveaway
- The prize is a 1 Pair of Match Tickets to the npower Championship game against Blackpool on 4th May 2013 at the Reebok Stadium.
– The ‘prize’ does not include travel to and from the Reebok Stadium.
– The prize winner and their guest must agree to abide by the Stadium rules at all times.
– Failure to adhere to the rules may result in the tickets being withdrawn.
– There is no cash alternative.
– The prize is non-transferable.

The post [Giveaway] 1 Pair Of Match Tickets To The Blackpool Game appeared first on Voice Of Bolton.

His aerial ability in defence has been unrivalled in the Championship, the defender seeming unbeatable at both ends. What a great player he has been for the club, a massive thanks for his contribution and if Bolton secure a return to The Premier league surely he will be the first player on the wanted list. It’s only a matter of time before big things happen for the defender, and if a permanent move doesn’t materialise, at least he did at one stage, fans at The Reebok will be honoured by that fact.

It seems the player enjoyed his time at the Reebok from his statement,

“It’s been a great learning curve and I’m extremely grateful to the manager for bringing me in and giving me this opportunity.

“I’ve loved my time at the club. When you’re playing regular football and winning games you can’t help but enjoy it.

“I’ve been made to feel extremely welcome by all the staff and players, and especially the fans.

“From my first game I feel like the fans really looked after me. They really got behind me and that was great to see.

“I feel like I have developed a lot here. Hopefully I can take that back to West Brom and continue to become a better a player.

“It’s a little disappointing that I’m unable to see the season out with Bolton, but I knew the terms of my loan before I came here.”

So, the boots are large ones to fill as it’s been mentioned a few more times at the most crucial point in the season. There are three likely candidates, but which one would be the most suitable in helping the club achieve the target of an instant return to the Premier League, developing an immediate impact. Let us briefly run through the three likely lads for the role.

1. MATT MILLS

Mills has bags of experience at this level, with spells at Doncaster Rovers, Reading and Leicester before moving to the Reebok in summer. He’s played at this level for the last 5 years in fact. A regular in the side Under Owen Coyle, and under the first few games of Freedman’s reign. However, since sustaining injury at Huddersfield in December, Mills has only played a couple of minutes in the return fixture against Huddersfield as a very late substitute.

Mills seemed to split opinion at the Reebok, his strength and aerial ability aren’t bad, but his pace is seen as a major problem to some. After more than four months without much first team action, there are inevitable question marks over his readiness for match action.

2. TIM REAM

The USA international seems to be a forgotten man at The Reebok this season, in what must have been a frustrating season for the player. After arriving in the January transfer window of 2012 for over £2 million, Coyle saw Ream as a replacement for the outgoing Gary Cahill. This has certainly not materialised as of yet.

He featured heavily in the Premier League run in last season, making 15 appearances, but has only been selected 14 times in the Championship this season, and not always at Centre Back. Ream has filled in at Right Back and Midfield without much success, whlist Sam Ricketts was preferred to him at Centre Back before the arrival of Dawson, which seemingly appears he is considerably low down in the pecking order in Freedman’s eyes.

His positional play has been a topic for debate and his lack of strength at this level is hugely apparent. The player has limited experience in England and at this level, so it would be a surprise if Freedman sees Ream as the candidate for Dawson’s role.

3. DAVID WHEATER

No one can doubt the ability of Wheater. His strength is intimidating along with being good in the air make him a real candidate. He was a regular in the side last season, importantly forming partnerships with Ream and Knight making 30 appearances. Some believe if he had not been injured in the final home game of the season that Bolton may have still been a Premier League club this season. He’s also experienced this level with Middlesbrough and is the kind of player you can rely on in a dogfight, as has been evident in the past.

However, like Mills and to a large extent more than the former Leicester man his match fitness and sharpness are a real cause for concern, limited to just 3 substitute appearances since sustaining the agonising knee injury last season. Freedman has mentioned in the press he is ready, and many Wanderers fans will be hoping this is the case, as you’d expect if fit Wheater would be first choice to partner Zat Knight.

Whoever Freedman decides for the position the pressure is on and there is no room for error. Who would be your choice to replace Craig Dawson and hopefully help us propel Bolton back to the Premier League?

The post In Bolton’s Defence: Filling The Craig Dawson Shaped Hole appeared first on Voice Of Bolton.

That slender gap and close competition between the majority of England’s second tier has been fully taken advantage of with brutal precision and timing by Bolton, flying from 20th place on 2nd February to 6th place in April, and with two games in full control of their playoff destiny. It’s been similar to Dame Kelly Holmes brave last lap at the 800m Olympic final at Athens in 2004 to win, timing the run to perfection - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfUkaWH1Dno . The question is can Wanderers bring home the gold or will they fall short at the final hurdle as they come up against the best side in the division and worthy champions Cardiff City.

This regularity in league form had frustrated Cardiff in recent years, starting well to fall at the final hurdle in the last couple of years. The playoffs have haunted Cardiff more than most, losing in the Semi Finals in the last two seasons, and facing heartbreak in that dramatic final against Blackpool at Wembley in 2010. Instead of falling away completely, that experience has been drawn upon, and Malky Mackay’s side have achieved that goal which has eluded them for so long in consistency.

Following an absence of 51 years, we’ll see a worthy return to the top flight for Welsh capital side, and I’d like to congratulate the newest inductees to the Barclays Premier League on finally completing their journey. Following the game tomorrow Bellamy will achieve a boyhood dream of lifting the trophy on the pitch, and while the result of the game may be a final showpiece to the home fans, so much is at stake for Bolton as the season is far from over for the Reebok based outfit.

Bolton and Cardiff boast the best home form this season, with Cardiff just edging it with a massive 15 games won so far. Despite that in recent weeks Cardiff City stadium hasn’t been quite the fortress it was earlier in the season, managing just 2 wins from the last 7 at home. Bolton’s away form has been described as diabolical at times in some media sources this season, and no signs as yet have looked like improving the results despite some encouraging performances on the road.

Alot could hinge on how much the distraction of already being champions will have for the Cardiff City squad, will they be able to show the same motivation in this game as they have done the remainder of the season? On the other hand will Bolton show much they want their own place in the Premier League tomorrow and make a statement?

Even if Dougie Freedman’s Bolton tame Mackay’s Red Dragons and take the three points back to the Reebok we should be under no illusion that the day will still belong to Cardiff and rightly so. It could spoil the party temporarily, but when Premier League realisation kicks in would just be a minor blip and they have every right to celebrate. Well done Cardiff City, good luck in the Premier League next season!

What The Managers Say

Dougie Freedman:

“We’ve hit the play-offs through fantastic play and just through sheer determination and grit.

“I don’t think there is anybody else who has got that kind of momentum now in that top six,”

“We will be missing David Ngog and Jay Spearing. “It will be Craig Dawson’s last game and he will go back to West Brom a better player.”

“We have got David Wheater back in training and add that to Jan Gregus, Chris Lester and Zach Clough and we have got a good young squad.”

Malky Mackay:

“We must respect the division and other clubs,”

“There is a lot riding on matches tomorrow, for Bolton and other clubs vying for play-off places.”

“We will be open and transparent in the way we go about things, prepare as we always prepare.”

Team News

Bolton

Ngog is definitely out for the season, and Spearing may have played his final game for the Wanderers unless they manage to secure a play off place. As a precaution Stuart Holden has been recalled from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday after making a handful of appearances. The USA international is nearing a return to full fitness and may feature against Cardiff, likely from the substitutes bench. Notably this will be Craig Dawson’s final game, and he will be sorely missed after following a great partnership with Zat Knight.

The rumour mill regarding Kevin Davies was in overdrive this week with a move to Toronto seeming but a formality at one stage, but the player issued a statement signalling his intent to stay at the club for the remainder of his contract. It is extremely unlikely however, he will play any part in the Welsh capital, as the fairytale day belongs to another veteran striker in this game.

Injuries – Joe Riley , Mark Davies (Knee), Keith Andrews (Achilles), Tyrone Mears, Jay Spearing, David Ngog (dislocated shoulder)

Cardiff

A number of key players have become injured in recent weeks, with Hudson, Taylor and Connolly’s seasons already over. Nicky Maynard came through a development game against Exeter but is not expected to be available for the Bolton clash.

Helguson faces a race against the clock recover from a calf strain in time to face his former club.

Injuries – Nicky Maynard (ankle), Fraizer Campbell (shin), Mark Hudson (ankle), Ben Taylor (calf), Matt Connolly (groin)

Doubtful – Heidar Helguson (calf strain)

League Appearances

Bolton – Zat Knight (41), Adam Bogdan (39)
Cardiff – David Marshall (44), Andrew Taylor (41)

Current League Position

Bolton (6^th)
Cardiff (1st and promoted as champions)

Odds

(from 188 Bet)

Bolton – 2.80
Cardiff – 2.30
Draw – 3.20

Head To Head

Bolton (Win) – 34
Cardiff (Win) – 21
Draws – 27

This will be the first meeting between the clubs at the new stadium, the last time Cardiff played a home game in the league was at Ninian Park, in the old Third Division, Wanderers running out 2-0 winners.

January 1989 is the last time Cardiff were victors in this fixture, thanks to a 1-0 home win. In the reverse fixture this season, a Martin Petrov penalty and a cool finish from David Ngog cancelled out a Craig Noone opener, Bolton boasting the spoils in Freedman’s first official game in charge of the club.

Form Guide

Bolton Wanderers – W-L-W-W-W
Cardiff City – D-D-W-D-D

Home form has been instrumental in the season for both clubs, but the consistency for Cardiff has impressed both home and away.

It really does feel like a broken record but form can’t be taken too seriously. A key question to consider is how will Cardiff respond now they are champions? They slightly stuttered of late on the road to becoming champions, winning only once in 5, although admittedly they haven’t been beaten either.

On a quite ominous front, only two teams have managed to come away with three points from Cardiff City Stadium, Peterborough and Brighton. Only once have they been beaten at home in 2013. Bolton on the other hand have managed just two wins on the road in 2013.

Away record for Bolton – Won 4, draws 7, lost 11. (20th overrall).

Home record for Cardiff – Won 15, drawn 5, lost 2. (1st overall).

Goals

Bolton – Craig Davies (11), Chris Eagles (10), David Ngog (8)
Cardiff – Peter Whittingham, Aron Gunnarsson, Heidar Helguson (8),

Assists

Bolton – Chris Eagles (12)
Cardiff – Craig Noone (9)

Shots

Bolton – On Target – (304) Off Target – (233) Hit Woodwork – (9) Highest Player – Chris Eagles (76,62,5)

Cardiff – On Target – (289) Off Target – (240) Hit Woodwork – (24) Highest Player – Peter Whittingham (39,25,6).

Discipline

Bolton: Fouls (517) Yellow Cards (80) Red Cards (4) Penalties conceded (10).

Dirtiest Player – Kevin Davies – Fouls (70) Yellow Cards (5) Red Cards (0) .

Cardiff: Fouls (459) Yellow Cards (72) Red Cards (2) Penalties Conceded (4).

Dirtiest Player – Aron Gunnarsson – Fouls (52) Yellow Cards (6) Red Cards (0).

Attendance

Pretty much every aspect of Cardiff’s season couldn’t have gone any better. They’ve been strongly supported, with an average attendance of 22,843. This is not just any old game, the fixture is almost of little importance to the club, but the moment is a historical and no doubt emotional one, as they will lift the Championship trophy on the pitch following the game.

The club have put out a plea for fans to stay off the pitch, expect attendance records to be smashed on Saturday, it’s a guaranteed full house. Bolton fans will need to be in extremely loud voice to be barely heard.

Referee – Michael Naylor

Naylor, is from South Yorkshire and has refereed 13 Championship games so far this season, handing out 36 yellows and 1 red card. It’s the second time he has refereed a game involving the clubs, after taking charge of Bolton’s home loss against Ipswich on 1st December, and Cardiff’s victory at Blackpool in January.

Players to Watch

Bolton – Craig Dawson – It’s the last time Wanderers fans will get to see Dawson this season, and the final chance to make a mark in his Wanderers career. His loan spell has been nothing short of remarkable, playing more than his part in a run 10 wins, 2 draws and losing just three times since his arrival.

In those games, Bolton have conceded just 12 goals, an average of less than 1 per game whilst chipping in with 4 goals of his own, a kind of run some strikers wouldn’t shirk. Solid in defence and a great threat from set pieces, Dawson will certainly be missed when he goes after this game. Will the hole be too big to fill? A solid performance and an unlikely win could all but firm up a playoff place for the Whites.

Cardiff – Craig Bellamy – Over 70 caps for Wales, years of Premier League experience, playing for some of the Premier League’s biggest club in a distinguished career, sometimes shrouded in controversy. The Cardiff section of his career has been a match made in heaven, and the fairytale is completed on Saturday as Bellamy lifts the trophy, completing every boys dream of captaining their team to success.

His blistering pace would make him suitable still for many a Premier League side, and after almost guiding the club to the Premier League in 2011, he came back to finish the job in summer. Let’s hope he’s distracted by the occasion, but I very much doubt it!

Prediction

My 2-0 prediction against Middlesbrough wasn’t too far wrong, but it was hard work against a side playing for just pride. The same could be said for Cardiff, no matter what happens they’ll still be having that party.

4 out of 5 of the last Cardiff games have ended in draws, and I expect this to make 5 out of 6, Wanderers will put up a good fight, but I wouldn’t expect the home side to crumble at this late stage. Marshall has kept 18 clean sheets this season, the league’s highest, could he make it 19?

Distractions can be a funny thing though can’t they?

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Lineups In Their Previous Fixtures

Bolton Wanderers

Cardiff

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