Nickname(s): The Wanderers, The Trotters
2008/2009 Position: 12th
2007/2008 Finish: 16th
Coach: Gary Megson (England)
Stadium: Reebok Stadium (28,723 capacity)
Key Players: Kevin Davies, Gary Cahill, Matthew Taylor
History:
The Wanderers were founded in 1874 as Christ Church F.C. and were inaugural members of the Football League. They were a very successful side during the 1920s, but suffered through a fifteen year absence from the top level until 1995. Bolton has been an enigma lately. The squad had an improved 2006/2007 but struggled to avoid relegation last year.
Manager Gary Megson played in nearly 500 matches in his career, and he has embarked on a long coaching career as well, having already coached eight teams in 12 years. Bolton was very bad last year, but Megson’s side has shown improvement so far this year. If they can stay sharp they will keep their head above water and finish somewhere in the middle of the league table.
The team is owned by Eddie Davies and run by Phil Gartside, an English businessman. Gartside has brought in many high-profile footballers for Bolton, such as Nicolas Anelka, but he has been unable to retain their services long enough to have the Wanderers compete for a league title. He did recently sign Johan Elmander for a record fee.
Legends: Nat Lofthouse, Kevin Davies, Kevin Nolan
American Sports Doppelganger: The Pittsburgh Pirates
2008/2009 Prediction: 12th
