Continuing on with our View From The Enemy series, Chris Mann from Bolton blog Burnden Aces has spoken to us about
Scott the Red: Were you happy with your team’s performance last season?
Chris Mann: Up until the end of March, we had spent the whole season inside the top eight and then, all of a sudden, things just fell apart. While the home form was as good as it has been for a good few years, the away form was nothing short of appalling. 11 defeats in 12 since the end of November put the fans off making away trips. The only game we didn’t lose was a 1-1 draw against 10-man Newcastle. Getting to the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup was a huge achievement for us, but the way the team fell apart on the day was tough to watch and will, unfortunately, become the lasting memory of what faded out into a disappointing end to the campaign.
STR: We don’t have particularly fond memories from that weekend at Wembley either! Who were your most important players in helping you with any of the success of last season?
CM: After failing to score in six of our eleven games since the end of November, Daniel Sturridge’s arrival at the end of January put halt to an alarming slide down the league table. He scored in his first four games for the club and ended up with eight in 12 before the end of the season, a record which means he will almost certainly be staying at Chelsea this season.
But, while Sturridge may have scored the goals, our main man last season was Stuart Holden. He was an almost ever-present throughout the season until he was stretchered off during our defeat at Old Trafford. Wanderers fans knew he was a good player, but our form after he received the injury made us realise just how important he really is. Unfortunately, he won’t be fit until September/October, so the struggle may live on for a while yet.
STR: His reaction to the injury was really good too, fair play to him. There was no intent there but plenty of players could have made a song and dance about it. Do you think you’re covered for a few months without him? How has Bolton done in the transfer market this summer?
CM: We’ve been pretty quiet about our business this summer. You could say we have replaced the outgoings with better quality, but nobody really stands out as the big name we all want.
Darren Pratley, Nigel Reo-Coker, Tyrone Mears and Chris Eagles have all been brought in for a combined fee of around £3m, while the sales of Ali Al Habsi, Matt Taylor and young striker Danny Ward have brought in more than £7m.
With the profit we have made, rumours have it that we have agreed a fee to sign Shaun Wright-Phillips from Manchester City, but matching the players wage demands may prove to be a stumbling block. Reports also suggest we’re close to signing former Middlesbrough and Stoke striker Tuncay Sanli on a season-long loan from Wolfsburg too.
STR: Some great business there. What are your aspirations for this season with these new players?
CM: After spending the majority of last season challenging for Europe, it would be good to see the club make another push this time round. The alarming end to the season and our tough run of fixtures at the start of this campaign could see us propping up the league by the end of September, so any predictions have to be realistic. If we could improve on last season’s 14th placed finish and make a move towards the top half, I think the fans will be happy that we will have avoided another relegation fight.
STR: How do you rate Coyle’s ability to take the club forward?
CM: There is no doubt that Owen Coyle has moved the club forward since taking over from Gary Megson, despite last season’s league position. We finished with 46 points, our highest since 2006/07 when 56 saw us quality for Europe. The older and higher earners are slowly being moved on and younger, English, players are being brought in. Hopefully we can continue to improve the way we play, whilst also getting the results we need to become a force once again.
STR: Where do you think you will finish this season?
CM: As I said before, we finished last season poorly and probably couldn’t have asked for a tougher start to this one. We will probably be down at the bottom by the end of September but if we can stop the rot and get a few good results going our way, I don’t see why we can’t be aiming for a mid-table finish this season. I will say 10th.
STR: Which player do you think will most important in helping you achieve this?
CM: Getting Stuart Holden back from injury will be a big moment in our season. The tough run of games should be over by the time he returns and he should then be able to slot back into our midfield and become the catalyst he was in our success last season until the injury.
We will miss Daniel Sturridge but hopefully we can get another striker in with something to prove and we can do something to try and improve the number of goals we scored last season.
STR: Which two current United players would you most want at your club? Why?
CM: I will try to stay away from the obvious duo of Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs here and go for names that may actually be a little more realistic.
Despite what he says, Michael Owen must be disappointed that his successful career has been wrecked by injury and he is no more than a bench warmer these days. If he could prove his fitness during a loan spell at a less fashionable club, it may prompt other clubs to become interested in signing him on a permanent basis later down the line. Bolton would then have the joy of his goals and United would profit from selling a backup player at a future date.
The other name I’m going to say is Tom Cleverley. He impressed at Wigan last season and was in the England squad until this week’s friendly was called off. He’s probably not quite ready for the United first team and would benefit from another stint out on loan.
STR: We’ve had a few players out on loan last season. How important have the players you’ve taken on loan been to you over the past couple of seasons?
CM: I’ve already said how important Daniel Sturridge was to us last season, but our most documented loan deal was Jack Wilshere. He was a little raw when he joined the club, but as he integrated into the squad at the Reebok, he made steady progress.
He never really stood out, but it was obvious to see he had the talent to improve and become a success later in his career. We wanted to sign him again last year, but Arsenal decided to keep him and will probably be a little surprised at how quickly his stock has risen.
Wilshere is now a regular in the Arsenal team and has also managed to force his way between the disappointing duo of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in the England setup. Hopefully the success stories of Wilshere and Sturridge will persuade Owen Coyle to try his luck with another young player this season.
STR: What do you make of your former captain Kevin Nolan’s decision to join Allardyce in the Championship?
CM: When Nolan left us for Newcastle, the time was right. He had suffered with terrible form for the best part of 3 seasons and it was in the best interests of the player and the club for him to seek pastures new. Newcastle’s relegation to the Championship was probably the best thing for his career. A year in the second tier of English football seemed to get the best out of him and he once again found the habit of getting goals from midfield, something which he continued on their return to the top flight last season. It did some as a bit of a surprise to see him drop back down to the Championship, but when you consider the long contract and the big wages he was offered, combined with West Ham’s probability of promotion, it was probably the right decision for Nolan as it will almost certainly be the last big move of his career.
STR: Finally, who will finish in the top 4? Who will go down?
CM: My predictions for this season are: 1. Manchester United, 2. Liverpool, 3. Chelsea and 4. Manchester City. 18. Wigan Athletic, 19. Swansea City and 20. Norwich City.
STR: Liverpool?? Hmm. We’ll see. Cheers Chris.
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2nd
I think Cleverley should stay here this season, the guy is class.
Another great interview. Seems a level-headed guy and is realistic with his expectations for the season.
I agree with him on Daniel Sturridge. He impressed me greatly when he joined Bolton last season and is going to be key for Chelsea this season given their lack of signings.
In fact, as Denton has often stated on here, Sturridge’s improvement under Owen Coyle is one of the big reasons I feel that Macheda and Diouf could gain a lot from a loan stint to the Reebok. Especially for Macheda, who still seems like a bit of a pussy (not in a demeaning sense of course) for all his natural talents. He could really toughen up by spending a year there and it would alleviate the loss of Sturridge for them also.
Cleverley not ready or the first team. Complain all you want but he’s’ right.
I actually like Stuart Holden and think he is a good player but having seen him interviewed on sky the other night I came to the conclusion he would fit right in in a boy band.
The Fly – What are you talking about mate? Of course he is ready. What a ludicrous statement from someone who I always agree with. Was he not bossing the show for the first team on Sunday? What does he need to do? That lad will get plenty of games. Weird comment mate.
Sorry I am getting fucked off with folk debating wether he is ready. Not you Fly but others. The lad has done the business out on loan and is more than ready. Just watch him this season. As I have repeatedly said I have followed Tom’s career for 4 years and the lad is top drawer. Why the fuck would we want to send him on loan again? Not just the wembley game but Barca in the states. He is superb.
No mention of the two broken legs suffered pre season. Terrible bit of luck for the club.
I fucking despise Bolton as much as I do City, their songs about Fergie dying and continual singing off Munich at their place is disgusitng (Apologies to all sound Bolton fans). I would love to see them go down, also singing we support our local club? Oh do you well how about once bringing 3000 fans to OT which is less than 10 miles away fucking inbreds!
@ King Eric
I echo about Clev how much does this kid have to earn his spurs, did it in the championship, did it in the prem, did it for United last pre season when he scored a nice goal against Valencia etc, took his chance against many’s favourates to United’s thrown. Fuck me the kid is ready and we need to use him, look how hungry he was he made De Jong and Yaya look like yard dogs!
Thanks Scott and Chris!
The Evans-Holden collision could as easily have resulted in Jonny being seriously injured. We and he are very lucky in that regard, and I’d suggest an ovation for Stuart when he does return to Old Trafford. His acceptance that no malice was intended certainly diluted the angry calls for Evans’ head at the time.
To add above singing at their place last season in the 2-2 we support our local club when above their heads was a massive flag saying Essex Whites! Small Time
I do miss Chris Eagles, I always liked him as a lad. Good all around player but probably not for us in the end. Think Owen Coyle is a decent manager as well. I just despise the Bolton support. Signing their munich songs. Just up the road but can’t be bothered to bring decent support to OT, pathetic club. Hope they go down.
Check out the cheek of Gerrard, coming down to Manchester to get in some good looting!
http://redflagflyinghigh.com/2011/08/football-bloody-hell/picture-steven-gerrard-spotted-in-manchester?
Someone has no shame. Ha ha ha
Frank talk
Another good interview. Seems a good guy.
I disagree with a couple of his predictions: that Liverpool will finish 2nd – look at their squad FFS, it’s dogshit compared to United, Chelsea and City. They’ll be nowhere near challenging for any honours this year.
Also, his prediction about Norwich. Lambert seems to be a good manager and I have a feeling they’ll stay up this season.
I think the three who will go down are Swansea, Blackburn and QPR. YHIHF!
Cleverley not ready? What a ridiculous statement….. If he is not ready now he will never be.
Of course he is bloody ready and will show his worth this season. Sir Alex already said that Tom will not go out on loan again, hmm I wonder why….
FletchTHEMAN – I agree about Eagles, he’s class and will prove a great signing for the Trotters.
The Fly
You have been a key campaigner for the signature of Sneijder and whilst I do not agree with you I respect your opinion however do not let that hinder your opinion of current United players just so you can make an even stronger case as to why we should sign the wee man.
Bebe out for six months with cruciate injury. He’s done.
Cleverley had the city midfield quite comfortably in his pocket as he did Barca in the States
Whilst that may not be so important yet it is a pre cursor to something incredible
I saw the kid on Friday and Sunday and he was absolutely brilliant.
So it’s a start but one which is promising and that is the end of that.
Every one starts their journey from the beginning – even the Beckhams the Ronaldos the Sneijders.
To say TC isn’t ready is prety stupid – by trusting him he’ll show his worth.
His time will come and if he wants it bad then he’ll prove it accordingly.
Poor bebe
I am not even sure that is The Fly. He is usually a bog fan of Tom.
*big* rather.
Giggs12Gerrard – Hello mate. Spot on in both posts.
Cleverley is ready
The real Fly is caught in a web.
I love watching young Tom cleverley, been following the lads performances since he was at Watford then wigan.
Before I declare a man crush on Tommy I’d like to see the lad play back to back games and play the full 90 mins both times. Its always interesting to how player reacts on the pitch playing on a Saturday then the following Wednesday and then play again the next week. Some players can’t handle it. You have to remember the PL will be more intense than pre season or the 45 mins Tom,Evans,beast played last weekend.
I love watching welbeck, reminds me of Cole,yorke/kanu in a way with the finishing of Thierry Henry.
Clint – Hello mate. He will be fine. He is an exceptionally fit young man. It isnt just his ability but his attitude that will see him reach the top. Call me daft but I can see him having a season of Hernandez and Smalling proportions.
Holden is a fine player, as said before Holden was cool after he was hurt. People looking for some shit on Evans and Holden set them straight. He has been missed by the US team. He took a chance did not sign for Houston and went to the epicenter of the world of Football to make his mark. He was one of Bolton’s best last year. And he and Dempsey have shown a different route for the US footballer.
King Eric
Well said buddy…. Speaking of Hernandez, I sure miss the guy in a United shirt, I hope he is recovering well and hopefully soon raring to go. Something feels different, in a better sort of way when that lad is on the pitch.
Cleverley is in that place where he’s on the brink of breaking into the first team. Just like Scholes or Beckham in 94-95. It won’t happen over night, but the more he plays, the more he’ll come into his own.
Cedars 15:41, a great post. We here on RoM should all live by that example. TC is awesome, and ready for his next step of development, witch is playing for Man Utd first team. As many as 64 games next year. High 50′s for sure. Plenty of games to go around.
GO TOM!!!
I mean my 1st team is the top 20 players. Vidic, Rooney, Evra and maybe Rio are the only guys if healthy and rested will play for sure.
http://www.talksport.co.uk/magazine/features/2011-08-10/wesley-sneijder-told-carlos-tevez-spacebook-man-united-not-really-manchester?
Thanks Zibbie
Lil Pea make’s space for everyone else when he plays. It seems the medical staff are on top of this. He has played like 2 years straight or some stupid thing. A well rested Lil Pea with a rested Rooney who had the whole preseason to get ready!!!!!
Costas
Bloody hilarious, thanks for that
Cleverley’s ready — it’s a snap judgment based on watching one and a half matches on TV, but he looks ready to me. I’m not going to go overboard with it and start pumping up the expectations to unrealistic levels. But he doesn’t need to go out on loan any more. What he needs is to “home” with us, surround himself with the quality players we have and immerse himself fully in our squad and our culture. He’s done his apprencticeship. Now it’s time for polishing and honing and finishing, and there’s only one place he can do that.
Golden phone calls $1.00 only. A local call……..
TC through balls to Lil Pea!!!!!!
Nani, TC, Young
— Rooney
Lil Pea
Look out world….
I’m a bog fan of Cleverley.
This isn’t toilet humor, by the way.
Willie seems to be on some sort of a typo hunting trip!
Watch out lads, nothing get by the one line genius…… You have been warned
Ya ya ya, ‘nothing gets by’…..Of all the posts I make a typo on that one,,,,ffs
Cleverley isn’t your bog standard English midfielder.
@King Eric
Agreed. People were saying last season Hernandez only looks good cos he comes on for 45 minutes or less when the opposition is tired but he couldn’t do it as a starter. Despite Hernandez repeatedly starting games at the World Cup for Mexico because he did well as a sub until January of this year people were still talking about him as an “impact player” despite his performances for us against Stoke both home and away. Now it seems Cleverley’s got that tag. Again there is zero reason to believe a player who played for Wigan like 30 times last year cannot perform when starting but apparently he’s not ready…
…Just like Chico I’d be willing to put money on Cleverley proving his doubters wrong this season. Its surprising to me after everything Fergie’s done with cheap buys like Chico, Smalling, Vida, Evra and Ronaldo that people still think we need to spend like Man City to get good players.
Andrex your way to a clean bottom!
Looks like Fabregas is finally off to Barcelona.
Cleverley will be a quality player for united
We’ll miss u Cesc.
It was really me who posted. Maybe I was a bit harsh with “he’s not ready” but I don’t think he will be a regular starter. Don’t get me wrong I’m convinced Tom Cleverley will be fantastic for us. But I can’t see him starting the majority of matches this season. He shouldn’t however be restricted to Carling Cup games and the last think I want is for him to be loaned out again. Sir Alex will get it right with how he uses Tom and he knows more than me, and any other football manager. Cleverley will get more than enough appearances to collect a league medal and I’m sure he’ll get a taste of the big games in the league and in Europe. I just don’t think it’s reasonable to have so much confidence in him after 45 minutes against the massive club. Like I said though, I know he’ll succeed at United and will be a star for years to come.
And as it’s about Bolton I’ll say that this is a good interview. And I agree with most about Holden. A good player who could have got Jonny Evans in serious trouble, but he came out and said there was no intent and it was just unfortunate. Respect him for that.
Agree with all of you about tom but the question remain what happen if he get injured
Fred – 29 million as a fixed price. With add ons as well. 40 million Euros in total. If I was a gooner, I wouldn’t be happy with that price. It’s taken all summer, to sell him at that figure? Lol.
coomy
Your question is too hypothetical my friend and in theory applies to all our players
Barca are cheapskate bastards. I even heard it mentioned on another forum that Cesc is going to pay £5m to Arsenal to help Barca out.
Fucking scruffs.
Decent summer of shopping for Barca. Bastards.
United4eva. Spot on pal.
Willie. Bog off mate. I corrected myself!
I think Cleverley will get plenty of games. Far too good not to. He aint some raw teenager he is 22 next week and has shit loads of experience in the leagues. Fergie indicated he could start at West Brom.
@King Eric
I hope he does. He was like a breath of fresh air against City.
Bolton bastards, they think that THEY are OUR no.1 rivals, not the dippers or Berties but them. Munich singing inbreds.
United4eva – hernandez still got to work on certain parts to his game, but he is one of the best in the game today.
StatesideAussie – cleverly has he beds into the united first team, he is perfect for the home games, say august to maybe october time. And as he gets better he then can play the away games, almost the identical way that of how hernandez was slowly brought into the team
Liverpool 2nd! yeah, right.