Why Bolton fans need to give Gary Megson a break

By Dan Silver in

Published 13:37 01/09/09

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I sat chatting to a Bolton fan as we watched their defeat to Liverpool on Saturday - and 90 minutes later I still couldn't get my head around why their supporters dislike him so much, writes David Anderson.

He told me they want him out because they don't like his brand of long-ball football, which is all about hoofing the ball up to Kevin Davies.

But then, with a few subtle differences, wasn't this what worked so well for Sam Allardyce during his successful spell at the Reebok?

They also say he's dull, boring and lacking in charisma.

But if the Bolton fans want a stand-up comic in charge they should appoint Peter Kay or Dave Spikey and ultimately managers should be judged on their records.

Although Megson has made a slow start this season, losing all three of their games, not even the most one-eyed Bolton fan can question his record.

When he took over in October 2007, Wanderers were up to their necks in the brown stuff after the disaster that was Sammy Lee.

They had just one win and five points and the dressing room was more divided than Peter Andre and Jordan.

Despite having to sell Nicolas Anelka that January, Megson still kept Wanderers up, finishing 16th.

He also led Bolton to their best-ever run in Europe, reaching the last 16 and any fan who was present at Bayern Munich, Red Star Belgrade or Atletico Madrid will never forget those incredible nights.

Last season Wanderers stayed up comfortably, finishing 13th, despite losing their talismanic skipper Kevin Nolan to Newcastle.

He has done all this with a shrinking squad and Bolton have downsized during his two years in charge as they tackled a wage bill, which had rocketed in previous years.

Apart from the £8.2million he wasted on that big softie Johan Elmander, he was done well in the transfer market and he is the lowest spender this summer with just £6million.

He has doubled Gary Cahill's value in just 18 months and the centre-half is on the verge of an England call-up.

He also rejuvenated Davies and the striker had his best-ever league campaign last season, netting 11 goals.

OK, Megson hasn't started well, but they were hard done by against Liverpool and have the chance to turn things around in the next three games against Portsmouth, Stoke and Birmingham.

So come on Bolton fans, give the man you once hailed as the Ginger Mourinho a break.

Bolton fans: do you agree? Let us know by signing in and leaving a comment below...

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