Opposition View: Bolton Wanderers

This weeks opposition view maybe a little late, but its still as great as always. We welcome Harry Genshaw from Bolton Banter.

Why and how long have you supported Bolton?

I followed the side my dad did, & his dad before him. We lived closer to Manchester so it would have been easier to be a man u fan like most of my mates but never regretted it. Honest! I first started going in 1974.

Bolton have had a very disappointing start to the season which surprises me considering the great job Owen Coyle did last season, what are your thoughts on this and do you think Coyle can turn this around?

Most Bolton fans are split on this. Personally, I think he’s facing a ‘perfect storm’ so to speak – injuries, an ageing squad, skint & punching way above our weight for so long, finally catching up with us. I hope to God he can turn it around but I’m starting to doubt it. Defeat on Saturday would be a tipping point for many.

What where your aspirations for this season before it started and now that we are close to the halfway point have they changed and why?

I’m a born pessimist so I’m happy with anything above 18th. I think most expected us to be around 13th to 16th. Now, we’d snatch your hand off for 17th.

Nigel Reo-Coker left Villa to join Bolton in the summer, what are your thoughts on his impact or lack thereof?

He made a great start and many saw him as a future captain. His form has dipped of late but that’s a team thing as much as anything. I suspect he’s probably regretting his move now.

Gary Cahill is considered by many Villa fans as the one that got away, Do you feel that him leaving for pastures new is a foregone conclusion or is there a possibility of him remaining a Bolton player?

Only injury will keep him here next season. He’s certainly too good to be playing in a struggling side. I notice you don’t see Zat Knight as one that got away!

With the transfer window fast approaching do you think Coyle will have funds to spend? and if so where should the money be spent? and how much?

Any funds will come from the sale of Cahill. If that drags on, we’ll be looking for a couple of Daniel Sturridge type loan deals. Certainly, we don’t have the money to fix everything that’s broken but I’d like to see a new defender, wide man & striker.

Many Aston Villa Fans are becoming more and more frustrated at Alex McLeish’s negative tactics and the lack of fight in the squad at the moment, what are your feelings on McLeish and do you think he can turn things around for us?

I was amazed when you hired him. His record is patchy at best and given where he was managing, I’m still shocked you took him on. He seems to be a pragmatic type which will get you results but I cant see that style winning Villa fans over.

Aston Villa’s main signing in the summer was Charles N’zogbia but he has so far failed to justify his price tag of 9.5 million, what do you think of N’zogbia and how should we get the best out of him?

Aye, you seem to have bought the guy at Newcastle and not the one who played for Wigan. He might just be one of those players that only thrives at smaller clubs or under particular managers. Have you tried him through the middle playing off Agbonlahor?

What are your feelings about Aston Villa and our Fans?

You’re a big side with a great following but like the rest of us, you’re getting left behind the daft money at the top. Your in a similar position to Everton & Newcastle in that you shouldn’t go down but apart from the odd season you’re only ever going to be treading water.

What do you think Villa can accomplish both this season and in the next few years?

Sadly, without some money mad Arab – not a great deal I’m afraid.

And finally, Match predictions?

We’re desperate for a win but cant defend to save our lives. 1-1 I reckon.

Interview by Michael Steede.