Bolton Wanderers Football Club Unofficial Blog - Latest Comments in BBC Pundit Mark Lawrenson Shares His Opinion of Bolton

Re: BBC Pundit Mark Lawrenson Shares His Opinion of Bolton

Chris Marshall — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:16:56 -0000

I believe that if Megson were to leave any time soon it would be devastating for the club, possibly worse than when Sam Allardyce left.

Allardyce was going to leave, we knew that, but it came sooner than expected and that left the club in disarray. I don't think that the club had much choice with who they employed as manager after Big Sam, Little Sam and Knox, Megson was willing, if not able.

Many fans will disagree with me but Megson needs support this season.

At least, Bolton needs more positive support and that means more bums on seats and less booing at the manager.

Re: BBC Pundit Mark Lawrenson Shares His Opinion of Bolton

MannyRoad — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:44:27 -0000

Difficult to know. Players only ever speak out after a manager has been sacked, they almost always back a manager publicly while he's in the job because they want to stay in the team. The only exceptions to that are when a player is desperate for a move, e.g. Charles N'Zogbia at Newcastle, or where a player's place in the team is so secure that they actually yield more influence than the manager, e.g. someone like John Terry at Chelsea. Of course, there will always be some players unhappy in every squad, whoever the manager is.

I think what you're asking is, could Megson's departure be prompted by rumblings from the players, as many suspect Sammy Lee's was. I suspect not - not least because Megson has (cleverly?) removed the most powerful/influential voice in the dressing room - Kevin Nolan.

I think empty seats/unrest in the stands are more likely to force Gartside's hand. We shall see...

Re: BBC Pundit Mark Lawrenson Shares His Opinion of Bolton

Chris Marshall — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:35:03 -0000

Success is a tricky to measure, and yes, fans unequivocally measure success differently from pundits. Are Bolton supporters the only Megson doubters, or do you think that there is unrest among the squad and staff at The Reebok?

(Inspired another post — thanks!)

Re: BBC Pundit Mark Lawrenson Shares His Opinion of Bolton

MannyRoad — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:47:15 -0000

Most outsiders think Megson has done a good job because they just look at raw, logical facts, ie small team + not much money + bottom of the league when took over + kept us up twice = done a good job. For those who actually support the team it's not as straightforward as that, because nothing ever is when you support a football team - it's emotional, irrational. Which is why despite what he's done I believe Megson has done a bad job, because he's divided the fans and created a very bad atmosphere around the club.

Re: BBC Pundit Mark Lawrenson Shares His Opinion of Bolton

tims — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:00:09 -0000

lawrensen is a twat of the highest order

Re: BBC Pundit Mark Lawrenson Shares His Opinion of Bolton

Lambrettaman — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:15:30 -0000

Lawro's a plank