Bolton fans endured a torrid time at Wembley after their side were demolished 5-0 by Stoke in the 2011 FA Cup Semi-Final. It was simply unacceptable for the Trotters and it will be a bitter pill to swallow for their supporters. However, they should not be too critical of their manager Owen Coyle. Coyle did get things wrong on the day and the players didn't perform to their usual standard, but the Lancashire club must remember just how much he has done for the club since taking over in January 2010.
When former boss Gary Megson was sacked in December 2009, Bolton were down in 18th in the Barclays Premier League. But Bolton avoided relegation as Coyle led them to a 14th-place finish. With just over a month left of the 2010/11 campaign, the Trotters lie up in 8th and Coyle deserves huge credit for transforming them into a team that are now competing in the top half of the table. Bolton have lost just two league games at the Reebok this season and, while their away form is relatively poor, they are still performing far better compared with recent years. The Trotters are no longer flirting with relegation, but are now a side others find tough to play...although Stoke may disagree!
Coyle must also be praised for securing the capture of Daniel Sturridge on loan from Chelsea in January. The 21-year-old has already netted six goals in eight games for the Trotters and is a big hit at the club. Personally, I believe a permanent move to Bolton this summer would be a great career move for Sturridge. Game time at Chelsea would be very limited, but at Bolton he seems to be in his element and Coyle is clearly able to get the best out of him.
Coyle will need to strengthen his squad further during the off-season. But both supporters and outsiders looking in should appreciate just what a good job he has done so far. Miracles do not happen overnight, but during his first year in charge he has already made Bolton into a far better attacking side...let's just hope fans can forgive him for the embarrassing FA Cup exit.
Football clubs' boards and their fans have increasingly high expectations these days and this season it has resulted in numerous managerial sackings, especially in the Football League. Success is amazing for supporters and we always crave more, regardless of who our team is. Losing a cup semi-final is always going to be a bitter pill to swallow as it means missing out on the final and potential silverware. But fans need to stay grounded and not forget improvements that have taken place on the pitch.
For Bolton to now be a team challenging in the top half of the table is a fantastic achievement! Prior to their semi-final defeat to Stoke, I said to a few people that Coyle is a very strong contender for manager of the season....and even after their poor result against the Potters, I'm going to stand by that statement 100%!
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