A New Day, A New Season

The Premier League season kicks off today. As a Bolton fan, it's a new era. A Coyle era. Sure, he was in charge for half a season last season, but that's not really a period where he can completely make his mark. A new season, however, is. We've signed some quality players in Petrov and Klasnic, some decent, experienced back up in Blake, and some promising players in Alonso and Eaves. I think with the squad we have, we have a real possibility of reaching the top 10. I should be really excited at the prospect of a new season.

But I'm not.

I can't put my finger on why not. Maybe it's because we kick off against Fulham at the Reebok. A game famous for its lack of entertainment. Maybe it's because last seasons opener, against Sunderland, was so horrendous that I'm scarred for life. Maybe it's because I have a new perspective on football and Bolton Wanderers, that I have been shunted out by missing 7 games last year whilst away at university. I don't know. Interestingly, the record for the 7 games that I missed was 4 wins and 3 draws, gaining 15 points. The 12 games that I attended consisted of only 2 wins, 3 draws and 7 losses, gaining a miserly 9 points. So maybe I feel I'm bad luck.

However, I feel it may be something rather more sinister than that. Maybe it's because I will be viewing the match from a different perspective, that is, seven seats and one row away. For the first time in over eleven years, Seat 229, Row M of the East Stand Lower at the Reebok will be occupied by someone who is not me. Eleven years. If I kept it for a further nine, I'm quite certain I can claim it as my own land according to the Adverse Possession laws.

The fact that my seat (which is mine) has been taken, along with the seat next to it, which has always been empty as far as I can remember, bar a few sell outs, tells me that we might, just might be looking at a packed stadium. I doubt it, but some hope holds out that will happen. An Elmander goal will have me locking my doors when I get back, surely two signs of the apocalypse.


As for the team, I'm expecting a 4-4-2. As per with Coyle. Jussi in net, obviously. Steinsson, Knight, Cahill and Robinson (maybe Alonso, but I'd say Robinson) in defence. Midfield of Lee, Muamba, Holden, Petrov. Up front will be Super Kev and Klasnic.

The more I type, the more I feel the excitement building. In fact, stuff it. I'm ready for the season.


BRING IT ON.