Home
Tim Ream is praying someone comes in soon to steady Wanderers’ ship.
It was an odd experience for the Fulham defender – player of the year at the Macron for the last two seasons – to walk out of the away dressing room on Saturday.
The US international had been a fixture and fitting at Bolton since signing in the Premier League days from New York Red Bulls.
But he has looked on with concern at Wanderers’ financial meltdown since making the switch to Craven Cottage in August, and hopes their situation has improved by the time the two clubs meet again on the last weekend of the season.
“I’m one of those who keeps up with every club I played for and reading what is happening is rough, it’s upsetting,” he told The Bolton News.
“I feel for the club, the guys in the changing room, the fans and the people who work around here. They are good guys and you don’t want to see this at Christmas time.
“I’d like to think there will be a resolution soon and that new owners can come in and put this ship right.
“I think they will be fine. Based on the last couple of games and the way they have fought. Even if they can go a goal up would be a big start.
“Once you score goals the confidence is there and you saw that today.
“To be able to fight back and get draws is great but if you can start turning them into wins then Bolton can still get out of this.”
Ream played 126 times for Wanderers, including 13 top-flight appearances, before joining Fulham for around £2millon on a four-year deal.
He thanked the Whites fans for their support and got a good reception when his name was read out before kick-off.
That all changed, of course, once the game kicked off and the 28-year-old didn’t take any of the crowd’s playful banter to heart.
“I got a few boos. But that’s the life you live,” he smiled.
“When I left I said I spent three-and-a-half great years here, my family was settled and I stand by it.
“I miss the town, I miss the guys but unfortunately that’s the business we work in, you do move around every once in a while.
“The fans have always been great to me and my family. It was nice to come back and get that reception.”
Wanderers looked to be on course for only their second win of the season when Alex Kacaniklic won a free kick 25 yards out to give Fulham a route back into the game.
“As soon as the ref blew his whistle I knew Ross McCormack was going to score,” Ream said. “That’s two games in a row now he’s bailed us out.
“Someone who can put the ball in the back of the net from 25 yards is a great weapon to have. He’s class, no doubt.”
Fulham had been without a manager since early November, when they sacked Kit Symons, but are expected to name their new manager this week.
Ream did not expect his side to struggle this season but hopes a new boss could be a galvanising force.
“I’m surprised – but we know what our faults are,” he said. “We have tried to correct them but it hasn’t been the quickest process.
“There is quality front to back and we need to put that together.”
Fulham are 18th in the Championship table, 10 points ahead of rock-bottom Wanderers, but Ream believes the difference between the two clubs is mainly a financial one.
“Fulham are two years less removed from the Premier League but there isn’t a lot of difference,” he said. “It helps that the club can bring in a little money to buy players but the facilities and staff are great at both clubs.”
Source
It was an odd experience for the Fulham defender – player of the year at the Macron for the last two seasons – to walk out of the away dressing room on Saturday.
The US international had been a fixture and fitting at Bolton since signing in the Premier League days from New York Red Bulls.
But he has looked on with concern at Wanderers’ financial meltdown since making the switch to Craven Cottage in August, and hopes their situation has improved by the time the two clubs meet again on the last weekend of the season.
“I’m one of those who keeps up with every club I played for and reading what is happening is rough, it’s upsetting,” he told The Bolton News.
“I feel for the club, the guys in the changing room, the fans and the people who work around here. They are good guys and you don’t want to see this at Christmas time.
“I’d like to think there will be a resolution soon and that new owners can come in and put this ship right.
“I think they will be fine. Based on the last couple of games and the way they have fought. Even if they can go a goal up would be a big start.
“Once you score goals the confidence is there and you saw that today.
“To be able to fight back and get draws is great but if you can start turning them into wins then Bolton can still get out of this.”
Ream played 126 times for Wanderers, including 13 top-flight appearances, before joining Fulham for around £2millon on a four-year deal.
He thanked the Whites fans for their support and got a good reception when his name was read out before kick-off.
That all changed, of course, once the game kicked off and the 28-year-old didn’t take any of the crowd’s playful banter to heart.
“I got a few boos. But that’s the life you live,” he smiled.
“When I left I said I spent three-and-a-half great years here, my family was settled and I stand by it.
“I miss the town, I miss the guys but unfortunately that’s the business we work in, you do move around every once in a while.
“The fans have always been great to me and my family. It was nice to come back and get that reception.”
Wanderers looked to be on course for only their second win of the season when Alex Kacaniklic won a free kick 25 yards out to give Fulham a route back into the game.
“As soon as the ref blew his whistle I knew Ross McCormack was going to score,” Ream said. “That’s two games in a row now he’s bailed us out.
“Someone who can put the ball in the back of the net from 25 yards is a great weapon to have. He’s class, no doubt.”
Fulham had been without a manager since early November, when they sacked Kit Symons, but are expected to name their new manager this week.
Ream did not expect his side to struggle this season but hopes a new boss could be a galvanising force.
“I’m surprised – but we know what our faults are,” he said. “We have tried to correct them but it hasn’t been the quickest process.
“There is quality front to back and we need to put that together.”
Fulham are 18th in the Championship table, 10 points ahead of rock-bottom Wanderers, but Ream believes the difference between the two clubs is mainly a financial one.
“Fulham are two years less removed from the Premier League but there isn’t a lot of difference,” he said. “It helps that the club can bring in a little money to buy players but the facilities and staff are great at both clubs.”
Source