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Ask some fans and they would rather see stocks set up in the centre-circle and rotten fruit distributed in the stands at the final whistle tomorrow than watch a lap of honour from the under-performing Wanderers players.
Excluding a few of the younger players and a couple of older heads making their final appearance at the Macron, little adulation will be poured down on to the pitch after the final whistle sounds against Hull City.
Eight years ago, Gary Megson was pilloried after neglecting to send his team out for a lap of thanks as a 2-0 win against Sunderland effectively secured their Premier League status. El-Hadji Diouf took the opportunity to go solo – but for the likes of Stelios and Ivan Campo, a proper opportunity to say goodbye to the fans was never afforded.
A year later Megson refused to participate in the lap of appreciation which followed this very same fixture.
Never concerned about the ratio of love-to-hate in his relationship with the supporters, Megson later admitted he did not know what there was to celebrate after a 13th-placed finish in the Premier League.
Oh for those heady days to return right now, as the next competitive opponent after the Tigers this weekend at the Macron could easily be Accrington Stanley or AFC Wimbledon.
Jimmy Phillips knows full well there has been nothing to celebrate this season but he refuses to let his players off the hook. A token gesture it may be, but the squad will assemble to acknowledge the phenomenal support given in a dreadful campaign.
“I don’t think we’ll be celebrating anything at the end of the season,” he said.
“You won’t see a traditional lap of honour because there has been no honour in this season whatsoever.
“In the old days you only did a lap of honour if you got promoted but these days you seem to do it anyway.
“The players will be there in the centre of the pitch to show their respect for the support they have been given.
“This has probably been the worst season in 25 years and we know the players have underachieved for what they look like on paper.
“But as a club we have had great support, particularly away from home. They have never been on the players’ backs and they have really appreciated that, and hopefully we can get a win against Hull to at least give them something to smile about.”
Wanderers have played host to some famous end-of-season celebrations, from Sam Allardyce dancing with Jay Jay Okocha to Birmingham City’s incredible last-day survival act.
Saturday’s final whistle, albeit the penultimate of the season, will bring to an end one of the most depressing campaigns in living memory for all involved.
“The key to the players staying out there will literally be to say thanks,” Phillips said. “It isn’t to revel in any form of applause or credit.
“We know we have underachieved as a group but the fans have turned out week in, week out and been very positive with their feedback to the players.
“I can seldom think of many boos going round the stadium and I think they have made a very difficult season a little bit easier with how they have conducted themselves. They are a credit to the club.
“I’ve never seen a season like this as a Bolton fan, player or coach. All the off-the-field distractions, all the takeover stuff, and it’s one we want to put behind us.
“We can’t forget it because I think we need to learn from it. We need to take some lessons and make sure we don’t repeat mistakes in years to come.”
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Excluding a few of the younger players and a couple of older heads making their final appearance at the Macron, little adulation will be poured down on to the pitch after the final whistle sounds against Hull City.
Eight years ago, Gary Megson was pilloried after neglecting to send his team out for a lap of thanks as a 2-0 win against Sunderland effectively secured their Premier League status. El-Hadji Diouf took the opportunity to go solo – but for the likes of Stelios and Ivan Campo, a proper opportunity to say goodbye to the fans was never afforded.
A year later Megson refused to participate in the lap of appreciation which followed this very same fixture.
Never concerned about the ratio of love-to-hate in his relationship with the supporters, Megson later admitted he did not know what there was to celebrate after a 13th-placed finish in the Premier League.
Oh for those heady days to return right now, as the next competitive opponent after the Tigers this weekend at the Macron could easily be Accrington Stanley or AFC Wimbledon.
Jimmy Phillips knows full well there has been nothing to celebrate this season but he refuses to let his players off the hook. A token gesture it may be, but the squad will assemble to acknowledge the phenomenal support given in a dreadful campaign.
“I don’t think we’ll be celebrating anything at the end of the season,” he said.
“You won’t see a traditional lap of honour because there has been no honour in this season whatsoever.
“In the old days you only did a lap of honour if you got promoted but these days you seem to do it anyway.
“The players will be there in the centre of the pitch to show their respect for the support they have been given.
“This has probably been the worst season in 25 years and we know the players have underachieved for what they look like on paper.
“But as a club we have had great support, particularly away from home. They have never been on the players’ backs and they have really appreciated that, and hopefully we can get a win against Hull to at least give them something to smile about.”
Wanderers have played host to some famous end-of-season celebrations, from Sam Allardyce dancing with Jay Jay Okocha to Birmingham City’s incredible last-day survival act.
Saturday’s final whistle, albeit the penultimate of the season, will bring to an end one of the most depressing campaigns in living memory for all involved.
“The key to the players staying out there will literally be to say thanks,” Phillips said. “It isn’t to revel in any form of applause or credit.
“We know we have underachieved as a group but the fans have turned out week in, week out and been very positive with their feedback to the players.
“I can seldom think of many boos going round the stadium and I think they have made a very difficult season a little bit easier with how they have conducted themselves. They are a credit to the club.
“I’ve never seen a season like this as a Bolton fan, player or coach. All the off-the-field distractions, all the takeover stuff, and it’s one we want to put behind us.
“We can’t forget it because I think we need to learn from it. We need to take some lessons and make sure we don’t repeat mistakes in years to come.”
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