Home
Now that a wretched season has officially ended, MARC ILES looked back at the 43 players who took the field for Bolton in 2019/20 to give his verdict on how they fared.
Marks out of 10 have been given to players who made five appearances in all competitiions.
LIAM BRIDCUTT
Apps – 12 (0) Gls – 0
Injuries meant we never quite saw what a player who clearly had leadership qualities and a class on the ball was capable of at Bolton. But looking back now, his inclusion at centre-back looked a waste.
Verdict – 6/10
HARRY BROCKBANK
Apps – 7 (1) Gls – 0
Led a young team well at the start of the season but an unfortunate injury affected his chances under Keith Hill and latter half of the campaign was a complete write off. A shame.
Verdict – 5/10
EDDIE BROWN
Apps – 6 (1) Gls – 0
Developed a cult following among the thousands who travelled early on to watch the Junior Whites, working his socks off for little reward.
Verdict – 5/10
KEAN BRYAN
Apps – 6 (0) Gls – 1
Billed as a “Rolls Royce” by Hill on his arrival, the Sheffield United loanee certainly motored well on the occasions that fitness allowed him to start.
Verdict – 6/10
WILL BUCKLEY
Apps – 4 (2) Gls – 0
After a disappointing two years at Bolton, Buckley was given a chance for a fresh start under Hill. But once again injury spoiled any chance he had to fulfil his potential.
Verdict – 4.5/10
ADAM CHICKSEN
Apps – 17 (3) Gls – 0
Surprisingly dumped in January after a fairly consistent run at left-back, much to the fans’ chagrin. Hill said Bolton wanted to move in a “different direction” – and we now know what direction that proved to be.
Verdict – 5.5/10
ALI CRAWFORD
Apps – 14 (0) Gls – 2
Had the Scottish playmaker not suffered an awful knee injury in a meaningless game against Manchester City’s Under-23s, Hill’s plan might have run smoother. One of few players this season who has been consistently good to watch.
Verdict – 6.5/10
RONAN DARCY
Apps – 17 (5) Gls – 2
If Wanderers can pin Darcy down to a new deal – which now looks likely – then next season could be his time to shine. Covered more ground than players with twice his experience.
Verdict – 6.5/10
JOE DODOO
Apps – 18 (9) Gls – 4
Looked early on like he would be a difference-maker for Wanderers but Dodoo never looked happy playing out wide and struggled to affect games when given a central role. Disappointing.
Verdict – 5/10
JOSH EARL
Apps – 10 (1) Gls – 0
Struck down 15 minutes into his debut, the Preston loanee recovered to show he has got a bright future – even if his lasting legacy at Bolton will be the red card he got at Accrington.
Verdict – 6/10
LIAM EDWARDS
Apps – 7 Gls – 0
Hugely unfortunate with injury – but thankfully back again next season and under contract. Edwards looks like he has the tools to carve out a career at Bolton.
Verdict – 6/10
JOSH EMMANUEL
Apps – 28 (2) Gls – 0
Arguably Bolton’s most effective attacking player, which being a right wing-back is a rather curious characteristic. Defensively hit-and-miss, but by no means the worst of the bunch.
Verdict – 6/10
BRANDON FLEMING
Apps – 10 (0) Gls – 0
Wanderers were always a link in the career chain for the young Hull City full-back. His attitude was excellent, even if he learned some harsh lessons along the way.
Verdict – 6/10
SONNY GRAHAM
Apps – 10 (
Gls – 0
Looked a mature presence in the Junior Whites and then stuck around in the first team against the odds. Deservedly got a professional contract and a chance to shine again next season.
Verdict – 6/10
ETHAN HAMILTON
Apps – 12 (0) Gls – 1
A goal against Rochdale would have made it one of the finest debut performances of recent times – and though the Manchester United youngster didn’t quite reach that standard again, his professionalism was first rate.
Verdict – 6/10
JACK HOBBS
Apps – 11 (1) Gls – 1
Brought back in by Hill as a key part of the defence but another one who struggled to stay consistently fit after a no-existent pre-season. Solid on his day, without a doubt.
Verdict – 5.5/10
CALLUM KING-HARMES
Apps – 5 (2) Gls – 0
Given a chance to show what he is made of next season with his first professional contract, and there were glimpses of real talent in his August and September outings.
Verdict – 6/10
JASON LOWE
Apps – 33 (1) Gls – 0
Off the pitch a class act for the club, on it, arguably the most consistent performer of the lot. Been a dignified leader in a difficult time for Wanderers.
Verdict – 7/10
REMI MATTHEWS
Apps – 38 (0) Gls – 0
Took flak at times and maybe wasn’t pushed as hard for a first team place after Ben Alnwick’s departure but another who can hold his head high despite the goals against column.
Verdict – 6.5/10
JACOB MELLIS
Apps – 1 (5) Gls – 0
Seemed an odd signing on January deadline day and just 120 minutes of football meant we never really saw the deal substantiated at all.
Verdict – 4.5/10
DARYL MURPHY
Apps – 25 (1) Gls – 8
When in the mood, there were few better. It became pretty apparent as Wanderers’ problems rolled on, however, that the increasingly isolated Irishman was not in the mood.
Verdict – 5.5/10
LUKE MURPHY
Apps – 29 (3) Gls – 2
Nowhere as near as influential as Wanderers needed him to be – Murphy’s previous CV paints a picture of a player that we never got to see.
Verdict – 4.5/10
TOTO NSIALA
Apps – 12 (0) Gls – 0
Proved to be a pretty reliable customer when he came in on loan from Ipswich and started 12 of the 13 games in which he was available. One of the more positive additions.
Verdict – 6.5/10
CHRIS O’GRADY
Apps – 13 (10) Gls – 4
Had a world-beating night at Bristol Rovers but struggled to win over the fans or carve a regular place in Hill’s starting line-up. Kept himself in good shape but not the supply of goals Wanderers needed.
Verdict – 4.5/10
DENNIS POLITIC
Apps – 23 (7) Gls – 5
If the swaggering academy graduate can continue the trajectory he set this season, Bolton have got a very good player on their hands. Has lots to learn but looks to have his head screwed on.
Verdict – 6.5/10
THIBAUD VERLINDEN
Apps – 13 (4) Gls – 3
It seems so long ago that fans fumed we were not seeing enough of the lively Belgian winger. And to make matters worse, the moment he found consistency, he returned to Stoke!
Verdict – 6/10
JAMES WEIR
Apps – 11 (1) Gls – 0
Signed on the day of the Wycombe game – but never stood a chance under Hill in an embargo-restricted squad. Odd to think he played as many games as he did.
Verdict – 4/10
JOE WHITE
Apps – 3 (2) Gls – 0
An impressive debut at Wycombe and a steep learning curve after that – the young full-back will be seeking pastures new this summer but should not let his Bolton exit get him down.
Verdict – 5.5/10
JAKE WRIGHT
Apps – 12 (0) Gls – 0
Looked the perfect addition to the back four with his experience but his performances rarely poked about average, and a horror-show against Burton spelled the end of his Sheffield United loan.
Verdict – 5/10
YOAN ZOUMA
Apps – 20 (3) Gls – 0
Hard to categorise the young Frenchman, who could be imperious and insufferable within a single half of football. At 22 years old he needs to find some consistency – but will he get it at Bolton?
Verdict – 5/10
Played fewer than five games: Matt Alexander (2/0), Jordan Boon (2(3)/0), De’Marlio Brown-Sterling (1(3)/0), Joe Bunney (1(1)/0), Ryan Delaney (2(2)/1), Muhammadu Faal (0(2)/0), Jay Fitzmartin (0(1)/0), Anthony Georgiou (0(2)/0), Connor Hall (0(2)/0), Finlay Hurford-Lockett (0(3)/0), Erhun Oztumer (1(0)/0), Regan Riley (0(1)/0), Adam Senior (3(1)/0).
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Marks out of 10 have been given to players who made five appearances in all competitiions.
LIAM BRIDCUTT
Apps – 12 (0) Gls – 0
Injuries meant we never quite saw what a player who clearly had leadership qualities and a class on the ball was capable of at Bolton. But looking back now, his inclusion at centre-back looked a waste.
Verdict – 6/10
HARRY BROCKBANK
Apps – 7 (1) Gls – 0
Led a young team well at the start of the season but an unfortunate injury affected his chances under Keith Hill and latter half of the campaign was a complete write off. A shame.
Verdict – 5/10
EDDIE BROWN
Apps – 6 (1) Gls – 0
Developed a cult following among the thousands who travelled early on to watch the Junior Whites, working his socks off for little reward.
Verdict – 5/10
KEAN BRYAN
Apps – 6 (0) Gls – 1
Billed as a “Rolls Royce” by Hill on his arrival, the Sheffield United loanee certainly motored well on the occasions that fitness allowed him to start.
Verdict – 6/10
WILL BUCKLEY
Apps – 4 (2) Gls – 0
After a disappointing two years at Bolton, Buckley was given a chance for a fresh start under Hill. But once again injury spoiled any chance he had to fulfil his potential.
Verdict – 4.5/10
ADAM CHICKSEN
Apps – 17 (3) Gls – 0
Surprisingly dumped in January after a fairly consistent run at left-back, much to the fans’ chagrin. Hill said Bolton wanted to move in a “different direction” – and we now know what direction that proved to be.
Verdict – 5.5/10
ALI CRAWFORD
Apps – 14 (0) Gls – 2
Had the Scottish playmaker not suffered an awful knee injury in a meaningless game against Manchester City’s Under-23s, Hill’s plan might have run smoother. One of few players this season who has been consistently good to watch.
Verdict – 6.5/10
RONAN DARCY
Apps – 17 (5) Gls – 2
If Wanderers can pin Darcy down to a new deal – which now looks likely – then next season could be his time to shine. Covered more ground than players with twice his experience.
Verdict – 6.5/10
JOE DODOO
Apps – 18 (9) Gls – 4
Looked early on like he would be a difference-maker for Wanderers but Dodoo never looked happy playing out wide and struggled to affect games when given a central role. Disappointing.
Verdict – 5/10
JOSH EARL
Apps – 10 (1) Gls – 0
Struck down 15 minutes into his debut, the Preston loanee recovered to show he has got a bright future – even if his lasting legacy at Bolton will be the red card he got at Accrington.
Verdict – 6/10
LIAM EDWARDS
Apps – 7 Gls – 0
Hugely unfortunate with injury – but thankfully back again next season and under contract. Edwards looks like he has the tools to carve out a career at Bolton.
Verdict – 6/10
JOSH EMMANUEL
Apps – 28 (2) Gls – 0
Arguably Bolton’s most effective attacking player, which being a right wing-back is a rather curious characteristic. Defensively hit-and-miss, but by no means the worst of the bunch.
Verdict – 6/10
BRANDON FLEMING
Apps – 10 (0) Gls – 0
Wanderers were always a link in the career chain for the young Hull City full-back. His attitude was excellent, even if he learned some harsh lessons along the way.
Verdict – 6/10
SONNY GRAHAM
Apps – 10 (
Gls – 0Looked a mature presence in the Junior Whites and then stuck around in the first team against the odds. Deservedly got a professional contract and a chance to shine again next season.
Verdict – 6/10
ETHAN HAMILTON
Apps – 12 (0) Gls – 1
A goal against Rochdale would have made it one of the finest debut performances of recent times – and though the Manchester United youngster didn’t quite reach that standard again, his professionalism was first rate.
Verdict – 6/10
JACK HOBBS
Apps – 11 (1) Gls – 1
Brought back in by Hill as a key part of the defence but another one who struggled to stay consistently fit after a no-existent pre-season. Solid on his day, without a doubt.
Verdict – 5.5/10
CALLUM KING-HARMES
Apps – 5 (2) Gls – 0
Given a chance to show what he is made of next season with his first professional contract, and there were glimpses of real talent in his August and September outings.
Verdict – 6/10
JASON LOWE
Apps – 33 (1) Gls – 0
Off the pitch a class act for the club, on it, arguably the most consistent performer of the lot. Been a dignified leader in a difficult time for Wanderers.
Verdict – 7/10
REMI MATTHEWS
Apps – 38 (0) Gls – 0
Took flak at times and maybe wasn’t pushed as hard for a first team place after Ben Alnwick’s departure but another who can hold his head high despite the goals against column.
Verdict – 6.5/10
JACOB MELLIS
Apps – 1 (5) Gls – 0
Seemed an odd signing on January deadline day and just 120 minutes of football meant we never really saw the deal substantiated at all.
Verdict – 4.5/10
DARYL MURPHY
Apps – 25 (1) Gls – 8
When in the mood, there were few better. It became pretty apparent as Wanderers’ problems rolled on, however, that the increasingly isolated Irishman was not in the mood.
Verdict – 5.5/10
LUKE MURPHY
Apps – 29 (3) Gls – 2
Nowhere as near as influential as Wanderers needed him to be – Murphy’s previous CV paints a picture of a player that we never got to see.
Verdict – 4.5/10
TOTO NSIALA
Apps – 12 (0) Gls – 0
Proved to be a pretty reliable customer when he came in on loan from Ipswich and started 12 of the 13 games in which he was available. One of the more positive additions.
Verdict – 6.5/10
CHRIS O’GRADY
Apps – 13 (10) Gls – 4
Had a world-beating night at Bristol Rovers but struggled to win over the fans or carve a regular place in Hill’s starting line-up. Kept himself in good shape but not the supply of goals Wanderers needed.
Verdict – 4.5/10
DENNIS POLITIC
Apps – 23 (7) Gls – 5
If the swaggering academy graduate can continue the trajectory he set this season, Bolton have got a very good player on their hands. Has lots to learn but looks to have his head screwed on.
Verdict – 6.5/10
THIBAUD VERLINDEN
Apps – 13 (4) Gls – 3
It seems so long ago that fans fumed we were not seeing enough of the lively Belgian winger. And to make matters worse, the moment he found consistency, he returned to Stoke!
Verdict – 6/10
JAMES WEIR
Apps – 11 (1) Gls – 0
Signed on the day of the Wycombe game – but never stood a chance under Hill in an embargo-restricted squad. Odd to think he played as many games as he did.
Verdict – 4/10
JOE WHITE
Apps – 3 (2) Gls – 0
An impressive debut at Wycombe and a steep learning curve after that – the young full-back will be seeking pastures new this summer but should not let his Bolton exit get him down.
Verdict – 5.5/10
JAKE WRIGHT
Apps – 12 (0) Gls – 0
Looked the perfect addition to the back four with his experience but his performances rarely poked about average, and a horror-show against Burton spelled the end of his Sheffield United loan.
Verdict – 5/10
YOAN ZOUMA
Apps – 20 (3) Gls – 0
Hard to categorise the young Frenchman, who could be imperious and insufferable within a single half of football. At 22 years old he needs to find some consistency – but will he get it at Bolton?
Verdict – 5/10
Played fewer than five games: Matt Alexander (2/0), Jordan Boon (2(3)/0), De’Marlio Brown-Sterling (1(3)/0), Joe Bunney (1(1)/0), Ryan Delaney (2(2)/1), Muhammadu Faal (0(2)/0), Jay Fitzmartin (0(1)/0), Anthony Georgiou (0(2)/0), Connor Hall (0(2)/0), Finlay Hurford-Lockett (0(3)/0), Erhun Oztumer (1(0)/0), Regan Riley (0(1)/0), Adam Senior (3(1)/0).
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
