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Ian Evatt was given more food for thought after Wanderers lost 3-0 to Crewe in their final pre-season friendly before the competitive action begins – but what are the big selection questions facing the head coach?
Since his arrival from Barrow in July, Evatt has brought in 15 new players and worked hard to implement a new playing style which is hoped will go down well with the fans at Bolton.
Now, with the opening competitive fixture against Bradford City in the Carabao Cup just a matter of days away, Evatt must decide on his best XI to try and hit the ground running.
Here we take a look at four big decisions he may be pondering…
CALL FOR EXPERIENCE?
For most of Bolton’s pre-season games, Ryan Delaney has been used as the central man in the back three but that could now change, with Alex Baptiste nearing full fitness.
The 34-year-old, in his second stint with Wanderers, is viewed as a trusted lieutenant by Evatt – who played alongside him at Blackpool. And with younger players featuring across his back line, is Baptiste’s calm head necessary to keep them in line?
Delaney has looked solid in his pre-season outings thus far and did finish the League One campaign strongly under Keith Hill last season.
But does the Irishman possess the kind of guile Evatt will need as he continues to encourage his defenders to play the ball out from the back?
ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT?
Blackburn Rovers loanee Tom White has quietly gone about his business in pre-season, seemingly as direct competition for Brandon Comley in one of the holding midfield roles. But his appearance off the bench after an hour of the Crewe game to replace Ali Crawford shows that Evatt has the option of altering the attacking balance of his midfield and playing them both.
White and Comley have been very tidy in possession during pre-season and may offer a measure more control and protection, if playing together.
It seems unlikely that having appointed Sarcevic as captain that he will lose his place next weekend – so it could be a straight choice between White and Crawford for the Wanderers boss against Bradford.
WHY, MR DARCY!
Wanderers fans rejoiced when homegrown talent Ronan Darcy penned a new deal to stay with the club this summer after his breakthrough season.
A new manager means new challenges for every contracted player, and Darcy faces some stiff competition for a spot in central midfield.
Furthermore, it is difficult to see exactly which spot Darcy is challenging for – whether it is the number 10 shirt currently occupied by Ali Crawford, or one of the deeper lying roles, setting him against Antoni Sarcevic or Brandon Comley?
There would be no greater sight than seeing ‘one of our own’ helping Bolton to glory this season, and with Dennis Politic side-lined, Darcy may be the best shot.
WILDCARD ENTRY
At the start of last week, Ian Evatt hoped to have “three or four” new players in the building – but the only new arrival proved to be wing-back Jamie Mascoll, suggesting there is some unfinished business in the transfer market.
Wanderers look at least one striker light and have yet to replace the dynamic talents of Politic.
The club is well inside its salary cap - but it limited in terms of the embargo, which limits them to a certain number (reported to be 23) professional contracts.
Callum King-Harmes was sent out on loan to Bamber Bridge last week. Could more young players follow? And will any replacements be ready to go straight away?
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Since his arrival from Barrow in July, Evatt has brought in 15 new players and worked hard to implement a new playing style which is hoped will go down well with the fans at Bolton.
Now, with the opening competitive fixture against Bradford City in the Carabao Cup just a matter of days away, Evatt must decide on his best XI to try and hit the ground running.
Here we take a look at four big decisions he may be pondering…
CALL FOR EXPERIENCE?
For most of Bolton’s pre-season games, Ryan Delaney has been used as the central man in the back three but that could now change, with Alex Baptiste nearing full fitness.
The 34-year-old, in his second stint with Wanderers, is viewed as a trusted lieutenant by Evatt – who played alongside him at Blackpool. And with younger players featuring across his back line, is Baptiste’s calm head necessary to keep them in line?
Delaney has looked solid in his pre-season outings thus far and did finish the League One campaign strongly under Keith Hill last season.
But does the Irishman possess the kind of guile Evatt will need as he continues to encourage his defenders to play the ball out from the back?
ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT?
Blackburn Rovers loanee Tom White has quietly gone about his business in pre-season, seemingly as direct competition for Brandon Comley in one of the holding midfield roles. But his appearance off the bench after an hour of the Crewe game to replace Ali Crawford shows that Evatt has the option of altering the attacking balance of his midfield and playing them both.
White and Comley have been very tidy in possession during pre-season and may offer a measure more control and protection, if playing together.
It seems unlikely that having appointed Sarcevic as captain that he will lose his place next weekend – so it could be a straight choice between White and Crawford for the Wanderers boss against Bradford.
WHY, MR DARCY!
Wanderers fans rejoiced when homegrown talent Ronan Darcy penned a new deal to stay with the club this summer after his breakthrough season.
A new manager means new challenges for every contracted player, and Darcy faces some stiff competition for a spot in central midfield.
Furthermore, it is difficult to see exactly which spot Darcy is challenging for – whether it is the number 10 shirt currently occupied by Ali Crawford, or one of the deeper lying roles, setting him against Antoni Sarcevic or Brandon Comley?
There would be no greater sight than seeing ‘one of our own’ helping Bolton to glory this season, and with Dennis Politic side-lined, Darcy may be the best shot.
WILDCARD ENTRY
At the start of last week, Ian Evatt hoped to have “three or four” new players in the building – but the only new arrival proved to be wing-back Jamie Mascoll, suggesting there is some unfinished business in the transfer market.
Wanderers look at least one striker light and have yet to replace the dynamic talents of Politic.
The club is well inside its salary cap - but it limited in terms of the embargo, which limits them to a certain number (reported to be 23) professional contracts.
Callum King-Harmes was sent out on loan to Bamber Bridge last week. Could more young players follow? And will any replacements be ready to go straight away?
Source