What have Jimmy Phillips, Julian Darby and Nicky Hunt all got in common?

 

Easy question I know - they are the last three Bolton born players to feature regularly for the club.

 

They have also another thing in common too - they were all the subject of the 'boo boys' on the terraces.

 

Yes, I know the three of them were not the greatest players who ever played for us - but they were not the worst either - not by a long way.

 

Nicky started off like a house on fire in his first season - but has not been able to keep such a high standard going - that is until the last few games of this season.

 

Let's hope his return to form will soon silence his critic's and let him regain fully his form and his confidence.

 

Trivia Question - Nicky Hunt has only ever scored one goal - can you remember who it was against??? (answer at the bottom of the page).

 

 

Nicky Hunt

 

Nicky Hunt tackles Steven Gerrard of Liverpool during the match at The Reebok Stadium

 

Born: Westhoughton, England, 3rd September 1983

 

International Honours: England U21

 

Position: Right Back

 

Squad Number: 2

 

Former Clubs:None

 

This tall attacking full back has been tipped to become a future England international by Bolton manager Sam Allardyce and it isn't hard to see why after a couple of seasons of vast progression.

 

In his schooldays Hunt was often chosen to play in goal and was on the books of both Manchester United and Bolton as an associate schoolboy. In 1999 he returned to Bolton as they signed him up to their newly formed Youth Academy under the careful guidance of Chris Sulley and staff.

 

By now he had settled down as a central defender and within less than 18 months of returning to the club he found that he was making his debut as a substitute for Colin Hendry in the final league game of the 2000-2001 season against Sheffield United..

 

The lifelong Wanderers supporter then spent a couple of years in the wilderness as Bolton looked to consolidate their place amongst the national football elite. At one point it seemed as though Hunt was even going to be released, but a trial with Cambridge United failed to materialise.

 

 

This proved to be a blessing in disguise as it enabled him a second chance at the Reebok Stadium. His performances for the reserves in 2002-2003 promted Sam Allardyce to hand him his full Bolton debut in the FA Cup game at home to Sunderland in January 2003.

 

That game against the Black Cats gave Allardyce food for thought as far as future planning went, although Hunt was once again resigned to playing reserve team football for the rest of the season as he played in the unfamiliar role of right-back.

 

Bernard Mendy's departure from the club in the summer of 2003 opened a vacancy at right-back. Many thought that the more experienced Anthony Barness would get the nod, but surprisingly Hunt was given his full Premiership debut away at local rivals Manchester United.

 

He was given the run-around at Old Trafford that afternoon by United's new signing Cristiano Ronaldo, but as the season wore on Hunt was becoming more and more composed and accustomed to the rigours of top flight football.

 

 

Deservedly, his performances earned him a call up to the England U21 team, and he was to make his debut for the young Three Lions side against Holland in February 2004.

 

2004-2005 may not have gone totally according to plan for the youngster, but he still managed to make the right back position his own despite fierce competition from Barness and French World Cup star Vincent Candela.

 

Things where to change dramatically in 2005-2006 however as Hunt broke his leg in a game against Portsmouth and subsequently lost his first team place to emerging Academy graduate Joey O'Brien.

 

He will be hoping for an injury free season in 2006-2007 as he aims to recapture the form he showed from a few seasons ago.

 

 

 

Ans - Nicky's goal was on the 7th February 2004 versus Liverpool (H), FA Premiership.

 

 

 

 

Once again many thanks to the Manny Road site for all the source details -

 

http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s474/st80524.htm

Ans - Nicky's goal was on the 7th February 2004 versus Liverpool (H), FA Premiership

 

good goal as well from what i remeber, 30 yard daisy cutter

Do you know if he went to westhoughton comp high school ?

Do you know why he leaves the coathangers in his shirts?