BOLTON'S first full season without Sam Allardyce was a turbulent one and survival was only mathematically secured on the last day of the season. Gary Megson silenced his critics but has it all to prove again in 2008-2009.
STAR MAN: GARY CAHILL: In just over four months, the former Aston Villa man showed why Fabio Capello should take a closer look at the elegant defender. Gary Megson spent ?5million wisely in January. 8
ALI AL HABSI: Waited patiently for a chance and Jussi Jaaskelainen's injury gave him an opportunity he took with both hands. No longer an obvious second choice. 8
GRETAR STEINSSON: Shrewd January transfer window signing who played his part in Wanderers' survival. 7
ANDY O'BRIEN: Repaid Bolton's faith in rescuing his career with a year-long stint of consistently high performances. Player of the year contender. 8
DANNY GUTHRIE: Virtual unknown when he arrived on loan from Liverpool. Impressed the fans with his spirit, but a schedule of too many games finally took its toll. 7
JLLOYD SAMUEL: Didn't get the run of games he expected after moving from Villa but showed glimpses of genuine class in the closing weeks of campaign. 6
KEVIN NOLAN: His return from suspension coincided with Bolton's vital unbeaten run in the closing weeks. 7
GAVIN McCANN: Average for the first half of the season but brilliant when relegation threatened. 7
MATTY TAYLOR: Still has plenty to prove, though his effort and workrate wasn't in question after arriving from Portsmouth. 6
JOEY O'BRIEN: A valuable squad member because of his adaptability. Needs injury-free 12 months to show just how good a player he can become. 6
KEVIN DAVIES: Struggled for goals, but made up for it with his desire to make life as uncomfortable as possible for opposing defenders. 7
EL-HADJI DIOUF: The one class act in the Wanderers squad, even though he didn't always show it. Capable of changing a game with a flash of genius. 7
JUSSI JAASKELAINEN: Not the Finn's greatest season. A bizarre error against Liverpool summed up campaign. 6
NICKY HUNT: Dependable right-back, though he was sometimes exposed by Premier League's better wingers. 6
ABDOULAYE MEITE: Let himself down badly with his Old Trafford walkout. Not looked the same player since his pal Abdoulaye Faye joined Newcastle. 6
RICARDO GARDNER: Struggled to find top form after return from long-term injury and his unpredictability was an asset as well as frustration. 6
IVAN CAMPO: Rollercoaster final season for the Spaniard. Discarded by Sammy Lee, restored by Gary Megson but chopping and changing didn't help his game. 6
STELIOS: Frustrating final year at the Reebok. Couldn't prove to Lee or Megson he was worth more than cameo roles. 6
TAMIR COHEN: Israeli recruit lacked nothing in endeavour but needs time to adjust to Premier League tempo. 6
HEIDAR HELGUSON: Scored couple of useful goals but fears about his fitness soon surfaced after his arrival from Fulham. 5
RICARDO VAZ TE: Superb in pre-season, but was injured in opening game of season against Newcastle and it was downhill from thereon in. 5
DANIEL BRAATEN: Something persuaded Sammy Lee to sign the Norway international. Whatever it was remained hidden for the entire season. 4
CHRISTIAN WILHELMSSON: It remains a mystery why the Swede is an international regular. Almost as disappointing as Braaten. 5
ANDRANIK: Iran international never really had opportunities to fulfil the promise he showed under Sam Allardyce. 5
Can't disagree with most of the award of 7's and 8's
But if the top men are getting these marks, how can the also rans get 4, 5 and 6's.
As in today's edition:
Can't disagree with most of the award of 7's and 8's
But if the top men are getting these marks, how can the also rans get 4, 5 and 6's.
Vaz Te a 5, Cohen a 6 FFS