Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle has been told that there is no money available for him to spend in the January transfer window, leaving him with the current crop of players to fight their way out of trouble.
Having won just three times so far this season, life is not great at the Reebok Stadium, with the Trotters lying in 19th place and suffering from a long injury list and poor discipline.
Despite facing the prospect of relegation and no money to throw at the problem, Coyle is looking on the positive side, hinting that he will be looking to bring in a few loan signings in the New Year.
Speaking to the Bolton News, he said: “Whatever hand you are dealt you make the best of it.
“If we do have the luxury of spending money then great, but it’s not something I’m beating myself up about.
“If you don’t have money, then there are ways and means of improving your team.
“I’m at a fantastic club with great people and we all have to make sure we get ourselves out of the dangerous area we’re in.”
While the situation does not look good for Trotters’ fans, with the 45-year-old in charge they have a manager that is capable of bringing in quick-fix loan signings and getting the best out of them. His man management skills are exemplary and his passion for the team appears to inspire the young players to perform to their best, making a star out of some of his previous signings.
Last season was by far the best example of that with the signing of Daniel Sturridge. During his four month spell he bagged 8 goals in 12 games and became the first Premier League player to score in their first four games. He proved to be the difference in most of his appearances and helped to keep Bolton well away from the relegation battle unfolding. Before his move he had been on the fringes of the first-team and not yet shown why Chelsea paid an initial £3.5 (raising to £5.5) million for him, but since returning he has been able to keep Fernando Torres out of the team and get selected for the England team.
Another player to benefit from a spell under Owen Coyle is Jack Wilshere. He had not made a league appearance before his loan in 2010, but he was able to fit in perfectly with the manager’s pass and move style during his 14 game deal. As well as showing off his talent it also helped develop his strength in the tackle and now he is a leading light for club and country.
[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]
Other signings from previous years that didn’t set the Reebok alight, Vladimir Weiss and Rodrigo Moreno, have both gone on to do well following their loan. The Slovakian midfielder has since gone on to star for Rangers and is now playing for Espanyol while Moreno has starred for Benfica this term, scoring four goals in nine games and playing in the Champions League, further highlighting the Midas touch that Coyle has when it comes to finding a loan deal.
Even his captures for this season are impressive. Dedryck Boyata is a versatile defender that is highly thought of by Manchester City and would have featured more for the club if it wasn’t for their ability to bring in the world’s best players. Similarly, Gael Kakuta has come in from Chelsea where he finds himself fighting a losing battle to compete with Ramires, Meireles, Lampard and Mata. But he is a player that was so good the club were prepared to snatch him from Lens. He is a naturally gifted midfielder and will be the next to find greatness via the Reebok Stadium. Even Tuncay could turn out to be an inspired choice. He has plenty of Premier League experience and despite being a controversial figure who is capable of upsetting anybody, he can prove to be a match winner.
When Owen Coyle replaced Gary Megson two years ago, the Trotters were in a similar position, languishing in the relegation zone around Christmas time and in need of rejuvenating. Next month, despite no transfer kitty, he will have plenty of options available to him to achieve the same thing again.
Arsene Wenger has already admitted that his latest young star, Emmanuel Frimpong, may need to go out on loan to get regular football and the 19-year-old feels the same. The move would see a skilful and enthusiastic rough diamond arrive and the Gunners will be well aware of the benefits of sending a player to Bolton. Sticking with Arsenal, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian has looked good in the Champions League and Carling Cup but is not getting regular game time. Moving a small distance from the Emirates, a shock contender could be Roman Pavlyuchenko. Unfancied by Harry Redknapp, it could be the confidence boost that he needs and give him the chance to stake a claim for a place in Russia’s Euro 2012 squad, while a string of decent performances would up his price tag.
Other solutions to sort out the lacklustre midfield are Josh McEachran and Oriol Romeu who would both make a big impact. After getting a few appearances last season, McEachran has found himself fall down the list under Andre Villas-Boas, while Romeu has impressed in recent games. Either could make their way to the Reebok and are likely to be used by Abramovich as bait to land Gary Cahill. If this is the case, a move for Brazilian defender Alex would ensure an experienced replacement.
Times are not good at the Reebok Stadium, but if faith is kept with Owen Coyle it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise of the season if he turned in round with some inspired January signings.
Who do you want to see come in at Bolton? Comment below or tell me on Twitter @jrobbins1991.
Click on the banner below for the ultimate Bolton prize!
