Premiership Preview: Bolton

With Bolton finishing 14^th there will be a need to be investment in players to press towards the European qualification places in the league. However, Bolton chairman, Phil Gartside, announced that he was happy with 14^th which smells of a reluctance to spend, meaning that Coyle is in a sell-to-buy scenario. Constant rumours suggest that the superb Gary Cahill will be leaving - with Arsenal a likely destination - for around £15 million, but in what positions should Coyle reinvest this money?

Goalkeepers

In Jussi Jaaskelainen, Bolton has a great keeper. He has been around the block and back in terms of appearances for Bolton in the Premiership (361). He has become a fan favourite and it would seem daft for Coyle to replace him. But, what does the Bolton manager do with Ali Al-Habsi? After all, his performances are one of the main reasons Wigan stayed up last season. It would be sensible to assume that Wigan will try to sign the goalkeeper who was voted Wigan’s player of the year, but Coyle should push for a higher price than has been quoted in gossip columns.

Defenders

Replacing Gary Cahill if/when he goes will be the biggest job for Bolton. David Wheater and Zat Knight are capable defenders in the premiership, but they are not the same standard as Cahill and Owen Coyle knows that. He maybe tempted to buy experience, but it would seem more likely that a younger player like Jonny Evans could fill the gap.

Midfielders

Midfield players at Bolton have never needed to be the greatest footballers. They are normally battlers rather than creative playmakers excluding, of course, Jay-Jay Okocha. However, under Owen Coyle, the club are finding their passing rhythm more regularly, which has allowed certain players to flourish (Chung-Yong Lee to name one). There are still question marks over Martin Petrov’s fitness, and also whether players like Fabrice Muamba and Stuart Holden can cut it at premier league level, so an experienced central midfielder is a must.

Strikers

The departure of Johan Elmander will be a big loss to Bolton. He seemed to be finding his feet at The Reebok and finished the clubs top scorer with 10 in the last campaign. So, the second question to ask after ‘who shall replace Gary Cahill?’ will be ‘Who will score Bolton’s goals?  The loan signing of Daniel Sturridge was a good piece of business in January last season, and if Bolton can secure him on a season-long loan for 2011/12 then he should easily get into double figures for them. But, I wouldn’t expect it to become a permanent transfer with Chelsea asking for £20 million.

Of course, Bolton can rely on Kevin Davies to lead the line, pick up yellow cards, get fouled and score some goals. But other than that, who could score goals? Ivan Klasnic? Robbie Blake?  A striker as well as a replacement for Cahill has to be towards the top of the wanted list for Bolton.