In the last couple of weeks, we’ve been treated to Kevin Davies and El Hadji Diouf impersonating WCW wrestlers, yet Bolton manager Gary Megson continues to insist his team are not dirty. Come off it Gary, we can see it with our own eyes! While Davies’ match-long tussle with Patrice Evra was forgivable, it’s amazing that Megson is even trying to defend Diouf’s horrendous challenge on Arbeloa last Sunday. Surely the less said about that one, the better.
“At the time I thought it was a forward’s tackle,” insisted Megson.
“What I sincerely hope doesn’t happen that all this stuff about Diouf and Davies against Manchester United that people don’t start believing we are an overly physical team.”
Hasn’t the Bolton gaffer head the one about teaching an old dog new tricks? The Trotters squad he inherited is very much in the mould of former boss Sam Allardyce, whose ‘get-into-em’ style of play ensured that the Lancashire club has not only survived for the past few seasons, but actually managed a string of top-half finishes.
Surely Megson briefed his team to replicate these tactics when Man United came to town? The fact it paid off means we should expect to see more of the same at the Reebok Stadium this season. Sammy Lee’s ill-fated reign showed what happens when you ask Bolton’s bruisers (and Anelka) to try and play pretty football.