Looking at the Premier League table, you might be forgiven for assuming that Bolton Wanderers have got off to a decent start this season. Indeed, if they hadn’t missed from the penalty spot at St James’ Park ten days ago, they could have seven points to show from their first three matches.
Nevertheless, the natives are restless after watching a goalless draw with West Brom at the weekend, where the newly-promoted visitors could have walked away with all three points. It’s clear that the Trotters are not playing particularly well at the moment, while a defeat to Northampton in the Carling Cup has outraged many supporters. The Times reports that captain Kevin Nolan has apologised to a fan whom he had a set-to with on Saturday, but has urged the fans to be the 12th man.
Nolan, claiming he had been abused by a Bolton supporter, said: “People were having a go and I said we were doing our best, although I am not going to say what this particular person said. But I was out of order and apologised to him.
“Fans pay to watch games; they have the right to have a go and are entitled to an opinion. But I am asking them to stand by us as they did last season when they were like a 12th man to us.
“I was wrong doing what I did, but I am an emotional lad and have the good of the club at heart. I have come up through the ranks and people look at me first. It happens to Steve Gerrard at Liverpool and Gary Neville at Manchester United. But we need our fans to put the fear of God into away teams.”
Indeed, the Reebok Stadium is very rarely full, and you never hear anyone refer to the intimidating atmosphere that exists in this part of Lancashire. Nevertheless, it looks like another relegation scrap could be on the cards for Wanderers, despite a bright opening start to the season when beating Stoke 3-1. Especially if the fans are on their backs already!