Match day and it's Carlisle's local derby a trip to the toughsheet. Another 20000 plus crowd with 23000 sold so far with Carlisle bringing 4500. The 30th meeting between the clubs and its 11 wins each. The last time Bolton lost against Carlisle was in 1983 a 5-0 defeat at brunton park. A gap between 1988 and 2020 when both clubs were in league two. A 3-3 draw at brunton park and 1-0 to the whites behind closed doors at the unibol. Carlisle have had a difficult start after being promoted from league 2. One win and above the relegation zone by goal difference. Bolton in 3rd can only retain 3rd with a win today. Waiting for the cavalry to arrive Bolton have ground out 2 wins from 2 and have 20 points from 30. Should be 25 but could have should have... Team news. Injured. Johnston for the season. 2 weeks Santos and Maghoma. 3 weeks plus Mendes Gomes. Jones serves the last game of his suspension. Adeboyejo is fit and added to the squad that beat Stevenage. The unknowns. Did someone pick a knock in Fridays training? Will the cavalry really arrive after the international break? What other injuries will be picked up in training in the 2 weeks break and how many of Charles, toal and Sheehan will come back fit after the international break. Watch this space. Kick off 3pm.
posted on 18/10/23
Toal international apperance has cost us a few quid to his old club Derry City as part of his transfer fee.
Uknown amount but said to be "substantial".
posted on 18/10/23
Do we get a discount on the Toal fee?
Considering he needed VAR to save his blushes last night, we should get a big chunk knocked off.
posted on 19/10/23
Where is swie?
Been over a week now. Has he fallen down a pothole or is he tangled up in wires trying to sort his internet out?
posted on 19/10/23
Some highlights from the b team game. https://youtu.be/UzryPhcPFNQ?si=Tkv-M43E9x_-OxE6
Doesn't replicate league one football in any shape or form.
posted on 19/10/23
So Dempsey has been playing all these weeks with a broken back. Out for 3 to 4 weeks. Ashworth is also out. At least Santos Jones and Maghoma returns. Mendes Gomes another week out.
posted on 20/10/23
Masking the pain with injections or playing through the pain is never a good idea. It's something IE has trouble getting his head round!
Bad weather on its way, which no doubt will bring more injuries and suspensions.
posted on 20/10/23
Gone into the season with too small a squad. Definitely a midfielder light, 2 wing backs and a quality striker. Ashworth, Nlundulu signed in the summer haven't looked good enough. A mistake extending böðvarssons contract as he hasn't looked fit enough and the jury is out on Maghoma and Mendes Gomes. The only plusses Baxter and Dacres-cogley have come in a replaced Trafford and Bradley quite well. Plus Forrester has looked a decent back up centre back.
posted on 20/10/23
Plus what are the chances of a last minute picked up a knock in training?
posted on 20/10/23
How are we all feeling towards the match tomorrow?
I'm a bit meh; based on form it should be a home win, but which form will we turn up with.
You know how hard it is to get back into the groove when you've had a break.
posted on 21/10/23
"Matt Craddock has done so far, he has really stepped up really well.” says IE
It sounds like he'll want to go with the devil he knows, rather than somebody who doesn't worship him as 1st team coach.
Lose today and I'll be off to visit the pitchfork sharpening shop.