Just read about this and I saw there wasn't an article about it so here goes:
We've signed Out of contract Blackpool defender Alex Baptiste: http://www.lionofviennasuite.com/2013/5/22/4354888/bolton-set-to-sign-out-of-contract-defender-baptiste-blackpool-wanderers
This is great news as he's captained Blackpool and made 187 appearances over 4 years for them so he's got great experience in the championship and has played in the Prem too. So that fact he's on a free as well is good, I think I read somewhere else that it's a 3 year deal, I personally don't see a downside to this deal at all, hopefully he's going to replace Knight (who I can't stand and I think will return to his previous form now that Dawson's gone). I think a Wheater-Baptiste partnership should be very good at this level, but I bet they make Knight captain and continue to frustrate me.
The other piece of good news is that Holden is set to sign the new one year deal, I'd have given him a one year deal with an option for another 2 years but we don't know what goes on in the negotiations. http://www.lionofviennasuite.com/2013/5/22/4354812/report-stu-holden-agrees-one-year-contract-extension-has-sent-written
On the subject of the future captain, I don't remember seeing anything discussing this (apologies if there was), who does everyone think should get the armband? I'd prefer someone a bit more vocal than kev was, kind of in the middle of him and the screaming Nolan would be good, I think maybe Holden or Medo, 2 players that seem to have lots of drive and determination, but i'd be happy with anyone but Knight.
Two signings (Well one)
posted on 22/5/13
Two articles down
posted on 22/5/13
Yeah I know, I waffled for too long......
posted on 23/5/13
Good question about the captain.
Unlike this year, the captain is more than likely going to be somebody Freedman sees as a guaranteed starter - and there aren't many of them with him about!
So, hopefully, definitely not Knight! For me, the obvious candidate, with the caveats of staying fit and rediscovering his form is Stuart Holden.
My second choice would be David Wheater. A good old big and ugly centre half balling the players out if they need it.
posted on 23/5/13
I love Stu as much as the next guy, but can I ask why he always gets earmarked as captain? What are his credentials? I know hes a popular figure in the dressing room but is he the type to command, lead and give a good bo11ocking when needed? Kev was never really enough of a leader on the pitch for me, similarly with Okocha. Nolan could do this and was good at it. I understand the comments with regards the captain should be a regular starter and Holden may just be that, i just dont know whether he has that nasty streak in him. Wheater, Baptiste, Medo, Andrews all seem to be more commanding figures on the pitch. Dougie will already have someone in mind im sure
posted on 23/5/13
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posted on 24/5/13
i think its an incredibly old fashioned out of date view that the captain has to be someone who can "give a bollc4ing".
Leadership tends not to be lead by the autocratic these days and lead more by example. More often than not a leader is selected by the attitudes and culture of his subordinates. SKD was a perfect captain for Bolton. i think Stuart Holdens attitude, professionalism, charisma and determination are ideal. The obvious question mark is fitness, but other than that i don't see any other choice.
posted on 24/5/13
There is no debate here zat knight is now the captain.
posted on 25/5/13
I suppose the debate will be who'll be the vice captain - thereby being a shoo-in for captain when ZK leaves.
As for the transfer news - a good bit of business getting Baptiste in.
posted on 25/5/13
Baptiste may be the next captain after knight.
posted on 26/5/13
benny we could certainly do worse.