|
Bolton are back in the big time with their top-class roster of players matching the impressive surroundings of the Reebok Stadium. Manager Sam Allardyce has continued his policy of signing proven talent for bargain fees - World Cup stars Jay-Jay Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff, Stig Tofting and England international Michael Ricketts will be among the players to watch in the Barclaycard Premiership this season. It's a world away from the inception of the FA Premier League in 1992 when The Trotters were playing in the Second Division. But promotion in 1993, followed by a memorable 4-3 Division One play-off victory against Reading in 1995, handed them a way back into the top flight. Under Colin Todd's leadership, Wanderers claimed an impressive win against Arsenal but the campaign was to ultimately end in relegation. A runaway First Division title success in 1997 and a switch to a new stadium brought a second FA Premier League season but a final-day defeat to Chelsea consigned them to the drop again. Successive play-off defeats to Watford and Ipswich caused consternation in Lancashire but, at the third attempt, victory over rivals Preston North End lifted them back into the FA Premier League. A 5-0 win at Leicester on the first day back indicated a tougher streak and memorable wins over Manchester United and Liverpool gave Bolton the belief to secure their safety.
|
Sports Betting