Firstly, lets get the Blackpool talk done. It was a very good game, both teams went for it and even SKD seemed to have transformed into some kind of chip-monster trying a few cheeky shots that made me smile. However, we lost and there’s no defence, literally, the defending was poor.

The boys up front did their jobs well and gave Blackpool’s defence a rough ride, however the ride our defence got was even rougher, it was like the big dipper. Coincidence or not, it seems that since Zat Knight has been given his place back, the results just haven’t been there. In the last seven games, with Knight partnering Cahill we have conceded 15 goals, and compare this to the 8 goals we conceded in the eight games prior, the jury can only do the robot, and sing guilty your honour.

One notable absentee on Saturday was Johan Elmander, at first it seemed to me that Coyle had finally grown some red peppers and decided to drop him, what with his lack of form and the high probability that he wont be at the club come next week. However, the official excuse is as follows “Johan took a knock in training and I decided to leave him out of the 18 because of that reason, “..…. if you say so gaffer.

This weekend sees Manchester City visit the Reebok for the last game of the season. I always enjoy the part when the players do a lap of honour and we all clap and smile (Or leave to beat the traffic). City are in fine form of late and it will be a very difficult match, and now they are scrapping with arsenal for third place, I doubt they will take it lightly. On the other hand we are fighting to finish in the top half of the table, which I find a little disappointing considering the 7th position we were enjoying not so long ago. However, all things considered, a top half finish and an FA cup semi final is not at all too shabby.

Stuart Holden has won the junior whites player of the year award; this means he’s a shoo-in (yet another term I don’t know the origin of) to win the prestigious player of the year at Sunday’s dinner. The juinor awards are the Golden-globes of the BWFC awards season, they predict well, and Stuart would deserve it. Holden has embodied all that is good about this season, his desire, passion and hard-work shone like pure USA gold and it’s no coincidence that the feeling around the club hasn’t been the same since Jonny “fair challenge” Evans ripped through Stuarts knee.

Transfer Shenanigans

Daniel Sturridge is our best player, however he isn’t our player, and until today the chances of him being back in Horwich next season seemed impossible. However, this is what he said today, "I want to play at Chelsea but if the chances don't come at Chelsea, then I will have to look elsewhere." I would say this promotes the prior adjective from impossible, to unlikely, as if Chelsea do decide to sell, I’m sure we will be one of the smaller vultures circling above.

Coyle’s old Burnley buddy Chris McCann was reported to be a possible target, however the good old Bolton News (I still want to say Evening news) has quashed this by saying the midfielder “is not on Wanderers summer radar”. The stats say McCann has played only 11 times in the last two seasons for the Clarets, I don’t know if this is because of injury or form, but I do know that this it’s not a very good sign. Alas, what do I know, in Owen we trust.

According to the Mirror, (the paper, I haven’t gone crazy) Gary Cahill has told some friends, probably ones from Yorkshire, that he would like a move to Arsenal in the summer. The problem here is that Wenger is a notorious skin-flint who rarely splashes the cash, and this would probably mean that Cahill could cost closer to the £15 Million mark than the £20 Million that a club like City might offer. However, perhaps Arsene will offer a player in exchange, whom I wonder? If you’re expecting me to offer some suggestions here, I have no idea.

Twitter fact of the week - 67% - Bolton Wanderers have scored the highest percentage of goals in the second half of any Premier League team. (Thanks Opta Joe)

Finally, the attendances at the Reebok could get back to the lofty heights of the Big Sam era next season as the club has released some nice season ticket news today. No price/VAT increase, a 0% direct debit scheme, and if that isn’t enough to get your hands in your pockets, you will also receive a completely new (yes ladies and gentlemen NEW) USB stick. It’s defiantly not second-hand. See my crude concept image below.

P.S – Congrats to the Reserves for reaching the Manchester senior cup final, no shame in losing against what was essentially the Utd first team (Slight exaggeration alert).

P.P.S – New kit on sale tomorrow.

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