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BLIND, STUPID AND DESPERATE
 
00/01: Season preview:
Bolton: BSaD opinion

Word association*
Wembley (x3); Cup-Run; Ha ha ha ha ha ha; May '99; Nat Lofthouse; Neil Cox

Previous encounters
That gloriously perfect day in May last year which will remain untarnished by the season that followed; a mauling at the Vic which we should have won by more, a stolen win at the Reebok which we shouldn't despite Gifton's attempts to drag the Bolton defence around in his wake; that ridiculous Gary Porter-inspired 4-3 win and John McGinlay scoring a lot.

Last season
Bolton made it to Wembley again, this time losing on penalties in the FA Cup semi-final to Villa after steadfastly refusing to win the game in normal time. They also deprived Wolves of a play-off place again (ha ha) before going out to Ipswich in controversial circumstances at Portman Road. They have since been penalised by the FA for their behaviour in the game, but having seen the highlights it's fair to say that if I'd been a Bolton fan I would have been arrested that night....

Next season
After a couple of failed attempts at regaining Premiership status, the changes have been rung at the Reebok Stadium in the summer. The biggest transfer receipts constitute healthy profits for the Trotters, but the "Players Out" column looks an awful lot stronger than the "Players In" list. Wanderers will no longer be amongst the shakers in the Division...top half would be an achievement.

How to annoy a Bolton fan
Well, it's hard to avoid that whole Wembley area. So don't avoid it. Speaking of which, I'd be very worried about any set of supporters that, while visiting the national stadium for their most vital game of the year, seemed far more interested in the opposing chairman's sexual preferences than anything else. Or maybe I've got this football supporting lark all wrong.

* A unique experiment, featuring instant reactions from BSaD pundits to the mention of the club's name.