Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers
Sam Allardyce believes Bolton will emulate the class of 1958 if the club qualifies for the Uefa Cup with a win over Portsmouth on Saturday. Bolton won the FA Cup 47 years ago after the legendary Nat Lofthouse scored twice against Manchester United. "When you walk about the town you hear people talking about the club's great players," said Allardyce. "Soon it could be more about Bolton achieving Europe in 2005 rather than the Lofthouse era and winning the Cup." He added: "Modern history will be created in its own light. "We have never been in Europe and if we do achieve that ambition it will put those boys who did a magnificent job for this club in a fading light." Bolton complete their fixtures on 15 May by entertaining Everton, who are already guaranteed at least a Uefa Cup spot. Allardyce said: "All we can do now is to get into Europe so we can move into the strategy to enable us to compete at that level. "It would help the profile of the club to have European competition on our CV."

Bolton 3-2 Everton
Bolton shrugged off a first-half sending-off to secure victory over Everton in a surprisingly bad-tempered end-of-season game at the Reebok. Tim Cahill's early overhead strike put his side in front, and Bolton's task was made more difficult by Bruno N'Gotty's 45th-minute sending-off. Radhi Jaidi equalised on 52 minutes to spark a spirited Bolton fightback that saw Kevin Davies put Bolton ahead. Lee Carsley levelled, but Stelios Giannakopoulos' strike earned the win. With both clubs having already booked their places in European competition, there was a mood of celebration from both sets of supporters before kick-off. But if either side had been expecting a stroll in the sunshine, a fiery and frenetic opening 45 minutes set them straight. The first chance came within a minute of kick-off as Bolton midfielder Gary Speed's powerful shot cleared the bar. Tackles flew in from both sides in a markedly physical battle for midfield dominance, but a brilliant strike from Cahill on nine minutes put Everton ahead on the scoresheet. Tony Hibbert's hanging cross led to a mix-up between Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and Tal Ben Haim and Cahill's athleticism allowed him to fire home an overhead kick from close range. Seconds later Jaaskelainen redeemed himself with a full-stretch save to deny Kevin Kilbane. Cahill was Everton's saviour at the other end on 13 minutes, clearing a looping header from Davies off the line. El-Hadji Diouf received a needless booking for dissent on 16 minutes, as the match became ever more competitive. N'Gotty's slap on Cahill was spotted by the linesman Bolton's Davis received the next yellow card of an increasingly bad-tempered match after a nasty late foul on Kilbane. With long free-kicks and throw-ins peppering the Everton area, a succession of Davies flick-ons created chances for Diouf and Giannakopoulos, but keeper Richard Wright was equal to the task. An innocuous ball over the top just before half-time resulted in N'Gotty's sending-off as the match finally boiled over. A push from Cahill brought an angry reaction from N'Gotty and his clip round the ear was spotted by the linesman and earned him a straight red card. Bolton took the fight to Everton in the second half though, with a skilful Jay-Jay Okocha run on 49 minutes only spoiled by a wayward finish. But Bolton did hit back soon after when Fernando Hierro - playing his last-ever match - saw his pin-point corner nodded home by Radhi Jaidi. And on 61 minutes Bolton took the lead with a fortuitous deflected goal. Giannakopoulos held up the ball excellently in the area and laid off the ball to Davis, whose shot bounced off David Weir and past a wrong-footed Wright. In an atmosphere more reminiscent of a cup tie, Everton equalised within seconds as Carsley lashed home. Duncan Ferguson's attempt to trap the ball saw the ball fall to Carsley and the midfielder made no mistake from close range. But just three minutes after the equaliser, Wright was only able to parry a Davis header and Giannakopoulos pounced to earn his side the points. Hierro's substitution prompted a standing ovation from the home fans and a series of hugs and kisses from his emotional team-mates. Everton, who saw Carsley stretchered off shortly before the final whistle, continued to press for an equaliser to no avail. Another shoving match - this time centring on Jaaskelainen and several Everton players - rounded off an exciting match. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Ben Haim, Jaidi, N'Gotty, Gardner, Okocha, Hierro (Candela 67), Speed, Giannakopoulos (Nolan 68), Davies, Diouf (O'Brien 82). Subs Not Used: Poole, Vaz Te. Sent Off: N'Gotty (45). Booked: Diouf, Davies. Goals: Jaidi 53, Davies 61, Giannakopoulos 66. Everton: Wright, Hibbert (Vaughan 80), Yobo, Weir, Watson, Carsley, McFadden, Cahill (Osman 59), Arteta (Stubbs 71), Kilbane, Ferguson. Subs Not Used: Pistone, Martyn. Booked: Cahill. Goals: Cahill 9, Carsley 63. Att: 27,701 Ref: N Barry (N Lincolnshire).

Okocha admits 'troubled' season
Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha has been critical of his own form with Bolton Wanderers in the English Premiership. Okocha said that he been "carried" by his team-mates and that "he had not been consistent enough" throughout the season, which is coming to an end. Speaking ahead of the match against Everton on Sunday, he admitted: "I have had a troubled season. "I am just glad the other players have carried me so well. "I just have to be grateful for having these kind of people around me. "With a bit of a luck I will help them next year. "I have not been consistent enough this season because I have been in and out with injuries. "I couldn't rectify what was causing the problems and that led to me playing in some games without being really fit." Okocha admitted he watched Arsenal's 7-0 defeat of Everton on Wednesday with awe. "It was a festival of football for a neutral fan," said the Nigeria playmaker. "But it might be a bad result for us because they (Everton) won't like that to happen again. "We just have to stay focussed on our own game and give the fans something to cheer about. "We are going into the game without any pressure. We just want to round off the season in a good way."

Allardyce begins Bolton shake-up
Bolton Wanderers have released seven players, including long-serving defender Anthony Barness. Veteran goalkeeper Kevin Poole is also freed, along with defender Julio Cesar, who has been hampered by injury following his arrival last summer. Also leaving will be Charlie Comyn-Platt, Florent Laville, Ricky Shakes and Jason Talbot. Manager Sam Allardyce has retained 17 players ahead of the club's first Uefa Cup campaign next season. Not on the list are striker El-Hadji Diouf, who has finished his loan spell from Liverpool but would like to secure a permanent deal with Bolton, and out-of-contract Vincent Candela. Frenchman Candela is in the process of negotiating new terms with Bolton. Former Spain and Real Madrid star Fernando Hierro, 37, has also left the club after retiring from the game following Sunday's match with Everton.

Bolton ready to clinch Diouf deal
Bolton are expected to make El-Hadji Diouf's loan move from Liverpool into a permanent signing. Diouf, who joined Liverpool for £10m from Lens in 2002, moved to Bolton on loan last summer after failing to settle at Anfield. "We are very close to doing a deal with Liverpool - that's all I can say at the moment," Bolton chairman Phil Gartside told the Manchester Evening News. "He's the first target. When we've done that we'll look at other things." Diouf's career has been blighted by spitting controversies and he has served two three-match bans this season, but the Senegal international has made it clear he wants to stay at the Reebok. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has suggested a £4m fee for Diouf.

Barrow offers deals to 12 players
Bury manager Graham Barrow has offered new contracts to 12 players and released four others. He has also offered deals to Bolton midfielder Ricky Shakes and Blackburn defender John Fitzgerald, following successful loan spells at Gigg Lane. But Shakes, 20, is also weighing up an offer from Swindon as he prepares to leave the Reebok Stadium this summer. The quartet leaving the Shakers are Matt Barrass, Jon Cartledge, Terry Dunfield and Colin Woodthorpe. However, Woodthorpe may return in a different role, while Dunfield has been invited back for pre-season training. New deals have been offered to Glyn Garner, Lee Unsworth, Dave Challinor, Dave Flitcroft, Dwayne Mattis and Brian Barry-Murphy. Chris Porter, Simon Whaley, Paul Scott, Colin Kazim-Richards, David Buchanan and James Barrow have also been told they figure in Barrow's plans.

Allardyce begins Bolton shake-up
Bolton Wanderers have released seven players, including long-serving defender Anthony Barness. Veteran goalkeeper Kevin Poole is also freed, along with defender Julio Cesar, who has been hampered by injury following his arrival last summer. Also leaving will be Charlie Comyn-Platt, Florent Laville, Ricky Shakes and Jason Talbot. Manager Sam Allardyce has retained 17 players ahead of the club's first Uefa Cup campaign next season. Not on the list are striker El-Hadji Diouf, who has finished his loan spell from Liverpool but would like to secure a permanent deal with Bolton, and out-of-contract Vincent Candela. Frenchman Candela is in the process of negotiating new terms with Bolton. Former Spain and Real Madrid star Fernando Hierro, 37, has also left the club after retiring from the game following Sunday's match with Everton.

Kaku poised for exit from Bolton
Nigeria midfielder Blessing Kaku is expected to leave Bolton in the summer even though he has two years remaining on his contract. Kaku struggled to make an impact last season and is being tipped to return to Israel, where he had a spell with Ashdod. Bolton boss Sam Allardyce said: "He has not had as big an effect as some of the other signings and will probably move on." The 27-year-old made just one league appearance for Bolton this season as a substitute, he also spent a month on loan at Championship side Derby County.

Bolton hopeful of securing Diouf
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside said he is "90% confident" of getting El-Hadji Diouf to agree to a permanent deal. The 24-year-old Senegal star was on loan from Liverpool last season and helped Bolton secure a place in next season's Uefa Cup. "I am 90% confident of doing a deal," Gartside told the club website. "We've got a few details to iron out with Liverpool and it's a question of keeping the pay structure right with the player himself." Diouf joined Liverpool from Lens in the 2003/04 season for £11m, but failed to make an impact at Anfield. However, the former African Footballer of the Year has rediscovered his form during his time at Bolton. "We've made it public that we are close to doing a deal with Liverpool and these things take time," added Gartside. "You have to sort out many details with the club and player. "El-Hadji is currently away in Senegal preparing for World Cup qualifiers so we are not face-to-face with him and talks have to be done through his agent."

Bolton determined to keep Stelios
Bolton have insisted that their goalscoring midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos will still be at the club next season. The 33-year-old Greek international has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool after his impressive form helped lift Wanderers into Europe. But Bolton chairman Phil Gartside told the club website: "He is not for sale and we are not prepared to let him go. Giannakopoulos moved to the Reebok Stadium from Olympiakos two seasons ago and is a crucial component in manager Sam Allardyce's team. This term he scored seven Premiership goals to finish as the club's second-highest scorer, one goal behind striker Kevin Davies.

Bolton fuming over Jaidi request
Bolton have rejected a transfer request from Radhi Jaidi and will report his representative to the Premier League for allegedly touting him to clubs. Gartside told the club website: "This is a serious breach of league rules - I will report it to the Premier League. "In light of recent issues in the game, we have to stamp down on this type of activity and eradicate it." The 29-year-old Tunisian international defender lost his place last season and is 12 months into a two-year contract. Gartside added: "It is an absolute nonsense that you sign something for three years and then do not honour it."

Jaaskelainen agrees Bolton deal
Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has agreed a new three-year contract with the club, according to his agent. There were doubts about the 30-year-old's future after talks stalled on a new deal last season but he is now expected to stay until 2008. The Finland international's agent Peter Harrison said: "I can confirm Jussi has agreed a three-year deal. "Jussi is delighted it has all been sorted out and he will be signing when he returns from holiday." Jaaskelainen helped Bolton to sixth place in the Premiership last season and secured them a place in the Uefa Cup. Harrison added: "He is really looking forward to next season when Bolton will make their European debut."

Kyrgiakos hopes to stay at Ibrox
Sotirios Kyrgiakos hopes to remain a Rangers player next season after doubts emerged over his proposed transfer. The defender impressed on a six-month loan at Ibrox but complications have arisen that could jeopardise a permanent move from Panathinaikos. "This is very upsetting for me because I was told before leaving Scotland that I would still be a Rangers player," Kyrgiakos," told the Daily Mail. "As far as I'm concerned, that is still the case." Kyrgiakos arrived as a replacement for Jean-Alain Boumsong after the Frenchman was sold to Newcastle United for £8m in January. And it now appears that Rangers are in dispute over the terms agreed with Panathinaikos. Ibrox chief executive Martin Bain said on Sunday: "The talks in January were extremely lengthy and indicative of certain conditions that were linked with the contract agreement. "Unless there is recognition of this, we have no alternative other than to let the player return to Athens." But Kyrgiakos, 25, is anxious to stay in Glasgow, adding: " I am sad now and I only hope this is just media speculation because (Rangers manager) Alex McLeish told me I was a very big player for his club. "I want to be there next season." Bolton will be keeping a close eye on developments regarding the Greek international. Reebok Stadium boss Sam Allardyce admited he has been tracking the defender's progress at Rangers. Allardyce told the Daily Record: "We have had an eye on the player for quite a while but we've not taken it any further than that. "We've been watching what he's been doing with Rangers with great interest but I know nothing about the situation between them and Panathinaikos. "Obviously, though, it would be fair to say that Kyrgiakos has interested me for some time - I can't deny that." Rangers last week completed the signing of Hibernian captain Ian Murray on a free transfer and the Scotland international is able to play at the back. But he is not a traditional centre-half in the mould of Kygriakos.

Robert completes Portsmouth move
Portsmouth have won the race to sign Newcastle winger Laurent Robert. Robert, 30, has signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee after he opted to join Pompey ahead of Bolton. The winger joined Newcastle for £9.5m from Paris St Germain in 2001 but after the Magpies' last game of the season he vowed never to play for them again. Chief executive Peter Storrie told the Pompey website: "It shows everybody not only our intentions, but some of the top players' ambitions for the future." Robert had a fractious relationship with Newcastle boss Graeme Souness following Bobby Robson's departure. It is believed Robert chose to join Portsmouth after they offered him a three-year deal. Bolton had only been prepared to offer the winger a two-year contract. Newcastle are likely to ask for a transfer fee of £2m for Robert.

Swindon agree deal to sign Shakes
Swindon have agreed a deal with Bolton for midfielder Ricky Shakes. The 20-year-old, who has had loan spells with Bristol Rovers and Bury, will sign on 1 July and become the club's first summer signing. "Ricky played for the reserves at the end of last season and he did well," said Swindon boss Andy King. "He is someone I have been after for a while. He did well on loan at Bury and can also play up out wide or up front so he could be a good addition for us."

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