Saturday was the first time I’ve been named captain of Bolton Wanderers – the first time I’ve been captain of any team in fact, and I have to say it was one very proud moment for me.
The manager came and spoke to me Friday morning, told me I would be captain, and it was just a fantastic honour to lead the team out at The Emirates.
Sometimes big moments like that can pass you by or affect your nerves, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed captaining the side, the only shame being we did not win – leaving me 0 and 1 as a captain!
When you take all things into account, Saturday’s performance deserved a lot of credit. It’s been well-documented that we didn’t have a big squad – our squad isn’t the biggest at the best of times but things were even tighter at the weekend due to suspensions and injuries.
Both [Gretar] Steinsson and [Kevin] Nolan were suspended - plus we suffered injuries on the day; The Emirates is always a tough ask but obviously these things just made it all the more difficult – yet we still nearly came away with a point.
It was sod’s law really that Johan [Elmander] got injured, he tore a hamstring so he’ll be out for a couple of weeks – fortunately I think it was the opposite hamstring to one he did at the start of the season.
Add in to all of that the fact that we had Chris Basham making his debut at right back, although it has to be said he did exceptionally well. It’s not every day you come up against Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy, but he showed he’s got a great future.
When we reached the last 10 minutes I thought we were going to nick something before we ended up conceding late on, but if we continue to play like that we won’t have any problems this season.
NEW FACES NEEDED...BUT NOT ESSENTIAL
Obviously the manager has made little effort to hide the fact he is looking for players in January, and it’s fair to say the squad does need strengthening. It’s not essential, the guys at the club are good enough. But there’s no doubt it does give the squad a boost to see one or two fresh faces.
How easy it will be to bring in new players is questionable. Buying players is always difficult in January because everyone wants the same individuals. Bolton will only be interested in top quality players too, and often top quality players are not allowed to leave their current clubs.
What I do know is that there aren’t too many more attractive prospects than Bolton in The Premier League, our facilities are fantastic and I know from experience that it’s a great club to play for.
Saturday will mark a year since I joined Bolton, and I have absolutely no regrets about joining. I’ve had a good year football-wise, it took me longer than anticipated to settle – partially because I missed five games with a broken toe, but now I’m playing regularly and I feel I’m doing what I was brought here to do.
My family are well-and-truly settled up here, and the biggest thing I can say is that I’ve got a smile back on my face. When you’re enjoying your football you play better, and I’m very grateful to Bolton for this chance.
Suffice to say there are absolutely no thoughts in my mind about leaving – so tell Barcelona to put the chequebook away!