The reports of Icelandic international Eidur Gudjohnsen undergoing a medical at Upton Park today it has made me beg the question of a Bolton Wanderers reunion taking place. Firstly, the appointment of former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce caused murmurs amongst the West Ham faithful with the fear of long balls and boring football a high possibility.
However, with our relegation from the English Premier League, many Hammers feel that the Allardyce route is the best way forward if we are to achieve promotion at the first time of asking, even if it is not the attractive, attacking style that’s been often called the West Ham way.
So far we have signed the likes of Kevin Nolan and Adoulaye Faye, two former Bolton players under Big Sam, who also tried to sign Ricardo Gardner this summer.
Of course the calibre of these players are Premier League quality and should prove to be astute signings once the first ball is kicked for the new 2011/2012 season but are the Hammers close to losing their identity in the process?
News reports suggest that Sammy Lee, released from his duties on the Liverpool coaching staff could be the new appointment on Sam Allardyce’s coaching staff making it another Allardyce-Bolton connection.
On the positive side, Big Sam could be trying to rebuild the strength and steel that saw his Bolton side stay in the English Premier League for a number of seasons under his reign including a 6th place finish in 2004-2005 as well as getting to the League Cup final.
Big Sam has been quoted in the media as saying that the ‘long ball’ style of football has been unfairly branded to his name. Despite the Bolton side using the physicality of the likes of Kevin Davies up front, they also had a number of flair players like Jay Jay Okacha, Youri Djorkaeff and Ivan Campo to name a few.
Perhaps it was the frustrations from opponents like Arsenal that made Big Sam’s Bolton side infamous as they continually frustrated the fast flowing passing style of Arsene Wenger’s gunners with a physical approach.
He was also accused of playing ‘hoof ball’ during his short reign at Newcastle United a few seasons ago, a club where fans embrace stylish attacking football much like we do down at Upton Park. Although, now we are in the Championship, perhaps Allardyce will be given more of a break during the season as we demand automatic promotion.
Gudjohnsen, who was signed by Allardyce at Bolton back in 1998 from Icelandic club KR Reykjavik, went on to play for the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona during his career. The 32-year old will provide great experience and quality in the Hammers attack for the new season.
However, as the transfer window draws closer, could we see the Bolton reunion extend even more? It’d be a crying shame if the Hammers steam roll through the Championship this season but gain the tag of ‘New Bolton’.
After all, we are a club with a great history and identity that could be tarnished.
