Safe in the knowledge that their Premier League status was secure for another season, Bolton Wanderers ended their season with a home win, an improvement on their opening day defeat at the hands of Steve Bruce’s Sunderland.

Gary Megson was never a universally popular choice as Sam Allardyce’s replacement and following a 2-2 draw against Hull City, a game in which the Trotters led 2-0, the fans got their way and Megson was fired. His replacement was a popular but controversial choice – former Bolton and the then-current manager of local rivals Burnley, Owen Coyle. Coyle saw his new charges lose to Arsenal twice in successive games before he gained his first win, at the expense of his former employers Burnley.

Following Coyle’s appointment, Bolton’s fortunes improved and despite some heavy reverses, they secured their Premiership lives with games to spare. Chelsea put paid to any hopes of a decent 4-0 at the Carling Cup run as they triumphed 4-0 in a September clash at Stamford Bridge. They fared slightly better in the FA Cup before being dumped out by the same score line after a White Hart Lane replay.

Matt Taylor and the ever dependable Kevin Davies weighed in at the top of the scoring charts whilst Jack Wilshere made a huge impression following his capture on loan from Arsenal. However, Coyle will know that improvements in the vital areas will be required to make sure that next season is not spent looking down towards the relegation zone. Overall, given the managerial tempest that endured at the Reebok during the first half of the season, avoiding the late season drama that the relegation battle often brings was a great result for Coyle.