Tony Kelly’s latest column in the Bolton News:
I just don’t understand the Wanderers fan who was having a go at Kevin Nolan on Saturday.
I know supporters were disappointed with the draw against West Brom but, believe me, there will have been no one more disappointed than Kevin.
He’s been a star for the club and leads by example off and on the pitch.
People forget he could have left a couple of years ago, but he didn’t. His dedication and loyalty is unquestionable, and you know every time he steps on the pitch he will give 110 per cent – just remember how he played at the end of last season.
Like any player, Kevin’s going to have bad games but he’s proud of playing for the club and, more than that, he’s proud of being captain – and he takes that responsibility seriously.
He knows he probably shouldn’t have had a go back at the person who was giving him stick throughout the game, and he’s since apologised, but these things happen in the heat of the moment.
The last thing Kevin, or any of the players need when they’re trying to win football matches is the supporters getting on their backs. It doesn’t do anyone any good and we all need to be pulling in the same direction.
If the guy in question, or any fan for that matter who has a problem with how things are going, they can always contact me in my role of fans’ liaison officer to voice their concerns. I can then pass them on to Kevin and, knowing the type of lad he is, I’m sure he’d be happy to talk to the person in private.
The important thing is for everyone to get behind Bolton as we look to put last season’s troubles behind us.
We have some of the best supporters in the world at this club, something which I witnessed in person on Wednesday night against Northampton.
The less said about the game the better – these things can happen in football – but what I was really impressed with was our fans who stayed behind after the final whistle to show their appreciation for Northampton after the Carling Cup tie.
It really reminded me of those famous nights at Anfield and Highbury when we were in the old Second Division and shocked Liverpool and Arsenal in the cup. It was lovely to see and shows what good fans we have, even on a bad night like that.
It was nice to see Amir Khan on the pitch at half-time of the West Brom game before his big fight against Breidis Prescott on Saturday.
The likes of Amir, and cyclist Jason Kenny, who won silver and gold at the Olympics and will be coming down for the Arsenal game on September 20, are brilliant for Bolton and help put the town on the map.
