The kiss of doom is already on Bolton Wanderers
Last updated : 12 January 2005 By Dave Moore
The kiss of doom is already on Bolton Wanderers. After the fourth round FA Cup draw their Senegal International, El-Hadji Diouf (pictured), had his team-mates doubled up in stitches when he asked “Where's Oldham?” According to the Bolton Evening News, El-Hadji Diouf has been warned to expect a chilly reception when the Wanderers visit Boundary Park to resume their FA Cup campaign. It’s got to be an omen!
I remember many years ago when local neighbours Rochdale drew Covenrty City at home for a similar David v Goliath match and someone at Coventry, I think it was the manager, asked a similar question, “Where’s Rochdale?” I suppose they knew where it was after the Dale knocked them out in what I remember as a thoroughly entertaining match.
Wanderer’s assistant manager Phil Brown admits that they will have their work cut out at Boundary Park, especially after the Latics sent Kevin Keegan’s Manchester City home with their tails between their legs! Brown said, “It will be a tough task, no question about it. It always is when you go there. You've got to deal with the surroundings, the temperature, the weather (Editor's comment - "of course, it's miles away from Bolton") and obviously the football they are playing. It will take a great performance for us to come away with a draw. It's well documented how well Oldham did at the weekend, not only disposing of Premier League opposition very comfortably but giving a good account of themselves.”
Latics' assistant manager Tony Philliskirk, who regards his three season stint with Wanderers as the most memorable of his playing career said, “If Bolton play to their best on the day, we're under no illusions that it will be a massive task for us to get the right result. But, as we proved on Saturday against City, with a little bit of luck and some good play by ourselves, a lot of hard work and conditions in our favour, you just never know.”
Let’s hope the Latics give Diouf such a memorable day that he, along with his team-mates, will never ever forget where Oldham is!