Season Preview: Bolton Wanderers

Overall Outlook - What a difference a new manager makes.  There was a time when we said "never bet on or against Bolton" because they tended to engage in meat-grinder-like matches that produced more yellow cards and fouls than fantasy points.  Players of much quality didn't want to play there.  Now, with the introduction of Owen Coyle midway through last season players with some skill are starting to flock to the Reebok.  The budget is such that they still can't buy from the top shelf but there are definitely upgrades.  I don't think Bolton are ready to compete with the likes of Villa and Everton let alone Spurs, Citeh and Liverpool but there is every reason to expect a finish in the 9th to 11th range.

Melchiot to sign for Wigan

One year after having left Birmingham, Dutch defender Mario Melchiot is on the verge of making a return to England with Wigan. The 30-year-old has left Ligue 1 side Rennes after deciding not to extend his one-year contract.

According to the Daily Mirror, Melchiot was at the JJB Stadium on Tuesday to prove his fitness to new manager Chris Hutchings and agreed to sign a one-year deal.

Now this is interesting. Ryan Taylor is finally back from injury, as presumably will Boyce. Does this signing push Boyce to center back alongside Hall, and Taylor up into midfield? Taylor's set-pieces more than made up for his penchant to collect cards. But if he follows another Taylor (Matthew, for those of you playing along at home) from fullback to midfield while remaining listed as a defender, he'll be one to watch next season.