Bolton’s life of Riley

Wednesday, 23/11/2011

by Emma Norris, Shoot's Bolton blogger

There is nothing better for many football fans than seeing a youngster who has come through the ranks make it to the first-team – something that unfortunately does not happen very often in the top flight these days.

With the Premier League undeniably becoming focussed on importing talent from all over the world, the country’s academies have arguably been pushed into the background.

Some clubs often overlook excellent talent that is directly under their noses in favour of big name signings – something that I totally disagree with.

In the days of Sam Allardyce, Bolton had the likes of Nicky Hunt and Kevin Nolan making the breakthrough and as a result those kind of players had that extra special bond with the supporters.

The latter - a certain Scouser – went on to spend a decade as a first-team regular and amassed over 300 appearances for the club.

Nolan earned a reputation from the start of his career as a tough-tackling midfielder with a no-nonsense attitude, something that meant that he was taken into the hearts of the Wanderers’ faithful and is now considered a legend.

After a notable lack of academy graduates in recent years, Owen Coyle now seems intent on focusing on youth and did so recently by introducing virtually unknown right-back Joe Riley into the team against Stoke City.

Many supporters were baffled by the decision to play a 20-year-old with no first-team experience in a game of such magnitude, but Riley silenced his doubters with a superb mature display.

Unfortunately, fate has been cruel to the youngster as it was revealed this week that he is set to be sidelined with a hamstring injury. With no timescale yet revealed, this has undoubtedly left Coyle sweating on his team selection for this weekend’s crucial clash with Everton.

The injury will no doubt come as a massive blow for Riley himself, who managed to keep his place in the starting eleven for last Saturday’s trip to West Brom. At such an early point in his career, he will undoubtedly be looking to leave a lasting impression – hopefully he will be back sooner rather than later.

Moving forward, the visit of David Moyes’ team is certainly a must-win clash. Results were favourable to the Whites despite slipping to defeat at the Hawthorns, and this weekend’s game could see the team climb out of the relegation zone with victory. Here’s to hoping it’s a case of home sweet home!

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