Bolton Wanderers have endured a tumultuous 20 years. From two Europa League campaigns to the fourth division of English football, it’s safe to assume that many players have passed through the door in that time.
The Trotters are currently in contention for the League One play-offs, having fallen to Oxford United at Wembley last year. Despite this, fans are upset with manager Ian Evatt, since the team has fallen far short of expectations this season.
After narrowly avoiding liquidation in 2019, the club is on its way back up the football ladder. So, let’s take a look back at the Whites’ better days and evaluate six standout additions over the last two decades.
Fernando Hierro
It’s safe to say that the Greater Manchester club has had some iconic players on its roster, particularly in the early 2000s. The most renowned of these is Fernando Hierro, a three-time Champions League winner.
The Spanish defender spent the final year of his extraordinary playing career at the Reebok Stadium, where he played 28 Premier League games and helped Bolton to their best league finish since 1959/60.
Kevin Davies
Kevin Davies, a Wanderers icon, spent ten years in Lancashire, making an astonishing 351 appearances for the club. The striker scored 74 goals for Bolton and earned an England cap in 2010.
Given that he was signed as a free agent, Davies’ contributions would qualify him for one of the best business deals in Bolton history.
Jussi Jääskeläinen
Speaking of legends, it would be impolite not to mention Jussi Jääskeläinen. The Finnish custodian joined the club in 1997 for £100,000 and remained there until 2012. During his stint at Bolton, he appeared in almost 500 games across all competitions.
The Finn had moments of greatness in a Wanderers shirt, including a double save against Manchester United in 2001 that was selected finest save at the Premier League 20 Season Awards in 2012.
Jay-Jay Okocha
While his goal total was not very impressive, his technique and energy made the Nigerian stand out. Many supporters claimed that the football legend was “so good, they named him twice.”
He spent four years in Lancashire, from 2002 to 2006. During that period, he made over 100 appearances with the Trotters, swiftly establishing himself as a legendary player. Like Davies, Okocha was signed on a free transfer. While he never quite reached the heights of a striker, he did leave an indelible mark on English football.
Nicolas Anelka
PSG, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Fenerbahce, and Bolton. This was the professional path of French striker Nicolas Anelka. With that CV, it’s safe to say he’d fulfilled every young footballer’s goal by the time he arrived at the Reebok in 2006.
Despite only staying for two seasons, Anelka scored 21 goals in 53 appearances for the Wanderers. This eventually led to his £15 million move to Chelsea, earning Bolton a nice profit on the Frenchman after paying £8 million for his services.
Ivan Campo
This list starts with a defender who has won the Champions League many times and will end with one. The Spaniard joined Bolton in 2002, initially on loan from Real Madrid. That agreement was made permanent the following year, when Campo decided he preferred living in the North of England over the Spanish capital.
He went on to be an important part of Bolton’s most successful period, appearing over 150 times for the club until leaving in 2008 for a fresh challenge with Ipswich. His long-range strike against Tottenham Hotspur in 2006 will live long in the memory of Wanderers fans.
