Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher was quick to praise Cyrus Christie, who made his league debut for the Trotters, after the team’s 2-1 win over Peterborough United.
The Whites returned to winning ways with the victory at the Toughsheet Community Stadium and 33-year-old Christie was one of the star performers on the day. The defender came into the line-up on the day, with Josh Dacres-Cogley ruled out before kick-off.
“I’m really pleased for him,” Schumacher said. “He has had to wait a little bit of time to get into the team but the injury to Josh has given him a chance and he did really well.”
The defender was integral to the win, setting up Mason Burstow’s opening goal just six minutes in.
“He put a great ball in for Mason’s goal, he looked composed in his possession, and he defended really well, so that’s what we need.
“We need anybody who comes into the team to be ready, so it’s important that in the B Team fixtures or the Vertu Motor Trophy fixtures that you get yourself ready and use those games properly. Cyrus has done that for us.” (via Bolton News).
Christie’s Wealth of Experience
After missing out on the playoffs in May, Schumacher promised a summer of change at Bolton, stating that not only would he attempt to change the style of play but also attempt to bring some balance to the side.
At the time, the majority of players in the squad sat at 26, with little to know experienced players in the dressing room. Whilst the majority of the summer’s recruitment plan ended up being spent on the change of style, the signing of Christie represents and astute pick up for the team as they aim for promotion.
Christie has made over 300 appearances in the EFL, turning out for the likes of Coventry City, Derby County and Fulham, where he even made 28 appearances in the Premier League.
The 33-year-old spent last season on a short-term deal at Swansea City in the Championship and whilst he only made 12 appearances, shows that he is respected at a higher level than League One.
Christie, who chose to join Bolton over interest higher up, can give the dressing room that balance that Schumacher is in need of. At times Wanderers have been irrational, especially defensively and whilst Saturday’s performance was no where near the finished product, the defenders composure was certainly on display.
Fortress Toughseet for Bolton
The Whites victory over Peterborough at home now means the side are one of three side’s yet to lose a game at home in League One this season. Out of their home games so far, Bolton have won four and drawn two, conceding just four goals.
Only Bradford City and Stevenage, who both currently occupy the top two positions in the table, have picked up more points at home than the Wanderers.
| # | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | SFC | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| #2 | BCAFC | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| #3 | BWFC | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 14 |
It’s this home form they have to thank for their league position, with Bolton yet to win away from home this season. Both of the teams defeats, the Stockport County and Northampton Town, have come on the road.
Unfortunately for Bolton, their away woes are the biggest sticking point to their season so far. The team’s last victory on the road came in last seasons local derby win over Wigan Athletic, a win that ended 10 years of bad luck against the Latics.
Wanderer’s next two fixtures against Burton Albion and Huddersfield Town, are both away from home. Boss Schumacher will hoping Christie’s experienced head can help guide his side to significant points over the next two matchdays.
