Elmander: Megson at fault for my slow start
Swedish forward Johan Elmander has pointed the finger squarely at former manager Gary Megson when explaining his poor form during his first two seasons at Bolton Wanderers.
Elmander, 28, has been like a new signing at the Reebok Stadium this term, scoring four goals in the Trotters' first seven league games.
Bought from Toulouse in July 2008 in a deal totaling over £10 million, the Swede did little to justify the price tag, scoring just six league goals in two years.
Speaking to Sky Sports before Sweden’s Euro 2012 qualifier against the Netherlands on Tuesday night, Elmander explained that it was Megson’s managerial approach that was holding him back.
“It doesn’t help to stare and scream at me. I got tired the more of it I heard,” he said.
In contrast, Elmander appears to be thriving under the reign of new Bolton boss, Owen Coyle.
“Coyle is a great coach, who I really enjoy working with.
“It’s fantastic and great that I can play my game. As soon as he came to the club I started to play well, even though the goals didn’t come right away.”
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
The forward’s first Premier League goal came against Stoke, a feat he will be aiming to repeat on Saturday when the two teams meet at the Reebok.
Despite his newfound form, Elmander gave nothing away when asked whether his positive relationship with Coyle would encourage him to sign a new contract.
“I have a year left on my contract and then we’ll see what happens then,” he said.
By Robin Edds
Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.