Colourful Millwall manager Ian Holloway dubbed Dougie Freedman’s Bolton as ‘boring’ following their 1-1 draw at The Den on Saturday.
The two sides battling at the wrong end of the Championship table played out a close-run draw in which a missed Bolton penalty ultimately cost them two points.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, former Crystal Palace and Blackpool boss Holloway launched a tirade against the Trotters.
“I’m deadly serious when I say you would be bored senseless watching that kind of performance from them,” he said.
“If that’s how you set out to play when people play a lot of money to watch, I’d be bored senseless.”
The point keeps Bolton two clear of Millwall in the SkyBet Championship table – however, they will feel that it was two points dropped.
Bolton had the brighter start and took the lead through Lukas Jutkiewicz after 15 minutes.
From there the game was even, with chances for both teams and goal-line clearances from David Wheater and Alex Baptiste keeping Bolton in front.
Mid-way through the second half Bolton should have doubled their lead with a penalty, were it not for the reflexes of David Forde.
Shortly after, Millwall made Wanderers pay as Martyn Woolford netted the equaliser.
Freedman later declared that Bolton had ‘controlled’ the game, a statement that was ridiculed by Holloway in his briefing with the written press.
“If that’s what you think controlling a game is, I’m glad I’m sitting in this seat and not having a drink with Dougie,” Holloway said.
“That isn’t how you control a game. I suggest he reads some stats and sees how many chances he created and whether you’d be bored senseless watching it.
“You pay a lot of money for a ticket and you want to see your team have some shots at goal. If that’s controlling a game I would be bored senseless.”
While opinions are often split regarding Holloway’s regular outbursts, in this case the stats back up his claim that Freedman’s assertion was unfounded.
The Lions dominated possession and had 12 more shots on goal than Wanderers, while also forcing eight more corners.
A point is the bare minimum Bolton needed from the game and they will head into matches against Watford and Blackburn at The Reebok desperately needing to make the most of home advantage.
Picture courtesy of Quality Gate 5b, with thanks
