Bolton bowing out without a fight

THIS TIME last year Bolton Wanderers were coasting towards a UEFA Cup place and cocking a snook at the aristocrats. Now they are heading inexorably for the Championship without even a whimper.

Even this season Wanderers have defeated former European champions Manchester United and Red Star Belgrade, and frustrated Bayern Munich in their own back yard, but trips across Europe will surely be replaced next season by visits to the humble environs of Swansea and Burnley.

Under Sam Allardyce, Bolton revelled in putting noses out of joint. But this group of players appear to have already accepted their fate, after another demoralising defeat that leaves them without a victory in 10 outings.