BWFC.co.uk: “Manager: Holden Is Destined For Big Things”

// October 2nd, 2011 // 4 Comments » // Updates

Article excerpt:

Manager Owen Coyle says that Stuart Holden will be destined for ‘big things’ once the midfielder returns from his latest injury.

It was announced on Wednesday evening that the American is set to miss the next six months of the season after cartilage damage was discovered when the midfielder went in for a routine follow-up procedure on his original injury suffered last season against Manchester United.

“For Stuart it is a real blow because not only is he an outstanding midfielder for Bolton Wanderers but in the context of the Barclays Premier League,” said Coyle.

“But what I said to him the other night was that he will have another ten to 12 years of a glittering career ahead of him. He is destined for big, big things and we have just got to help get him through this difficult time.”

Full article: http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~2468029,00.html

The Bolton News: “Branagan backs Holden to come back stronger”

// September 30th, 2011 // No Comments » // Updates

Article excerpt:

Keith Branagan reckons Stuart Holden has already taken the most important step on his road to a full recovery.

The Wandererslegend, who bounced back from two major knee injuries during a successful 19-year career, has warned the US international that he faces a huge mental test over the next six months as he battles to overcome cartilage damage discovered by surgeons in midweek.

Holden had not even left the hospital in London before announcing on Twitter: “I will continue to fight and I’m ready for another tough journey.

“Someone has a bigger plan for me and I look forward to keeping you updated over the next six months as I beat the odds once again.”

Full article: http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/9279815.Branagan_backs_Holden_to_come_back_stronger/

Bolton Wanderers’ website: “Stuart Holden to miss six months”

// September 28th, 2011 // No Comments » // Updates

From http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~2466242,00.html

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Holden To Miss Six Months

Stuart Holden is set to miss six months of the season after a routine procedural follow up on the operation for his knee injury revealed cartilage damage.

Manager Owen Coyle said: “It is a big, big blow for Stuart because he has worked so hard after he sustained the injury, but obviously the most important aspect is to ensure Stuart’s well being and that’s what we are focused on.

“He went in for the procedure this afternoon and it was picked up that the cartilage was damaged and needed to be repaired, which has now happened, and we will now support Stuart as he begins his recovery.”

Three second half goals give Arsenel win over Bolton

// September 24th, 2011 // No Comments » // Updates

Arsenal defeated Bolton today, 3-0, with three second half goals including two by Robin Van Persie. Alex Song also scored for Arsenal.

Stu Holden did not play in the match. Bolton’s manager Owen Coyle said earlier this week that he didn’t want to play Holden too much in the early stages of his recovery since Stuart just returned from a knee injury that kept him out of action for six months. Holden did play 90 minutes last Tuesday in Bolton’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa in the Carling Cup tournament.

Today Bolton had to play the final 35 minutes with ten men after David Wheater was sent-off for a professional foul on Theo Walcott.

“We contained them for the first 45 minutes and came out in the second half hoping to build on that,” Coyle said. ” That’s why we are all disappointed to concede so early in the half. That gave us a tough task as we tried to get back in the game. Then, obviously the sending off of David Wheater gives you an even bigger hill to climb when you’re looking to gain a foothold. There’s no doubt that that was a big moment because I felt if we had a full complement of players on the pitch we could create chances.”

The next match for the Wanderers is at home on Oct. 2 versus Chelsea.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Arteta (Rosicky 82), Van Persie (Chamakh 85), Walcott, Ramsey, Song, Gervinho (Arshavin 78), Gibbs (Unused Subs: Santos, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabianski, Frimpong)

Wanderers: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Robinson, Wheater, Knight, Eagles (M Davies 71), Muamba (Boyata 56), Pratley, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Ngog (K Davies 21) (Unused Subs: Bogdan, Tuncay, Gardner, Kakuta)

ESPN.com: “Holden thanks fans after Bolton return”

// September 22nd, 2011 // No Comments » // Updates

Stuart Holden has thanked Bolton’s fans after his successful return to first-team action against Aston Villa in the Carling Cup.

Holden succeeded in playing the entire game as Bolton defeated Premier League rivals Villa 2-0 to progress to the fourth round, his first appearance since suffering a serious long-term injury following a challenge by Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

And, having made his long-awaited comeback, the USA international was keen to praise the fans for aiding his recovery.

“My hospital room was flooded with cards and flowers as soon as I got the injury and the fans have kept me motivated throughout,” he told the Bolton News. “I’ve tried to keep them up to date with videos and updates and I know they appreciated that.

“When the manager announced I’d be in the team I had over 1,000 tweets and I’ll bet there are plenty more waiting for me because I came through 90 minutes and the team got a much-needed win.”

Holden has also admitted his frustration at having to watch Bolton’s struggles from the sidelies but claimed he never once doubted his ability to make a Premier League return.

“The injury was tough and to sit and watch for the last six months has been draining but it’s given me more motivation to get back,” he said. “The first people I hugged after the game were the medical staff who have helped me through to this level. For me, this is another step along the way.”

“The surgeons always say it’s career threatening until they fix you and then they look like geniuses,” he joked. “But when he said the surgery had been successful and that I’d be back in six months – here I am six months and two days later.”

Full article: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/959922/stuart-holden-grateful-for-fans%27-support-after-injury?campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5901