U.S. internationals Tim Ream, Stuart Holden relegated in England
May 13, 2012, 12:36 PM EDT
The stunning turn of events at the top of the Premiership will be celebrated or cried over, depending on which Manchester side you lean toward.
But at the other end of the table, this is a very bad day for a couple of U.S. internationals.
Bolton, with Tim Ream and Stuart Holden on the rosters, have been relegated after a loss to Stoke City.
We’ll have to wait and see what this means for the pair; relegated teams are generally in for a significant roster makeover due to the shifting economics of major revenue reduction.
Holden has given a provisional pledge of allegiance to Bolton, according to a piece in the club’s official website. And since he’s been hurt for almost the entire 2011-12 campaign, that wouldn’t be a big surprise. Still, there’s a lot to shake out here.
(The image you see is from Stuart Holden’s Twitter account)
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- tylerbetts - May 14, 2012 at 12:54 PM
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Although, yes, disappointed that Bolton, and their pair of Yanks, were relegated, it might not be such a bad thing long term for those two Yanks. Ream, though he played well in the EPL, could probably use some time in the Championship to help build his confidence that he can play in England. The Championship is going to be, generally, a step-up from what he could have gotten in MLS. Holden, coming off multiple serious injuries, would be better served playing himself back to form in a league a notch below the Premier League, so again, the Championship is a good spot for him.
The hope is that Bolton doesn’t need to do a huge overhaul and doesn’t gut the roster too much, and that Wanderers can beat the odds and get promoted back after only a year absence. Lacking that, I have no vested interested in Bolton outside of Holden and Ream, so if Bolton does have turn and can’t get repromoted, maybe those two can shine early season and in Cup Matches and get a midseason transfer to a top-flight league (England or elsewhere).
Although, it appears the Championship is becoming a popular place for Yanks abroad.
