Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt has praised striker Cameron Jerome, suggesting that the veteran has perhaps not got the credit that he deserves this season.
Although he is yet to find the net this season for the club, Jerome’s experience has been invaluable at points and that said experience could count for a lot if Bolton find themselves in the play-offs this season.
The 37-year-old has made just one start all season but has made 25 appearances off of the substitute bench, which was once again the case on Saturday in the club’s 2-0 victory over Bristol Rovers. Jerome would in fact win the penalty for Aaron Morley’s stoppage time goal which would’ve certainly eased some fans’ nerves.
It was an important win for the Wanderers, who closed the gap to second placed Derby County with the Rams out of action this weekend. Aaron Collins would score the other against his former team in what was a positive day for the club, who now sit just a singular point behind the automatic places.
Of the two though, Bolton do indeed have the harder run-in. Next weekend they face runaway league leaders Portsmouth before hosting Shrewsbury and Port Vale and then travelling to promotion chasers Peterborough United on the final day.
With plenty of experience at a higher level as well as in situations like the one the Wanderers currently find themselves in, Jerome may well be called upon in their final four games.
Speaking to The Bolton News, Evatt praised the striker for his impact both on and off of the pitch.
“I will keep banging the same drum, he deserves our respect. He is a big part of the dressing room and helps us on and off the pitch.
“Sometimes the supporters don’t necessarily see the work he does with the other strikers and the rest of the team.
“He has been around the block, he understands what it takes to be promoted and is still able to do the job, which is really important.
“He came on today, was a real handful and got us a penalty which sealed it for us.”
Writer’s View
Despite not notching a single goal involvement this season, as mentioned by the manager, Jerome’s experience counts for a lot and he has no doubt helped some of the other strikers in the team this year.
Bolton face an uphill task at achieving automatic promotion this season, but they have given themselves a chance after beating Bristol Rovers. They do know that it is out of their hands now, but if Derby slip up, they may well capitalise.
Nonetheless, a spot in the play-offs is almost guaranteed at this point, and they’ll fancy their chances based off how the season has gone so far but also with the return of some key players over the next couple of weeks.
