If Not BB, Who?

[Thryleon]

It's off topic, but I would not underestimate how important Docherty is on game day. He is IMO the smartest footballer on our list, and a natural conduit for Bolton, who like Clarkson, wants smart players that can think on their feet.

Doc is a big concern of mine. 2 recos on the same knee - there's no guarantee that he won't break down again, there's no guarantee he will play week in week out, and there's no guarantee he can regain his part form.

The club must be at least planning for a Docherty replacement if his future doesn't work out.

Absolutely.  In fact, he is more important than Cripps.  Cripps has been this raging bull for a few years now, but only with Docherty on the field did we win games.

Id be playing him anyway, and putting him in a role that makes best use of his ability to provide on field leadership (when his knee is right to go again).

You never know what will or can happen, and its irrelevant.  Docherty is a lock for our team for the next 5 years, because once simpson and Daisy retires our other options in his position are poor or relatively broken if they are good.  Docherty might need a bit more of a kid glove approach from now on, but there is no reason why he cant provide us good service once (if) he recovers.