Bayern memories stir Megson

New Bolton Wanderers FC manager Gary Megson insists the UEFA Cup fixture against four-time European Champion Clubs' Cup winners FC Bayern München "is the same as any other game", but with personal memories of a famous win in the Bavarian capital flooding back, anticipation is rising.

Drawing strength
Megson is making his coaching debut in UEFA club competition after being appointed as Sammy Lee's successor a fortnight ago. He watched from the stands as a late Jailson strike limited Bolton to a 1-1 draw in their Group F opener against SC Braga on 25 October, and the result has become en vogue in east Lancashire.

'Dream'
Since taking the reins Megson has earned back-to-back points against West Ham United FC and Aston Villa FC – both achieved through 1-1 scorelines – and though his side are second from bottom in the Premier League, the manager is determined to enjoy the trip to Munich. "This is the result of having a good season last season; it's not a distraction," said the 48-year-old. "It's a game where we would like to do as well as we possibly can, which is the same as any other game. [Playing] against these kinds of football clubs in these kinds of stadiums, it's what you dream about as a youngster."

Prolific duo
Megson has been to the Bavarian capital before. He was an unused substitute in October 1993 as his Norwich City FC side earned a memorable 2-1 UEFA Cup second-round victory against Bayern at the Olympiastadion to set up a famous aggregate triumph. José Valencia, Mehmet Scholl and Lothar Matthaüs were all fairly subdued that night, but Bolton may have their work cut out to keep Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose at bay as the pair have already conjured up 16 league goals between them for unbeaten Bayern this season.

'Our best crack'
To make matters harder, the English side have travelled to Germany minus Nicolas Anelka, El Hadji Diouf, Nicky Hunt and Joey O'Brien, though Megson insists his side will not be overawed. "The stadium and history of Bayern is fantastic and it will be a great experience for the players," he said. "We will give it our best crack." That may not be good enough against a Bayern team that claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory against FK Crvena Zvezda in their opening game a fortnight ago, though as Megson witnessed 14 years ago, there is always hope.