Okocha Warns Of Turkish Test

By Mark Heys
October 5 2005

Former Fenerbache midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha has warned his Bolton team-mates to expect a totally different atmosphere when they travel over to Istanbul to face Besiktas in the UEFA Cup group stage in the week after next.

Okocha made over 60 appearances for Fener between 1996 and 1998 and is perhaps the best qualified member of the Wanderers team to give an opinion on Turkish football and it's supporters.

The Nigerian international told the club's official website that the Turks take their football very seriously and will know all about Bolton even though this is the first ever meeting between the two sides.

"Playing in Turkey will be tough - I have first hand experience of how difficult it can be for foreign teams." said Okocha

"When I was with Fenerbahce we used the unique, partisan atmosphere to our advantage.The Turkish supporters are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their football. We'll have to be prepared for a totally different atmosphere from what we are used to in England and learn from where other English teams have failed there in the past.

Co-incidentally former Wanderers striker Les Ferdinand had a hugely successful loan spell with Besiktas in the 1988-1989 season and once had his head daubed in the blood of a goat as it was deemed to be a lucky charm.