GUDNI Bergsson might still wonder whether he was right to retire but he at least has the consolation of knowing his old job is in safe hands.
The former Whites' skipper -- who played full-back when he first joined Wanderers in 1995 but soon established himself as a top quality centre-back -- believes Sam Allardyce has unearthed a gem in Radhi Jaidi, who has slotted in neatly beside his old mate, Bruno N'Gotty, at the heart of the Whites' defence.
"I was very impressed with him," Bergsson said after seeing the giant Tunisian hit the target against Birmingham for the second successive Saturday to put the gloss on the solid defensive performances he has turned in since arriving at the Reebok in the summer.
"He's scored two great goals, he's powerful in the air and helped keep Heskey quiet in the game. He looks a good player and a good acquisition for the squad."
Bergsson admits he still wonders whether he was right to retire, more than a year after hanging up his boots.
"I've only thought about it a hundred times," the former Wanderers' skipper said, poking fun at himself about still doubting the widsom of quitting the game he graced.
"I made my decision for family reasons, but I also wanted to quit while I was still in the team and still ahead.
"I have doubted that decision since, but I think it was the right decision for me and my family, and for Bolton as well."
Bergsson, on a flying visit from his home in Iceland to join the Sky TV team for the Birmingham game, has not played football since returning to Reykjavic to take up a career in law, three years after he first considered retiring. But he says he still hasn't got the game out of his system.
"I think I'll finally be over it after New Year," he added. "You kid yourself that you might be able to hack it and I'm still at that stage of thinking I might just be right for playing ... but probably not.
"I'll be 40 soon."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article