Famewo giving out instructions (Image: CameraSport - Dave Howarth)
Famewo giving out instructions (Image: CameraSport - Dave Howarth)
Akin Famewo doesn't mind where he is playing as long as he is on the pitch and helping Wanderers pick up points.
Famewo has played both as a centre-back and left-back since his switch from Hull City over the summer.
The Whites had to dig deep to keep a dangerous Queens Park Rangers attack at bay last weekend but managed to stand firm.
“Whether I'm playing left-back or centre-back, I'm enjoying it,” said Famewo. “We feel the rewards, especially when we do manage to keep a clean sheet or we can obviously win the game, it shows.
“But the defending doesn't just start from the defenders, it's from up front. It is a team, it's a whole unit.
“And I think it shows whether the strikers are pressing correctly or it comes all the way. It makes our jobs easier, so it's really important.”
On his preferred role, the 27-year-old replied: “I don’t mind. As long as I can help the team out, it is really an honour to play.”
There have even been occasions where Famewo has played multiple defensive roles in the same game, but the former Hull man takes it all in his stride.
“It can be (challenging), but we have instilled these learning principles in training throughout pre-season,” he explained.
“I have played a lot at left-back and also in my career, I have played left-back. For me, it was fine and I am happy to do it.
“Especially if they bring on a rapid winger, I don’t mind hitting them once or twice! I think everyone manages to adapt to their roles very well.”
Having helped the Tigers clinch promotion via the play-offs last season, Famewo knows all about the Championship and how tough it can be.
The initial goal for Wanderers is consolidation as Steven Schumacher’s side aim to build on their promotion from League One, which ended a seven-year spell away from the second tier.
On the challenge this season, the defender said: “I think it will be a challenge as much as it is for everyone this season.
“There is no difference between us or any other team; we still have the same drive, same attitude and same ability as everyone else in this league. I think we will show that week in, week out and we will definitely do our best.”
Though it was special to be part of a promotion with Hull, Famewo admitted he didn’t always get the playing time he had hoped for last season.
The move to Bolton was an easy decision after meeting with Schumacher and sporting director Fergal Harkin.
“I got the opportunity and spoke with the manager. Last season at Hull, I didn’t play as much as I would like to so I didn’t think I would get much of an opportunity in the Prem,” he recalled.
“I thought it was time for me to move on. I spoke to the manager, Fergal and everyone here. As soon as I met them, by the time I got back to my car I was pretty sure this was the place I wanted to be, and I had to make that happen.”
Famewo spoke with Mason Burstow, who spent last season on loan at the Toughsheet Stadium, and the forward gave a glowing recommendation.
Bolton Wanderers' Mason Burstow celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal
Burstow gave a glowing recommendation (Image: CameraSport - Lee Parker)
However, the pair ended up on opposite teams when Bolton headed to Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup earlier this month.
“He only had positive things to say,” said Famewo. “I was hoping he was going to come back but he went to Wednesday, so I had to give him a good old nudge when we played them!”
Skipper Eoin Toal was a key figure in the backline last term but has had to play catch up since returning from a hamstring.
Josh Sheehan has donned the armband since the start of the competitive fixtures, with Chris Forino also holding a leadership role in the squad.
“I think obviously they have their role and Toaly does exceptionally with it,” said Famewo. “But whether you're playing up front, playing at the back, wherever, whether you're on the pitch or not, everyone has to have some role of commanding to help out the team.
“Communication is one of the most important things in football. I think whether anyone's got the armband or not, everyone still gets around each other, everyone listens to each other, everyone's ideas are as important as each other.
“It's really important that, moving forward, we keep that going and I think we will. But he's definitely got a good voice, Toaly. He made me feel welcome the minute I came.
“Everyone has got their different roles. I think it is so important when you get a team all put together, it's more than just abilities.
“It’s personalities as well. Ruben (Rodrigues) is one of the funniest guys I've met! He plays a massive role, as well as obviously scoring as many goals as he did in pre-season and at Wembley.”