Fans' predictions for the season

This is a selection of the views we obtained:

Michael Dain, 42, Halliwell, welder

Half way up the table would be an excellent season taking into account the team and resources. It does not worry me too much that Bergsson and Whitlow have gone because he has brought in Laville and Campo on long-term deals, who have already shown they can do it in the Premiership.

Paul Wild, 22, Chester, postman

They will definitely stay up, but it could be a similar season to last year. The good news is some poor teams have been promoted, and I think all three of those look like they could be relegated. Portsmouth and Wolves have too many older players, and Leicester are made up of players of Division One standard.

Adam Gilbert, 22, Lostock, engineer

I would be more confident if Sam would bring in another striker. I've been impressed with some of the deals he has chased, and Dennis Bergkamp would have been in the mould of Youri Djorkaeff and Jay Jay Okocha. Kevin Davies was a surprise because he has had a few problems, but maybe a change was all he needed.

Claire Robinshaw, 15, Wigan, schoolgirl

I hope Wanderers will keep on showing themselves to be one of the most exciting teams in the Premiership, like they were towards the end of last season. Jay Jay Okocha is one of the best players in England, but my favourite is Per Frandsen because I think he makes a big difference to the midfield.

Paul Carr, 46, Prestwich, foundary worker

I want to see Wanderers aiming for success in the two cups this year. We should look to add to our glorious past and add a few more trophies to the roll of honour list. Surely with the quality of players we have now there is the possibility we could do something. We want to stay in the Premiership, but a good cup run can inspire us in the league.

Tony Latchford, 54, Deane, joiner

Sam has proved he is one of the best in the business, and it makes me laugh at how many other clubs are following his example in the transfer market. Of course I wish he had more money to spend and take the team on, but let's not forget Sam has achieved more than some bosses who have had ten times as much.

Anne Santley, 43, Astley Bridge, secretary

I hope the players have learned from last season, and there will be no more conceding late goals. They could have finished mid-table if they had just shut up shop when they went ahead in games. I'm glad Okocha has not been sold because we need to keep hold of the best players, it's the only way to build on the achievement of staying up.

Paul Evans, 57, Darcy Lever, salesman

Until we get another new centre forward I'm not that confident about the season ahead, because only signing Davies is a risk. Having said that I'm looking forward to seeing Giannakopoulos who has arrived with a big goal scoring record from Olympiakos, and could make all the difference if he can do that here.

Martin Ebbage, 44, Portsmouth, salesman

I travel up from Portsmouth and with a bit of inside knowledge I can safely say Wanderers will finish above Pompey. Wanderers have progressed now to the stage where they have a squad with lots of Premiership experience, while Wolves and Portsmouth have the odd ex-Premiership veteran. There are four or five teams who have a worse squad than Bolton now.

Paul Boswell, 19, Widnes, student

Even though this is probably the best ever Wanderers squad the first priority still has to be to avoid relegation - the standard in the Premiership is so high now. We have so many international quality players with lots of experience, and I don't want to sound pessimistic, but realistically I can't see them finishing above 15th position.