WANDERERS will be able to open their doors without restriction from the start of next season.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the plan to end all Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, meaning capacity crowds can return to sporting venues from July 19.

The plan, which will go to a vote on July 12, would end social distancing and the mandatory wearing of masks in public places.

It means that Wanderers’ only home friendly of the summer, due to be played against neighbours Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, July 31, will have no restrictions on crowd size.

The season opener a weekend later, against MK Dons, would also be restriction-free.

The last time fans were allowed into the University of Bolton Stadium was February 29, 2020, for a League One game against Accrington Stanley.

Ian Evatt’s side played twice last season in front of fans – at Cheltenham and Carlisle United – but on both occasions away fans were not officially permitted.

 

 

It is unclear whether football clubs will make use of the NHS vaccine passport service but fans who have booked tickets for the two upcoming games at Longridge Town and Atherton Colls have done so without the need for any further documentation. Both games have now sold out.

FC United of Manchester, who host the Whites at Broadhurst Park on Saturday, July 17, have not yet issued ticket details on their website.

Wanderers will also play against Preston North End on Tuesday, July 20, at Lancashire FA headquarters in Leyland. No restrictions are set to be in place for the game but ticketing will be handled by the Lancs FA.