Bolton Wanderers column: Peterborough trip & Carlisle hope

Saturday’s game against Peterborough United wraps up the league campaign for Bolton Wanderers and although it is very likely that a third place finish is on the cards, there is still a glimmer of hope that Bolton can finish second.

What would it take? Well, put simply, Derby County would need to lose to bottom placed Carlisle United and Wanderers would need to see a four goal swing (if level on goal difference then Bolton would finish above due to them scoring more goals).

It is highly unlikely and the mood amongst Bolton fans has reciprocated that feeling, with the general consensus being that of the uncertainty of the playoffs heading into them. Ian Evatt has said they will be ready for any eventuality on Saturday, whilst Josh Dacres-Cogley does not want to leave anything to chance.

I mean, it is the vague glimmer of hope that kills you I suppose, but it really would be something should the unthinkable happen. That being said, making peace with the play-offs and ensuring Bolton are better equipped than last year will be at the forefront of Evatt’s mind.

The positives? The squad is largely back to full strength with Victor Adeboyejo also returning to training. Dion Charles is getting minutes under his belt and started the last league game against Port Vale, whilst Aaron Collins is bang in form right now after a mixed start to his Bolton career.

Barring a mighty collapse against Peterborough, Bolton are effectively guaranteed a third placed finish regardless, so the likelihood of them facing the side who finish in sixth place is looking to be the case. Who that could be remains to be seen - it could be Barnsley who just sacked their manager, it could be any of in-form teams such as Lincoln City, Oxford United or Blackpool.

It is a stark reminder of what is at stake and that anything can happen in the play-offs. Evatt and his staff are preparing signings for either League One or the Championship next year dependent on what happens.

Promotion or not - I would safely say that we are a better team by keeping Evatt in charge, but that is another conversation for another day. For now, the aim is to hopefully win handsomely, Carlisle to somehow beat Derby away and you do not have to sit through another couple of articles over the coming weeks from me talking about all potential play-off scenarios.

That would be ideal, but it feels like we are praying for a miracle of sorts. Plus, this is Bolton Wanderers - we never seem to do it the easy way.

Have I ever mentioned how much I like Carlisle?

by Tony Thompson

Josh Sheehan challenges Jordan Gibson (Image: Camerasport)

Hadrian’s Wall, Eddie Stobart, Melvyn Bragg – big fans of each and every one of them, and what’s more, I have always had a lot of time for Paul Simpson, what a great bloke.

If Carlisle United can just do us a teeny tiny favour on Saturday, nip down the road and beat Derby County, then I promise the next time I call into Tebay services I’ll actually buy something instead of just using the loo.

The chances are microscopic, I know. But as I have previously talked about, the closer to a matchday I get, the less reason I see. From completely making my mind up after the draw against Shrewsbury that it was the play-offs, I am now dreaming of Jimmy Glass coming up for a corner at Pride Park and heading a glorious winner just as Bolton’s fifth goal goes in at Peterborough.

If we are forced to go to the play-offs then who do I want? Lincoln have been playing well and scoring plenty of goals but results have been pretty good against them.

Barnsley have been in freefall. It wouldn’t surprise me if they lose to Northampton and miss out altogether. I notice the guy they have put in temporary charge for Saturday has promised to play attacking football, so if Bolton do get them, at least we won’t be bored to tears again.

Oxford have been playing some nice football of late. They won’t fancy coming to the Toughsheet again after the last time, surely?

And then we come to our old mates Blackpool. I can’t see for one single second that the local constabulary will be doing somersaults if they happen to finish sixth.

By the sounds of things the first leg will be played at 7.45am with breathalyser tests for everyone who goes into the stadium.

Bolton don’t tend to do very well at Bloomfield Road so I am happy for Blackpool to miss out. I’ll happily take one of the other three.