Bolton Wanderers fan column: New season and squad depth

I have learnt a lot of things this summer ever since that Wembley disappointment, which does not feel all that long ago. I know that Ian Evatt hates the term ‘plan B’, and I am not that confident that we can re-enact Waterfall by The Stone Roses, as no player really fits who can come off the bench.

I wish that those were the biggest issues Bolton fans faced this summer, but sadly they are not. Instead of preparing for a Championship season, it is another year in a more competitive League One.

There will be an inspirational quote somewhere which will tell you to forget about the past and to focus on the present, so here we are.

What is the aim then? Well, whether the squad is better than last year or not is subjective, but I do believe it is an improved squad. Losing Paris Maghoma hurts, but with the signings of Jay Matete, Klaidi Lolos, Scott Arfield and the likely incoming of John McAtee, the midfield area is much improved.

Matete and Arfield add bite and steel, which is what Wanderers lacked so much last year. Lolos looks sharp and he will not be relied on too much too early, allowing him time and space to grow.

I will look stupid if this goes to print and McAtee has not signed, but he is definitely a player who can play in that advanced role in midfield and whilst he is not comparable to Maghoma in terms of attributes, they are also two different players.

The wing back areas look well stocked and I get the feeling that Szabolcs Schön will be a fan favourite very soon. Jordi Osei-Tutu looks like a talent, but the concerns are his injury record, something which Evatt did play down.

In terms of bodies Bolton are very nearly there, with no obvious glaring needs. The aim has to be automatic promotion and I do feel that the players are certainly good enough.

What fills me with confidence is that Evatt has realised what hindered his squad. Bolton’s record against the better teams in the league was not ideal, so it has been period of reflection for the gaffer.

Efforts have been made to not necessarily replace Maghoma, because you cannot do that in one fell swoop, but to bring aboard players who allow Bolton to play a different way. The wing back areas will be highly competitive, the midfield is as stocked as ever, there is a stronger goalkeeping department and the group of forwards look promising.

The style of play will not change and for the most part it is enjoyable to watch. I personally feel that a lot of the issues revolved around a lack of experience and size within the team. We can enjoy a fillet steak, but we also know that a 3 pound steak from Aldi is much tougher and not as enjoyable.

You have to grind out results in this league, you need to smack people in the mouth and you do not always have it your own way. If Bolton become more streetwise, they have as good a chance as anyone in this league. But they also cannot let that Wembley nightmare linger.

So I am ready for another season - the joy and the disappointment - I want it all in my life. I would not have it any other way.

Strength in numbers

by Becca Ashworth

Arfield is one of the new arrivals at Wanderers (Image: Harry McGuire)

Merely a couple of weeks back, I was remarking on the slow news summer at play in the Toughsheet – a transfer game where (after a few early announcements) the ball just couldn’t seem to get rolling. Today, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. 

Just like many Brits during slow-news-summers, since writing that article, I have packed up my bags and escaped on holiday, deleting Twitter (my primary access point to the footballing world) in the process. What an experience it has been intermittently dipping in to check recent news since then!

Now, I don’t want to take credit for recent transfer news, but, as the adage goes, a watched pot never boils. Well, until last week, I’d been like a kid learning how to cook for the first time – teetering on a step stool, watching the water so intently that my face was practically inside the pot. Since tearing my eyes away from any rumours, the water has been bubbling away nicely, and the transfer progress has been considerably heating up.

Today (Thursday), especially, has been quite the day. My intermittent checks for updates have become like clockwork: a six o’clock scan for any new announcements or rumours.  Today, I got the itch a little earlier, whipping my phone out to see the surprise announcement of Jay Matete’s arrival on loan. Looking like a potential Maghoma replacement, Matete’s experience of promotion is a solid addition to the mix.

This evening, we had the additional (and already spoiled) announcement of Jordi Osei-Tutu, expected to deepen our options at RWB. Add to that (hopefully) the heavily rumoured McAtee, and our already promising previous arrivals, and this is looking to have been a very successful window.

It's clear to me that depth has been a key focus – strengthening our options in multiple positions. One word I often hear alongside depth, however, is versatility. Seemingly working in cahoots, depth and versatility cannot exist separately, but I worry also that the balance between them needs to be struck right.

Last year, we armed ourselves with depth too – Evatt was keen to implement a rotation system that would see us adapt our team regularly for the matches ahead. As injuries started to trickle in, we weren’t too phased; we simply adapted accordingly. By the end of the season, however, injuries had caused our depth to wane to the size of a paddling pool. With the increased match load and injuries abound, players were tiring quick and versatility simply wasn’t an option any more.

If we had the depth of a swimming pool last season, this season it’s the depth of an ocean. As players gradually return from injury, the squad is shaping up to have substantial quality in depth – players that would make up two league one first teams. It’s up to Evatt to employ this well. If he explores the versatility that this squad offers, whilst keeping injuries minimal, then this will be quite the season. I, for one, am excited.

Year of the dark horse?

by Harry Crosland

Heavy-spending Birmingham, Huddersfield headed by the reliable Michael Duff, and third-tier promotion specialists Rotherham are the three teams widely considered to be the main threats to Bolton’s pursuit of automatic promotion to the Championship.

The 24/25 edition of League One, however, is arguably the strongest yet - filled with lesser-fancied ‘dark horses’ who, with a touch of fortune, might fancy their chances of challenging at the top of the table. So, who do Bolton need to be wary of in their fourth consecutive season at this level?

Wigan

Credit where it’s due, our Lancashire rivals coped admirably with an eight-point deduction, emerging from a cloud of financial uncertainty to achieve a comfortable mid-table finish last season. Without the points dock, Shaun Maloney’s men would have only been six points shy of the play-offs, thanks to an impressive end to the season. One of the biggest mysteries of Bolton’s 23/24 campaign was why Calvin Ramsey, signed to plentiful fanfare in January, played just 68 minutes of league football in the entirety of his stay. Now at Wigan, the one-time £4.9m Liverpool signing clearly has a strong pedigree; one of a handful of promising loanees with the potential to help the Latics move up the table – alongside their impressive homegrown talents. As if they weren’t already an awkward opponent…

Lincoln

The Imps’ relentless run of form in the latter part of 23/24 was something to behold. Michael Skubala’s men managed 16 consecutive games unbeaten, including some heavy victories. This remarkable rise to the cusp of the playoffs was one of the stories of the season, and while Lincoln ultimately fell slightly short of the top six, they’ll be hoping to go one better next campaign. They have lost some key players this summer, but the positive feeling around the club remains - fuelled by effective ownership and a highly-regarded coach.

Wycombe

Perennial tricky customers Wycombe will be hoping to build on their momentum from a strong second half to the last campaign. Following a tricky spell, our fellow Wanderers produced playoff form from February until the end of the season; only three teams collected more points in that time. While they have (thankfully) lost Chris Forino, the Chairboys are buoyed by new ownership and have seemingly found their groove under manager Matt Bloomfield, making them one to watch. 

Reading

On the one hand, Reading finished 17th last campaign and are the only EFL team yet to make a summer signing. On the other, they boast a talented squad led by highly reputable manager, Rubén Sellés. This includes striker Sam Smith, whose record for lower-end sides suggests that he could challenge the division’s top scorers, given the right service.

Moreover, the ownership issues which marred so much of last season for the Royals appear to be nearing an end. If the incoming owners arrive in time to secure some new additions, then fresh impetus could see them heading towards the higher end of the table, surprising many.

Stockport

After two promotions in three seasons, County would be forgiven for seeking a year of consolidation. Their recruitment this summer, however, has widely impressed, leading to Stockport being tipped as dark horses for the top six battle. Could Dave Challinor achieve the eighth promotion of his relatively short managerial career?

Like a kid at Christmas

by Chris McKeown

Wanderers begin with a tough trip to Richie Wellens' Leyton Orient (Image: PA)

The opening day of the campaign is just around the corner. It’s a wrap on pre-season, it’s all systems go, so what to make of it all so far?

 For me, there were plenty of positives to take from the friendlies and the incoming transfer activity, which has brought in some quality competition. We also have added the exciting prospect of Schon, one player I’m very much looking forward to seeing in action.

It seems we are not finished there - with rumours of more players to sign on the dotted line, it’s looking much more closer to the competitive squad we need for the challenge ahead.

Ian Evatt must surely have a boost of confidence from the last few weeks, and will no doubt be eagerly counting down the minutes to get going now.

So, with the excitement and anticipation of being at new season eve, it’s time to deliver. The expectations of a fanbase are rising, but you suspect that hopes and fears are separated by a thin line.

We all know that results from the friendlies shouldn't be looked into that deeply, but form and performances have been positive, which helps!

Leyton Orient awaits this Saturday, and it’s a tough opening day fixture, quickly followed in the league with Wrexham coming to town, It’s certainly straight into the lions' den, no room to hide.

We have a long road ahead, but it is time to do the business.
Admittedly ups and downs will happen, but with a mixture on the pitch of both grit and finesse, with a determination to put ‘our’ stamp on a game, backed up with the fantastic support following the team - we have every chance to make this year special.

On a personal note, I’m like a kid at Christmas, I can’t wait for the first whistle to be blown!

This is a great time of year to be a football fan, with all the transfers, talk of away days, eagerness to get back to the Toughsheet Stadium, meeting friends before the game and discussing tactics, basically playing the role of football manager, voicing our thoughts on what we think Ian Evatt should (and shouldn’t) do - it’s fantastic!

So relax, enjoy the moment, the thought of what’s to come, the possibilities of what the football year holds - because from 5:30pm on Saturday, it’s red alert!

Being a Bolton fan is never easy, we wouldn’t expect it to be so, but this club is special. When we sign a player, they sense it straight away. It's hard to explain to someone who isn't a fan, but it’s a feeling, it’s in the blood, and the loyal supporters, despite a moan or three, always get behind the club.

We aren’t where we should be, we all know that, but we will get there. It might just take a detour or two!

The time has come, the wait is over. Here we go, again!

Will tactical tweak see Vic thrive?

by Ernie Bratherton

On the eve of the first game of the season, I think it’s important to not get caught up in the moment and take a step back to look at the bigger picture.

If the Whites win 5-0 tomorrow or see a defeat tomorrow, it’s important to remember the facts.

Bolton Wanderers 2024/25 season kicks off tomorrow; that is a fact. Bolton Wanderers will play 46 league games; that is also a fact. But this side has evolved, the core of last year's ‘successful’ squad remains intact with loanee Paris Maghoma the only first XI loss. Combined with the seven acquisitions thus far, the Whites have had a relatively low turnover of players and can attack the new season with optimism of going one better.

Key to any chance of the dream of promotion will be the output and form of Wanderers' front three, which this season has been slightly altered from a 3-4-1-2 to a 3-4-2-1. This change has brought the best out of Victor Adeboyejo, who is donning the Wanderers' No.9 this season. The ex-Burton man had his most prolific campaign to date playing the lone number nine and had struggled at times in Bolton’s high pressing, high energy system which focuses on working the ball into the box rather than an emphasis on overloading the wide areas and firing balls into the area.

With Wanderers now playing creative talents such as Klaidi Lolos and Aaron Collins in close proximity to the striker, it should open up the wide areas for the wing-backs to attack and deliver a higher volume of crosses for Adeboyejo to thrive off. And with Dion Charles being slowly brought back from an ongoing knee issue, Wanderers' number nine is in pole position to kick off the season as the spearhead of the attack.

Signings number six and seven were Jay Matete and Jordi Osei-Tutu with the former joining on a season long loan from Sunderland. Matete, a League One promotion specialist, is a tenacious, powerful central midfielder who will provide strong competition in an already packed and talented midfield group.

The latter has joined on an initial two-year deal from VFL Bochum in the Bundesliga. The wing-back will provide direct competition to Josh Dacres-Cogley and is a quick, direct, combative right-sided player who, if he can stay fit, will be a fantastic addition to the squad.

With one more addition reportedly close, it will be a race against time to have another registered for the game on Saturday. But come Saturday, transfer talk will be out of the window and all eyes will be on the pitch or Sky TV cameras to see Bolton Wanderers kick start their season away at Leyton Orient.

Food to hit and miss this season

by Lee Sidebotham

The Whites will be backed by a sold out away end (Image: PA)

With the pre-season friendlies done and dusted, we’re all set to travel down to London for another season of League One football.

I’d love to know whose bright idea it was to have us heading down at the same time as Blackpool and the two Manchester clubs. Also, a 5.30pm kick-off time just to add salt to the wounds for us fans. We probably won’t make it back until 1am the following morning. At least it’ll be teatime when we eventually make it there. To those getting the coach, I advise not filling up on McDonald’s at Watford services…

Leyton Orient has the best concourse food in the league in my opinion. Chili dogs, loaded nachos and pie, mash and liquor. The prices are pretty good for London too. That made me think about the other football scran we can look forward to this year.

The Cornish pasties at Exeter City are not to be missed. They are the size of your head and full of flavour. Bristol Rovers also do a surprisingly good Cornish pasty, including curry flavour. Carrs seriously need to jump onto the idea!

Reading have surprisingly good pies, and as much as I’d hate to say it, so do Wigan. There’s something about putting meat filled pastry inside of a barm that just works so well.

Stockport do pie, mash, peas and gravy which always hits the spot. Especially on a cold, rainy November we always seem to play them on.

There’s a soup stall outside the main entrance at Northampton Town if you arrived early, handing out free vegetable soup in the lead up to kick-off. It’s delicious.

Shrewsbury have a burger van outside the ground that cooks fresh half pound beef burgers with cheese and bacon.

Then, of course, the Lincolnshire sausage hot dogs at Lincoln City which are sourced locally and everything you’d expect.

Clubs to avoid this campaign? The pies at Charlton are less than impressive. You’ll be chewing on the steak longer than Alfie May stayed at The Valley!

Blackpool’s offering is disappointing too. Instead, head down to Seniors which is a five-minute walk away from the stadium for the best chippy on the sea.

Then there’s Barnsley. We’ve played them enough times over the last few years to try all their food on offer. Without fail the burgers and pies are cold and stale every time.

Finally, never order the cheesy chips at Cambridge United. They will whack some plastic sliced cheese on top of your chips and call it a day. Though I suppose it’s not false advertising.

While there are some clubs you are better grabbing food on the way for this season, there are loads of options to get excited for this campaign. Turns out staying in League One isn’t all that bad…