Football Season Guide

There is a real sense of opportunity at the University of Bolton Stadium ahead of the new season. They fell just short last time out, succumbing to a strong Barnsley side in a two-legged play-off semi-final. They did however thrash promoted Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Trophy at Wembley to illustrate just how competitive they were. League One has lost a couple of giants in Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday whilst two of the three sides relegated from the Championship are in a mess. The Trotters will be eyeing up the top two promotions spots and they have momentum with manager Ian Evatt ready to begin his third year in the job. He has lost two key loanees in goalkeeper James Trafford and right wing-back Conor Bradley, both of whom were outstanding last season. Nathan Baxter has real pedigree after joining on a permanent deal from Chelsea and looks like a decent replacement. Josh Dacres-Cogley was superb for Tranmere Rovers in the first half of last season but his form rather tailed off after Christmas and has a point to prove. Further additions are expected before the transfer window closes at the end of August and they will only enhance a squad with real depth, especially in the middle of the park. Aaron Morley, Josh Sheehan and, Kyle Dempsey are one of the most creative and dynamic trio in the division. Dion Charles will again spearhead the attack. He has been a key man in the past two seasons and his goals will make the difference between automatic promotion and another play-off finish. Bolton Wanderers are now arguably the second biggest club in League One and the pressure will be on Evatt to take them back to the Championship.