Football Season Guide

Bolton Wanderers have endured some tough seasons in recent years and the last one won’t be remembered fondly either. Ian Evatt simply wasn’t forgiven for his side’s meek surrender in the 2024 play-off final at Wembley. As is his style, he met fire with fire, an approach that simply fanned the flames and he completely lost his head in a clash with Shrewsbury Town captain Morgan Feeney in October. Owner Sharon Brittan showed admirable loyalty to Evatt, coming under fire from fans herself, until performances and results left her with no choice. Steven Schumacher was appointed as his successor in January but struggled to solve the same issues that ultimately led to Evatt’s demise. Fundamentally too many key players lost their form and were unable to recapture it. It leaves Schumacher with the task of completely reshaping his squad and he has of course begun that process this summer. Both goalkeepers Luke Southwood and Nathan Baxter have been moved on, as has captain and centre-back Ricardo Almeida Santos. The big fee paid for striker Aaron Collins has been recouped and the imminent sale of academy graduate George Thomason to Wrexham will bring in even more significant funds Chris Forino-Joseph and George Johnston will be hoping to establish themselves as the first-choice centre-back partnership after injury-blighted campaigns. Left-back Max Conway returns from an impressive season on loan at Crewe Alexandra whilst the Trotters have high hopes for loan goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe and winger Amario Cozier-Duberry. Managing unrealistic expectation this season is going to be a challenge for both Schumacher and those above him. Fans feel they’re owed a return to the Championship and are growing increasingly impatient. There is still plenty of work to do in the transfer market, with a real need to strengthen the attack and bring in some goals.