This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Bolton Wanderers have been unable to match their form from last season, which saw them finish on 87 points and reach the League One play-off final.
However, Steven Schumacher has been named as manager after Ian Evatt’s resignation, and he will be trying to lead the squad to another top-six finish.
The 40-year-old previously led Plymouth Argyle to promotion to the Championship.
Bolton’s owners will be hoping he can repeat that accomplishment this season or next, considering the Whites have not competed at that level since 2019.
Bolton ownership claim
When asked to describe the club’s owners in a single word, FLW’s Bolton fan pundit Liam O’Meara chose “transformative”.
He has praised Football Ventures with upgrading and modernising many parts of the club, even though the ultimate goal of returning to the Championship has yet to be met.
“In terms of the ownership group at Bolton Wanderers, which is a group, I would go with transformative,” O’Meara told Football League World.
“From where we were when they took over the club to where we are now — while some may argue that in terms of league position, we have yet to reach our desired destination, which is the Championship — the club is in a completely different place.
“The stadium is cleaner, more modern in look, and the attendance is far higher than it was pre-Covid under the previous ownership.
| League One standings 2024-25 (As of February 12th) | ||||
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 3 | Wrexham | 29 | +18 | 55 |
| 4 | Stockport County | 31 | +17 | 54 |
| 5 | Charlton Athletic | 30 | +11 | 50 |
| 6 | Huddersfield Town | 29 | +15 | 49 |
| 7 | Leyton Orient | 29 | +18 | 47 |
| 8 | Bolton Wanderers | 30 | +1 | 47 |
“And there’s a true good faith with which they work, which was not always the case with former Bolton Wanderers ownership.
“And sometimes that can lead to naivety when Evatt was let go, and I’d say he probably held on too late.
“But I think everything is done in a position of good faith, so: transformative.”
Bolton are currently seventh in League One, two points outside the play-offs.
Bolton owners are doing all the right thing
Since taking ownership, Football Ventures has been open and honest with supporters, investing in the club’s development both on and off the pitch.
While promotion to the Championship has yet to be accomplished, it is evident that it is their long-term goal, and they are working hard to get there.
Losing the play-off final last year was a setback, and the campaign has been disappointing thus far.
However, such is the essence of football, and all indications are that the owners intend to change this, with Schumacher’s hiring definitely a positive sign.
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