A Fast Start

Liam looks ahead to the upcoming season

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One of Bolton's main issues in previous seasons has been starting slowly and having to play catch-up. While the league tables in May are what truly matter, it’s crucial this season to start strong. Last season was full of promise but ended in painful failure, with Wanderers coming up short twice—missing out on the final day to Derby County and then at Wembley to Oxford United.

For Wanderers fans, the disappointment was compounded by England's late defeat in the European Championships Final to Spain. Though out of Bolton's control, it certainly didn’t that feeling that football was once again just a vehicle of pain.

I felt watching football had turned me into one of those flies that is compelled to drift towards those electric fly swatters, just drawn to suffering.

After the play-off defeat, I wrote here as I felt Bolton couldn't afford to sit on their hands and feel sorry for themselves. The lack of communication from the club in the weeks following was frustrating and didn’t show the right hunger to correct past mistakes. Football always offers another chance, and with a new season upon us, it's essential to hit the ground running.

A concern that has grown in recent weeks is the lack of a marquee signing and the departure of Paris Maghoma. A slow start could quickly turn fans against the team, jeopardizing the season in a tougher league. We've had three months to prepare—now we need to perform from game one.

Winning Big Games

Improving in big games is vital. This often separates the teams that finish in those play-off positions from those securing automatic promotion. I can only speak for myself but I'm fucking sick of playing Barnsley.

We need start winning the big games as these matches have been dismissed as just part of a long season for too long. I'm sick to fucking death of being told I'm overreacting with my disappointment of losing these games. You know who you are and you are part of the problem.

Primarily, our record against Wigan is simply unacceptable, with embarrassing successive 4-0 home defeats. Wigan is likely to be a top contender this season, making these games even more significant.

I expect six points from the two Wigan games. A win and a draw isn’t enough. It’s time to stop just talking and start delivering. And for Bolton fans downplaying this rivalry, wake the fuck up.

We all hate United but 80% of their global fanbase probably don't even know what division we are in.

Four at the Back

I’m not suggesting a complete overhaul of our tactics, but after three seasons in the same league with the same approach, opponents may have cottoned-on to what we're about. There has been talk of tactical changes during the summer, which is encouraging. I want to see us not only able to play differently when needed but also capable of adopting different systems.

Last season, we often chased games with three centre-backs occupying the halfway line, rotating possession aimlessly. It’s important to stick to our principles, but these should be ingrained enough to transcend systems, allowing us to be more unpredictable in our line-ups.

Oh, and please just put a goalkeeper on the bench. It isn't edgy or clever.

Matchday Coaches

A concerning trend is the discontinuation of matchday official club coach travel by several clubs. Although I haven’t used these coaches in over a decade, they are fundamental to a core group of away supporters. It would be a shame to see Bolton follow suit, as seen with Preston North End.

While there’s no indication Bolton plans to do this, it’s evident that cost considerations are at play, and such decisions aren’t taken lightly by clubs like Preston. Let’s hope Bolton retains this crucial service for the dedicated fans who rely on it.