STEVEN Schumacher has pin-pointed the moment he knew promotion wasn’t on the cards at Wanderers last season – and why it has helped shape his planning this time around.
The Bolton manager reflected on the good run of form that began shortly after he took over in late January. The Whites had only lost one league game in nine, including the interim term under Julian Darby, as they prepared to face Bristol Rovers in March. With more than a month of games remaining, there were rumors in the camp that the top two could yet be caught.
However, Schumacher concedes that the shortcomings in front of goal that began at the Memorial Stadium influenced his recruitment strategy this summer. Speaking on the Inside the Game podcast, the Bolton manager stated that he was optimistic about coming to Bristol. He explained, “It was our game in hand because it had been called off before I arrived. But I told the players that if we win tonight and again on Saturday against Stockport, we’ll be promoted automatically.
“And it was on – Wrexham were floundering, Wycombe were stumbling. We believed Birmingham would run away with it, but we had just played them and defeated them 3-1. “We were flying, and we simply knew if we won those games, it would be there. We were about to enter the international break, and promotion was open to anyone. It was likely one of the next five or six teams. “We pummeled Bristol Rovers but lost 3-2, with a goal in the penultimate minute. We passed up numerous opportunities.
Then we played at home against Stockport, which was a really close game. At halftime, I told the guys, “The first goal in this game wins it; if we get a chance, we have to take it.” To be fair, it was a close game between two excellent teams, and we missed a few good chances early on. They scored after 70 minutes, closed up shop, and that was all. “So, after going for automatic, five days later it was ‘OK, the play-offs,’ with eight games to go. “In those eight games, we probably needed four wins, but we couldn’t score a goal. After the international break, the goals simply dried up.
We had the most attempts on goal against Rotherham of any team in Europe in one game, with 38 shots on goal and 19 or 20 on target – an incredible number of touches in the opposition box – yet we were defeated 1-0. “It was one of them, and we assumed that no matter what we did here, it wouldn’t happen. We fizzled out. “It was disappointing to miss out on the play-offs, but from my perspective, similar to when we missed out at Argyle, it was ‘at least we now know what we need.'” “We need to have a bit of a clear-out, these key players in these key areas, and we’ll have a right good go at it, which we’re about to do.”
Schumacher has acknowledged that he is looking for wingers, although after making five signings at the start of the season, activity has slowed slightly of late. Swedish midfielder Jesper Ceesay is thought to be on his way, but the head coach insists that his team is in “a good place” right now. “I’m glad we’ve done some business and I am confident from that point of view,” he told me. “But, as always, you’re never sure. You must have a successful preseason, keep your key players injury-free, and communicate a clear plan with everyone.
“Everybody knows the objective: we need to get promoted, that is apparent. “And we’ll need a bit of luck, as usual, but I am confident about it.”
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