Bolton Wanderers’ 24/25 season proved frustrating for all connected with the club, as they finished eighth in League One with 68 points – a huge drop from their play-off final appearance in 23/24.
Following Ian Evatt’s mutual departure, the January signing of Steven Schumacher on a three-and-a-half-year contract has undoubtedly improved the outlook at Bolton.
The 40-year-old previously led Plymouth Argyle to the League One title with 101 points in 22/23 and will play the Pilgrims next season with the Trotters.
Despite finishing the season with a six-game winless streak, Bolton showed signs of development under Schumacher’s direction, and he’s been honest about the challenges ahead, admitting they weren’t good enough when reflecting on the season’s finale.
Steven Schumacher’s BWFC managerial stats, as per FotMob
Games managed 19
Won 7
Drawn 3
Lost 9
Win percentage (%) 37%
Points per game 1.3
Don Goodman believes competition will be fierce for League One automatic promotion next season
Speaking exclusively to FLW, Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman believes Bolton Wanderers will face a difficult battle for automatic promotion next season, describing them as having a “outside chance” rather than being certain candidates for a top-two finish.
“I think eighth-place last season was a bit of a disappointment for Bolton,” he said. “Especially because they finished ten points shy of making the playoffs.
So we’re wondering if they can bridge that gap and participate in the automatic challenge that comes with being a League One football team.”
Bolton Wanderers in League One they would expect to be challenging for an automatic spot I have no doubt about that, but the competition next season is going to be fierce when you look at some of the ambitious recruitment that has already occurred.”
Goodman identified numerous clubs who he believes will be big competitors in the promotion battle, resulting in a very crowded field at the top of League One.
“Barnsley, Blackpool and Huddersfield I know it’s incredibly busy, but look at Plymouth Argyle – they’re going to be overhauled but have a decent manager, Cardiff City – it’ll be intriguing to watch how they do, and certainly Luton Town, who will be one of the favourites,” he remarked.
Huddersfield Town have been extremely active in the transfer market, with the Terriers obtaining the high-profile acquisitions of Ryan Ledson and Marcus Harness – Xavier Simons, along with Sam Dalby, is possibly the Wanderers’ best signing so far this year.
While automatic promotion remains a challenge on paper, Goodman feels Bolton should aim to improve on last season’s results.
“So challenging for an automatic, probably an outside chance at this stage I would say, rather than a definite chance – but certainly top six finish is a very, very realistic ambition,” Goodman wrote.
With the 25/26 League One season beginning on August 2nd, Schumacher has critical time to smooth out any kinks and try to construct a group capable of waging a credible promotion push.
In Goodman’s opinion, automatic promotion may be a “outside chance,” but foundations being laid, such as the early arrivals of Xavier Simons and Sam Dalby, will undoubtedly give the Greater Manchester club hope.
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