No

Earlier in this thread I said we wouldn't go up. I just couldn't see it back then. It looked a bridge too far. Massive pats on the back to Evatt and the team he put together.

 

No football club, and fans, in the country have ever been through what we have been through in recent history. Promotion feels exactly the same no matter what division you are in. History will show that Bolton fans,  them that stuck around,  are the most loyal and dedicated set of fans this sport has to offer. Everyone of us deserve a pat on the back as well.

 

OINO.

Gilks has got another year in him at that (this!) level, no doubt at all. We do need a half decent understudy though, if nothing else just to rid that feeling of dread every time Gilks picks up a knock.

Another goal scorer to take some of the burden from Doyle would be nice. Isgrove has been a revelation recently but I’d love us to sign Martin Boyle from Hibs in that sort of role. 

31 minutes ago, Mantra said:

A starting XI like this would do a decent job in L1 I think:

Gilks

New RB, Santos, New CB, Declan John,

MJ, Sarcevic, Lee

Isgrove, Doyle, Dapo

I'm not sure that would be good enough to be up the end we ultimately want to be. I'd like to see a few brought in and some of those in that team being options for rotation/ experience/ coming on. 

Mid-table for me, with another base to build upon.

33 minutes ago, Mantra said:

Agree with that. I don't think the gap between League Two and League One is massive so I think we should be aiming high but just having a solid season with a top half finish would be a decent effort. I think Playoffs should be the goal for the board and the manager. 

Not sure how this current squad would fare in L1, think we could do with upgrading/strengthening in every part of the pitch.

 

Dapo & Isgrove I think could handle L1 but recruiting better competition than Delfouneso, Elbouzedi and Gnahoua should be a priority this summer.

I think our central midfield is now our strongest department with Sarce, Lee, MJ, Thomason, Tutte but wouldn't say no to an incoming CM.

Miller popped up with important goals this season but would be better if Doyle had a young striker who could learn from him in training and push him for a starting place.

Declan John should be retained and I think Gethin could be improved on but would be a good player to keep.

Baptiste & Gilks have had fantastic seasons but do need to think about getting some younger players in. Delaney seems like the only viable CB cover at the minute and we don't have any viable back up goalie right now.

 

A starting XI like this would do a decent job in L1 I think:

Gilks

New RB, Santos, New CB, Declan John,

MJ, Sarcevic, Lee

Isgrove, Doyle, Dapo

Think Jones is fine at RB, has been improving through the season and was brilliant yesterday going forwards, his work for Dapo's goal created that. He is only 25 so think he will do, certainly not an urgent position to fill for me.

First target is to stay up, play offs possible with the right recruitment, but if we end up mid table without the usual stress inducing end to the season, then I’d take that.

Not thinking about next season until I've got my head around this season 

Htf have we turned it round 🙃

Wanderers don’t finish mid table, it’s not what we do

Can't predict owt yet , need to know what team we are going to be starting with first.

Totally forgot we've got Politic back now - interesting to see how he fits in

Lee is a fine player as we know, but his injury record concerns me. Wouldn't surprise me if IE looked to bring another central midfielder in. Especially if Tutte ends up leaving.

4 hours ago, Dr. Feelgood said:

Gilks, God praise him & save him, is a romantic idea as a first choice next year but it's the heart, not head, talking.

We should make getting a good one in an absolute priority. Gilks as his understudy maybe.

A new, mobile, strong, football playing centre half. Baptiste has been a revelation & no reason to bin him but we can't rely on getting another season of that. 

... and a second goalscorer up front. 

Dapo, John if that's remotely possible & we're sound for top 10, possibly top 6.

Oh, & a serious amount of training pitch work on set pieces, with a specialist coach if needs be. It's criminal how we've wasted these this season.

This exactly- set pieces a must

My patience ran out for dapo until yesterday if he can get some consistency and chip in more then I’d have him back

8 minutes ago, radcliffewhite1 said:

My patience ran out for dapo until yesterday if he can get some consistency and chip in more then I’d have him back

Has been both unplayable and frustrating in different games. Lots of potential with his ability to carry the ball. Yesterday convinced me that I want him back next season

If we add some decent quality players, don't see why we can't challenge for top 6 

Need to retain John 

Think Lee will be fine with a pre season under his belt 

Need couple of options out wide

And whilst Doyle could do ok in L1 we'd need other options, that's what next season will depend on i reckon

 

 

2 of last years promofed teams have come straight back

Highest placed of the 4 promoted is 12th

 

We arent the non entities they are, but i do feel theres a fair old difference between 3 and 4

5 hours ago, Dr. Feelgood said:

Gilks, God praise him & save him, is a romantic idea as a first choice next year but it's the heart, not head, talking.

We should make getting a good one in an absolute priority. Gilks as his understudy maybe.

A new, mobile, strong, football playing centre half. Baptiste has been a revelation & no reason to bin him but we can't rely on getting another season of that. 

... and a second goalscorer up front. 

Dapo, John if that's remotely possible & we're sound for top 10, possibly top 6.

Oh, & a serious amount of training pitch work on set pieces, with a specialist coach if needs be. It's criminal how we've wasted these this season.

Agree with everything you say there............Maybe try and bring the postman in if he has got the right badges

 

18 minutes ago, Casino said:

2 of last years promofed teams have come straight back

Highest placed of the 4 promoted is 12th

 

We arent the non entities they are, but i do feel theres a fair old difference between 3 and 4

Those promoted teams from last year, or the other three from this (whoever the fourth may be) don’t have anywhere close to the ground or facilities and therefore the pulling power of Bolton as a Div 3 club.

Hopefully get some decent pre season games sorted this time 

8 minutes ago, Mr Grey said:

Tour of Scotland or Wales would do nicely 😁

Scotland would be ideal 😎 and I would say more likely. 

They are coming to Colls Tuesday 13th July, they have promised a decent team

29 minutes ago, Mr Grey said:

Aye wee fella, it would be lovely 👍

Will get Thorpey to have a word with Sharon since he smoothed her yesterday 

2 hours ago, Mr Grey said:

Tour of .... Wales would do nicely 😁

I'll get my boots cleaned.

They're only black though. Is that still allowed ?

Bottom of the top half would be a superb result.

some massive clubs with huge budgets, no rush, let’s do it right this time.

Said at the start of this season, we'll be in the championship again within 5 years. I'll still be happy with that - progress is all I ask for (and a good cup run for once)