Bolton Wanderers have been vying to get out of League One for five seasons, and look set for another crack at the play-offs this term.
Story Of The Last Few Years
Amid financial issues and administration, the Trotters almost went out of existence at the end of the last decade, dropping from the Championship to League Two as a result. In the 20/21 lockdown campaign, Wanderers returned to the third tier at the first time of asking, and have remained there ever since. While Ian Evatt achieved promotion in his first season, he was unable to get Bolton over the line when it really mattered in a division higher.
Bolton have had their fair share of play-off heartbreak under their former boss, twice facing Barnsley in the semi-finals. After coming unstuck the first time around, they defeated the Tykes two years ago, only to fall at the final hurdle against Oxford United at Wembley. They flirted with another top-six finish last term, only to crack under pressure in the final month of the campaign and ultimately miss out altogether.
Underlying Record
At home, Bolton have been incredibly strong. With just a solitary home defeat this season, coming against Mansfield Town over the festive period, Wanderers have been a tough nut to crack, thanks largely to their incredible late scoring record. However, while they are fourth in both the home and away tables, games away from Lancashire have been something of a struggle since Steven Schumacher arrived at Bolton at the end of January 2025.
After interim boss Julian Darby led his side to a welcome win on their travels at Huddersfield Town, the former Plymouth boss lost his first match in charge at Reading. Away victories over struggling Shrewsbury Town and Burton Albion were followed by a first derby victory in a decade at Wigan Athletic at the start of April.
However, that was their final away win for almost half a calendar year. Bolton were in the top six places after beating their local rivals, but heavy losses at Barnsley and Lincoln City saw them spiral out of contention at the most important part of the campaign. After losing on the opening day of this season at Stockport County, their winless away record stretched to nine, following dismal showings at Northampton Town and Burton Albion.
Turning Point, But Concerns Remain
However, that run of form came to an end in the most dramatic of circumstances in West Yorkshire last October. A third straight defeat away from the Toughsheet Community Stadium was looming large heading into injury time at Huddersfield. However, stoppage-time goals from Sam Dalby and Amario Cozier-Duberry finally gave those visiting supporters something to cheer about.
Looking at the table since Schumacher arrived, Bolton have won just nine of their 31 away fixtures. To give some context, Leyton Orient, who have spent the season battling relegation, have managed 12 victories on their travels in the last 14 months. Plymouth, who were bottom of the division in November, have won 10 times in 11 fewer matches. And even Wrexham, who were promoted from this division last season, managed 8 wins in just 11 matches at this level.
All this doesn’t bode well for a team that will realistically have to overcome a two-legged play-off and a visit to Wembley if they are going to be playing Championship football next season.
