A look back on some of the more memorable opening day fixtures involving Bolton Wanderers
On the eve of 2015/16 fixture release day, bwfc.co.uk looks back over four memorable opening day fixtures involving Bolton Wanderers from down the years.
The full Sky Bet 2015/16 Bolton Wanderers fixture list will be announced across the club's media platforms from 9am on Wednesday 17 June.
2011/12: QPR 0-4 BOLTON WANDERERS
Wanderers topped the pile after matchday one of the 2011/12 Premier League season following a comprehensive victory at Loftus Road.
Gary Cahill opened the scoring with a sublime curling effort from distance just before the interval and Bolton were out of sight after an impressive second-half showing. A Danny Gabbidon own goal, Ivan Klasnic and Fabrice Muamba ensured Bolton’s best opening day result for a decade.
2004/05: BOLTON WANDERERS 4-1 CHARLTON
Bolton flew out of the traps at the start of the 2004/05 campaign, and found themselves two goals up after just 30 minutes of play against Alan Curbishley’s side.
Jay Jay Okocha was the star of the show, as he and Henrik Pedersen helped themselves to a brace-a-piece. The Nigerian’s thumping 30-yard free kick was the pick of the goals, whilst Kevin Lisbie did net a consolation for the Addicks.
2001/02: LEICESTER 0-5 BOLTON WANDERERS
Nobody saw this one coming. Back in the big time after a three-year exile from England’s top tier, Sam Allardyce’s men swept aside Leicester at Filbert Street.
Bolton were four up by half time after a brace from Kevin Nolan and goals from Michael Ricketts and Per Frandsen. A fifth came shortly after the interval, with Frandsen once again on target in front of 2,000 delirious away supporters.
1998/99: CRYSTAL PALACE 2-2 BOLTON WANDERERS
A first season back in the Football League following relegation from the Premier League the previous season almost saw Bolton open with defeat at Selhurst Park in a topsy-turvy game.
Dean Holdsworth opened the scoring only for Matt Jansen and Sasa Curcic, one soon-to-be and one former Bolton players, to put Palace in front. But Arnar Gunnlaugsson hadn’t read the script and came off the bench to net a late equaliser.