Things to look out for ahead of Wanderers' opening 2016/17 pre-season outing
The Bolton Wanderers first team squad play their first pre-season game of the 2016/17 campaign against Danish side FC Helsingor on Saturday. Here are five key points to look out for.
1. Upping the workload
Phil Parkinson’s first game in charge of Bolton Wanderers takes place this Saturday away at Danish second tier side FC Helsingor. After careful consideration, a previously arranged game against HB Koge, originally scheduled for the Wednesday, was shelved when the new regime deemed it too early for friendly action. Now, after two weeks of pre-season training and off-field preparation, Parkinson and his backroom staff feel the team are ready for game time, in what will be the first opportunity for them to observe the majority of the players in match action.
2. Style and setup
Those fans making the journey to Denmark will no doubt be interested to see how the new manager sets his team up. Various training sessions since the players’ return have revolved around team shape and playing style, with Saturday’s opener an opportunity for an early insight into what supporters can expect from their team this season.
3. A test from Helsingor
After a solid mid-table finish in their first season in the Danish second tier, FC Helsingor should present a good test for Wanderers. With the Danish season set to kick off in two weeks’ time, Helsingor are a side further down the line in their pre-season preparations. Comfortable winners of the second division in 2014/15 losing just three games all season, the Trotters should expect a competitive outing this weekend.
4. An opportunity to impress
The manager has already confirmed that all those who have made the trip to Sweden, aside from those with slight injuries, will get game time on Saturday. We’re likely to see a first senior appearance in a Bolton Wanderers shirt for Will Jaaskelainen, son of legendary stopper Jussi, whilst other names such as Alex Finney, Kaiyne Woolery, Tom Walker, Conor Wilkinson and the fit-again Max Clayton are all expected to feature at some point.
5. Temporary kit
Wanderers will turn out in a temporary shirt for the game at Helsingor Stadion, with the finer details of the club’s new 2016/17 home and away Macron strips in the process of being finalised.