Our pre-season campaign has got off to a very good start and it’s good to see the players back in action ahead of the start of our Sky Bet Championship campaign which is only a few weeks away.
We have been busy strengthening the squad and it’s been pleasing that we’ve managed to get a huge chunk of our business done early in the window.
We are still talking to several targets and we hope to get them over the line in the near future.
We were delighted to get Sammy Ameobi back at the club. He became a firm fans’ favourite during his spell with us last season and we all know what a match winner he can be.
We also managed to tie up a loan deal for Newcastle United’s Adam Armstrong. He’s an exciting young prospect whom Newcastle hold in the highest regard.
A lot of clubs were interested in getting him on loan and I’m pleased that Bolton Wanderers Football Club were entrusted to further his football education.
Alongside Sammy and Adam, we’ve also brought in Will Buckley, Stephen Darby and Mark Little as well as re-signing Jem Karacan, Adam Le Fondre, Dorian Dervite, David Wheater, Andrew Taylor, Filipe Morais and Gary Madine, who all played an integral role in our promotion back to the Sky Bet Championship.
Like I mentioned earlier, we are pleased that the bulk of our business has been done early on, but we are looking to strengthen even further before that opening game against Leeds United.
Elsewhere, I was delighted to hear about our club chaplain Phil Mason receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton for his amazing work with our local community.
As you know, Phil also heads up the Community Trust whose exceptional work across many fields is crucial to the town. Congratulations Phil on this great honour.
Off the field, season ticket and hospitality sales continue to soar with Bolton Wanderers fans getting behind the club in numbers.
We have already surpassed the total figure of season tickets sold the last time we were in the Championship while there are only a few Executive Boxes remaining.
If you haven’t already done so, please book your season ticket now by clicking here.
If you want to sample some of our gold standard, award winning matchday hospitality, download our hospitality brochure by clicking here or call our Sales Team on 01204 673761 for more information.
I'd like to take this opportunity to place on record my sincere gratitude to all the staff at Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Bolton Whites Hotel for their continued hard work, especially at this stage of the year when we are all preparing for a new and long season ahead.
They are all a credit to the club and I'm sure all our supporters appreciate their hard work as much as I do.
Our Commercial team have also worked exceptionally to bring in new sponsors as well as strengthening bonds and relationships with long standing partners.
I would like to welcome all our new sponsors on board as well as convey my gratitude to all our existing partners whose continued support is invaluable.
I read with interest the results of The Bolton News’ Bolton Wanderers fans’ survey and it was pleasing to note the confidence you all have in the team for next season. It is clear there is an air of excitement at Macron Stadium.
Ever since I came to the club, I’ve been impressed by Wanderers supporters but towards the end of the last campaign it was stunning how you all came together as one to help the lads get over the line.
Those last few matches at Macron Stadium where our crowds were in excess of 20,000 were simply sensational. I will never forget the atmosphere that was generated.
We’ve got some huge matches coming up in the opening stages of the season: Leeds United on Sunday 6 August, Derby County on Saturday 19 August, Middlesbrough on Saturday 9 September, and Sheffield United on Tuesday 12 September.
By helping to make Macron Stadium a fortress like you did last season, you will continue to play an important role for the club and turn our home into a loud, imposing and intimidating venue for the visiting teams.
Help us spread the word whether that be in person or on social media. Get your friends, families and colleagues to come and cheer on Bolton Wanderers. We are a great sporting town and have been an institution here for over 140 years.
The bigger our support is, the easier it becomes for us to persuade top players to come and play for us.
Admittedly, it has been a very difficult a job due to the legacy we inherited but because of the fantastic backing of our supporters, l had no hesitation in doing what was required and it was the enthusiasm, loyalty and support from you all and the wider community that has made it all worthwhile.
With your continued support, I am sure we will all see the light at the end of the tunnel and get the club back where it belongs.
Last week we launched our brand new kit for the coming season which is inspired by the kit our players wore 20 years ago when the stadium first opened.
I’ve been really pleased with the feedback from you all regarding the new designs and it’d be great to see as many of you as possible wear your colours at home and on your travels this season.
Shirts are now available to pre-order online by clicking here or visiting Bolton Central in person.
Our training wear is also now in stock - details of which can be found by visiting bwfcdirect.co.uk.
Finally, our last friendly of the pre-season takes place in just over a week’s time when we take on Premier League side Stoke City at Macron Stadium on Saturday 29 July.
I am looking forward to seeing as many of you here as possible and start as we mean to go on.
Tickets are just £10 for adults and £5 for concessions and you can book them by clicking here or again, visiting Bolton Central.
Kind regards,
Ken