Read the chairman's latest column on bwfc.co.uk
Many of you will have seen the press release about Inner Circle Club acquiring Sports Shield shares last Friday. I am pleased that this has now been resolved in an amicable manner and I look forward to working with Dean as an Ambassador for Bolton Wanderers going forward.
I have scheduled in a meeting with Blu Marble and I am confident that a satisfactory outcome will be achieved with the target being to have us out of the embargo and ready for the summer transfer window.
Moving to on field matters, I write these notes the morning after our victory at the Kassam Stadium. If we are to make an immediate return to the Championship then it is possible that we will look back at this game as the one that helped us on our way.
This was one of our ‘games in hand’ and the win put us four points ahead of third-placed Fleetwood Town. It was also a historic occasion as it was the first time in the club’s distinguished history that we have scored four goals in three successive away fixtures. A remarkable feat and one which we should all take great pride in!
As expected, it was a difficult game against Oxford United who were targeting a play-off place, but whilst it wasn't pretty, largely due to a difficult playing surface, we dug in, stuck to the job and came away with a result and thee points.
We are now unbeaten in six games having won our last four and if you take our form into consideration over the past ten games we sit at the top of the ‘form table’ ahead of Sheffield United.
The support last night was phenomenal. For over 500 of you to make that distance in midweek underlines the pride and passion you have for the club.
We will be backed once again by a large travelling support for the forthcoming games against Shrewsbury Town and Scunthorpe United where we have sold out of our initial allocations. Though I understand, the club are looking at getting an increased allocation for the latter.
Looking ahead to the weekend, it is important that we only focus on the next match in hand and to ensure that the momentum we have built up recently is maintained. It is crucial to keep this level of intensity going and the spirit and desire within the team to succeed.
It’s not only the first team that is on a good run. The Under-23s picked up their fifth consecutive win earlier in the week when they travelled to Crystal Palace and beat them 2-0.
They were up against a very strong Palace outfit who boasted a number of first teamers. Huge credit must go to the players involved and also to David Lee and his coaching team. What a great job they are all doing!
It was also pleasing to note that David Wheater and Mark Beevers were named in the Sky Bet League One Team Of The Season. Not only have the duo helped our defence become the meanest in the division but they also frequently chip in with crucial goals. Well done!
Off the field, Bolton Whites continues to hold a number of events which bring in important and vital revenue to the business. I urge you all to support these events where possible. Anthony Joshua is hosting a dinner at the Hotel on May 13 and tickets are selling well. It will be a great opportunity to meet a world champion. We also have the Estonian national team coming to stay at the hotel this week as part of the International Football Programme.
This Sunday, we will be hosting a Mother’s Day Carvery while there will be another opportunity to treat your family on Easter Sunday. Please visit www.boltonwhiteshotel.co.uk for more information and follow them on their social media channels to keep up to date.
Don’t forget, our next home game, against Chesterfield on Saturday 1 April, is our Community Fiver day. As well as showing your support for the excellent work our Community Trust does, you will also be able to support the boys for just £5 as we charge for promotion! We are expecting a bumper crowd for this fixture so we advise you to buy early HERE.
Replica kit is continuing to sell well and now is an ideal opportunity to show your true colours and buy a home or away shirt for just £19.99. There is only a limited stock available and once they’ve gone that will be it! You can buy online by CLICKING HERE.
Finally, I look forward to seeing you down at Shrewsbury where we hope we can carry on our great form.
Be loud, be proud and let’s get behind the team.
Kind regards,
Ken