A note from the Chairman

Well, where do I start? What a win we all witnessed on Saturday!

It was great to see you all leave Macron Stadium with smiles on your faces, while having the likes of Josh Vela and Sammy Ameobi back in the squad after long injury lay-offs made a huge difference.

We were long overdue a win based on our recent performances and over the last few games the improvement, effort, spirit, character and camaraderie amongst the players was clear to see to everyone.

It was also absolutely apparent over the last few games that the players fully backed and gave their all for the manager and you, the supporters.

A great deal has been said and written about our recent bad luck, but I believe you make your own luck and the past is the past.

We can’t change what has happened and it is water under the bridge. We have to make our own luck going forward as that’s what counts, as was evidently seen on Saturday when deflections and on the goal line clearances went our way, as well as against us.

I thought the manager also underlined what a great tactician he is, especially with the link up play between Ameobi and Mark Little which left Wednesday exposed for large portions of the game.

If we are able to stay clear of injuries for once, we will have a far more balanced squad to choose from and I believe we will flourish.

I thought our support on Saturday was nothing short of terrific, as it always is, and how you all quietened down the huge opposition travelling supporters was magnificent to witness.

I can assure you that this plays a significant part in lifting and driving the players on, particularly in those last agonising minutes of additional time.

I don’t need to tell you how good it makes everyone feel going home after the match with three points in the bag. I for one know it makes me feel much happier and improves my weekend. Long may it continue for all of us!

As l have previously stated, I am not a great believer in historical statistics and l take every match as it comes, but l can tell you it is a relief for the manager, players and everyone at the club not to be reminded of those stats any more.

The hours without scoring and the winless run is now over and in the past, and I am sure you, the supporters, feel the same.

Whilst we are on the theme of statistics however, I might as well join in. After all, as they say, “if you can’t beat them, then join them”. So, here are a couple of stats based on the last 15 years.

The average number of points required to retain Championship status has been 46 points, so by my calculations, as long as we average 1.17 points in each game between now and the end of the season, we should be fine.

On a more positive note and one l prefer to set as our challenge, the average number of points required to be in the play-offs is 74, so our points target is 2.02 per game.

Our season starts now and in particular, in the next game against QPR on Saturday, but more importantly this month, where we need to kick on and pick up as many points as possible to get out of the relegation battle and climb the table before the next international break.

That’s our challenge and with your continued support, l think we will achieve our dreams. Come on you Whites!

As the manager said after the victory, there is no room for complacency now that we have got that win. The lads will be back at the training ground right away in readiness to go again at the weekend.

With QPR visiting Macron Stadium on Saturday, it is crucial that we build on our momentum and I would urge everyone to come along and get behind the lads just like you did at the weekend.

Let’s turn Macron Stadium into a Wall of White and a cauldron of white hot noise! You can buy your tickets now by clicking here or why not treat yourself to some of our award winning hospitality? Please call our Sales Team on 01204 673761 for more information.

As I said previously, our season starts now and we want to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.

During half-term week, we will be holding a signing session with some of the first team squad over in Bolton Central and it will be a great opportunity for some of you and your families to meet our players.

Stayed tuned to the official website and the club’s social media channels for further details.

Finally, this Thursday we welcome the Bolton Wanderers Supporters Association to Macron Stadium for their latest social gathering.

Karl Henry and Sammy Ameobi will be special guests and I hope as many of you as possible are able to attend. Please follow them on Twitter @MyBWSA for more information about the evening and also the sterling work they do.

Kind regards,

Ken

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