I am sure, like myself, you are all hungry for football to return this coming weekend following a two-week break from our Sky Bet Championship exploits.
Our game against Blackburn Rovers feels like a very long time ago now, but the past week or so has given the manager Phil Parkinson, his backroom staff and players the opportunity to put in the hours on the training pitch.
And with three quick-fire games set to come over the course of seven days, that hard work will be put to the test and I am confident that the players’ efforts will reap the rewards they deserve in the coming weeks and beyond.
The team travel to Rotherham United on Saturday to face a side who won promotion back to the second tier at the first time of asking back in May.
They have experienced a hit and miss start to their respective campaign, but currently sit 19th in the table, just four points behind ourselves.
They will certainly head into this weekend’s game determined to reduce that gap, but we need to look at this fixture as one which could put daylight between ourselves and the chasing pack.
Next week meanwhile, we have a home double header against Nottingham Forest and Hull City.
Matchball and match sponsorship packages are still available for these games meanwhile, with more information available by CLICKING HERE or calling our Sales Team on 01204 673 761.
When you have matches in such quick succession, it is always a test for the players to maintain their performance levels throughout as fatigue plays its part, with the manager having a difficult job on his hands to ensure that the team he puts out for each game is capable of picking up maximum points.
That is where squad rotation comes into play and that is why each and every player has to be ready to be called upon.
There is ample competition for places in the squad at present and that is only a good thing as it ensures that every player does not get complacent and let their standards slip.
If they are not up to the mark, they could very easily find themselves out of the team and no player wants that.
I am also delighted to announce that our half season tickets are now on sale, with fans able to watch every home game from Rotherham United on December 26 onwards from just £15.42 per match for an adult and a flat rate of £60 for Under-18s.
Holding a season ticket at Bolton Wanderers will always be the most cost-effective way of following your team and I implore as many of you as possible to take advantage of this opportunity.
Half season tickets can be bought in-store at Bolton Central, online HERE or by calling 0844 871 2932.
Anybody who buys one meanwhile will qualify for our Swansea City ticket offer which allows each season ticket holder to buy up to four additional tickets for £10 apiece.
The next few weeks are certainly busy ones around the University of Bolton Stadium, with many events taking place such as the Bolton Beer Festival in the Premier Suite from Thursday 18 October until Saturday 20 October.
Tickets are still available, with them being sold in aid of Bolton Lads and Girls’ Club and available HERE.
Our young supporters will also have the opportunity to meet members of the club’s first team squad at the BWFC Juniors Halloween Party on Thursday 25 October.
Entry is free for BWFC Juniors members and junior season ticket holders, with adults costing just £1 and non-members £5 on the door. For more details, please CLICK HERE.
Bolton Wanderers’ International Football Programme meanwhile will be in full swing next week when hosting its Elite Pro Club Experience (EPCE) at the training ground and Bolton Whites Hotel.
The players involved will work with the club’s Academy staff on a variety of sessions, seminars and strength and conditioning built in and around a competitive games programme as well as playing a variety of academy opposition over the duration.
It is a very exciting time for BWIFP and I look forward to seeing a variety of nationalities experience the Bolton Wanderers way of life.
I hope many of you has also had the opportunity to visit Bolton Central to view our new range of training wear.
There is a variety of clothing on offer in both adult and junior sizes, with them exact replicas of that which our first team and Academy players wear on a daily basis.
They are also available online by CLICKING HERE.
I would also like to confirm that the HMRC winding up petition which was mentioned in the media recently has now been settled and dismissed.
Finally, I would like to reiterate the club’s support of Stand Up To Cancer this month with our players having recently shown their support by wearing special wristbands and t-shirts.
Stand Up To Cancer has raised £38 million since it was launched in the UK in 2012, with the funding used for clinical trials and projects which accelerate the development of new cancer treatments and tests, to help patients and ultimately save more lives.
I hope that everybody will show their own support for the campaign in some way, whether it be fundraising or donating, as we all bid to find a cure for this horrific disease.
Kind regards,
Ken