Saturday’s match against Hull City at the University of Bolton Stadium marks our second home game inside four days and it is absolutely vital that we respond in a positive way after the disappointing defeat to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening.
As the manager said after the game we didn’t do the simple things sufficiently well inside the opening quarter of an hour and we allowed them to get an early lead which put us on the back foot.
Unfortunately, this has happened too often recently and the team must start better from the outset particularly in home matches. This is where you the supporters can play a big part in getting behind the team from the outset and create an intimidating environment for the opposition. It is well known that the first goal in any match is vitally important and often determines the final result.
After that we showed short periods of improvement but when you are playing a team of Forest’s quality you will always be susceptible on the counter attack.
Inevitably they scored their remaining goals in those situations.
There is no hiding from the fact that the result was unsatisfactory and we have to improve our points return from games with immediate effect.
Saturday’s visitors are in a similar position and they will also be looking to get a result but we must do our best to try and ensure that that does not happen.
I know it’s being talked about as a six pointer but in my opinion it’s too early to talk six pointers, but I do accept and agree that the result could play a significant part going forward into the second half of the season and is likely to have an effect in where both teams end up at the end of the season.
I can understand and share your frustrations as supporters but we must all be as one and get behind the 11 players who are out on the pitch from the outset.
I know the players and staff will also be smarting from this defeat but they will be looking to put things right and I hope that there will be a marked improvement on Saturday.
Obviously we are missing key players but with the strength in depth we have within the squad, the manager will have the scope to make changes in the personnel and the system if need be.
As I have previously said, I think the Sky Bet Championship this season is wide open and on any given day anyone can beat each other as has clearly been seen in recent results throughout the league. Fortunately, because of our good start to the season, we are still in a good position, but it is essential that we get back to winning games again and quickly.
I fully understand your concerns and am aware of the comments on social media, but as I have previously mentioned, your continued support is absolutely crucial in helping us get back on track and I hope that by full-time you will all be leaving the University of Bolton Stadium with smiles upon your faces.
I can assure you that I will be doing everything possible and take whatever actions I think are necessary to ensure that our results improve. I fully appreciate and understand that you, our fans and supporters, are the lifeblood and soul of the club and it is my job to try and ensure you that we deliver what you want and is needed to get back on track.
Tickets for the game are on sale now and you can print them at home. Click here to buy them online or you can visit Bolton Central in person. Let’s try and get as many people as possible in the ground to get behind the lads.
I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that for our next home match, against Swansea City on Saturday 10 November, season ticket holders will be able to bring up to four additional guests for just £10 each.
Also, our half season tickets are now on sale which allows supporters to watch the final 12 home games from just £15.42 per match.
Having a season ticket is the most cost effective method of watching the club at home on a match by match basis and I cannot recommend enough that you get hold of one.
What’s more, if you buy a half season ticket you will be able to take advantage of the special offer for the Swansea game.
After selling out of the initial stock of the very popular away and third choice kits, the club will shortly be taking delivery of some new stock.
We expect these to get snapped up immediately, so we are advising supporters to pre-order them today by visiting Bolton Central or going online at bwfcdirect.co.uk.
Prior to Saturday’s game, the club will be hosting its latest Family, Faith, Football focus group in Reflections at Bolton Whites Hotel from 2pm. The theme for this latest special get-together will be ‘football shirts’ and those attending will benefit from a fun packed programme with a football focus, fun activities and some special guests.
I hope that everyone who attends enjoys their time together.
Saturday will also see us mark Kick It Out’s 25th Anniversary with a number of activities to show our total support for their determination and drive in tackling all forms of discrimination.
I’d like to commend them for all their sterling and inspiring work over the past quarter of a century and everybody at Bolton Wanderers Football Club will continue to support them.
It is vitally important that if you witness discrimination of any form at a football stadium that you report it. You can do so by downloading Kick It Out’s reporting app which is available on the Apple Store and Google play.
Finally, Laura Wheater, David’s wife, alongside some of her Team Kilimanjaro teammates will be doing a charity collection around the University of Bolton Stadium prior to the Hull game in order to raise funds for MIND, the EFL’s nominated charity for the season, and the GEM appeal. I would urge you to donate generously to these worthwhile causes.
Let’s be loud, let’s be proud and let’s get behind the boys at the weekend.
Best wishes.
Ken