After such a good start to the season it feels somewhat frustrating that we have a weekend free of domestic football, but I suppose it does give an opportunity for the players to have a well-earned rest from competitive action.
They haven’t let up at the training ground and I know the manager and staff have been working very hard with the players as usual in readiness for the QPR game on Saturday 15th September at the University of Bolton Stadium.
We have a couple of players representing their countries during this break and I’d like to wish Josh Magennis all the best for his duty with Northern Ireland, who take on Bosnia & Herzegovina and Israel, while I must congratulate our under 18s ‘keeper Callum James for his call-up to Wales under 19s for their two matches against their Republic of Ireland counterparts.
Our impressive start to the season has been recognised elsewhere with both the manager and Ben Alnwick being shortlisted for the Sky Bet Championship August Manager and Player of the Month respectively. Both of these nominations are fully deserved.
It was also pleasing to see both Pawel Olkowski and Mark Beevers make it into Sky Sports’ team of the month for August, this XI was based on the match statistics from each player.
This recognition is most pleasing to see as it validates our own optimism. One thing I can assure you all though is that there will be no complacency and we will strive to make September an even better month.
So, please ensure that you continue to support the lads both home and away as all of you really make a difference.
The atmosphere generated by the Wanderers fans at Preston North End was absolutely superb and even at 2-0 down you never wavered. That level of backing and noise inspires the players.
Last week, I saw an impressive stat which shows that we currently have the third highest average away support in the Championship. Only Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City have a greater average.
Let’s keep this up and look to build our home attendances too.
Earlier this week, we were delighted to confirm that the club and hotel will be staging the World Final of the IberCup in May next year.
Over 300 of the best youth teams in the world will participate in this tournament, with many of them staying at Bolton Whites.
We look forward to staging this prestigious tournament and a huge congratulations must go to the hotel general manager Suzanne Speak and her team for their hard work in ensuring that the tournament organisers selected our venue.
Finally, I look forward to seeing you all back at the University of Bolton Stadium a week on Saturday for our return to action against QPR.
If you haven't got your tickets yet, please click here to buy them online or you can visit Bolton Central in person.
We have also got several hospitality packages available for this match, so if you would like to try something different please give our sales team a call on 01204 673761 or email them at sales@bwfc.co.uk