I would like to start by wishing every single one of you, your families and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas.
Boxing Day football is a special tradition that brings us all together, and I am delighted you are here to share it with us. As we prepare to welcome a new year, I also want to wish you a happy New Year and send my very best wishes for 2026 and beyond.
At Bolton Wanderers, we often speak about family. The community element of Christmas brings that into sharp focus, linking perfectly with our ethos of ‘One Club, One Community, One Town.’
I have been incredibly moved during my recent visits to Kings Church Bolton and Bolton Hospice.
These organisations are the pillars of our town. Kings Church provides a vital community supermarket to ensure those who are struggling to eat can access food with choice and respect. They also have a community cafe open to everybody, offering a warm welcome to all who walk through the doors. Bolton Hospice is a facility that helps those who are seriously ill and affords dignity to them and their loved ones.
As an institute of Bolton, it is imperative that we all look after the places that support our community. I cannot speak highly enough of the vital work they do, nor of the army of volunteers who give up their time to help both entities. They are the unsung heroes of our town.
I was delighted to see our players and staff embracing this community spirit too. The squad visited Royal Bolton Hospital, Bolton Hospice, Derian House in Chorley and the Sutton Estate Community Centre to deliver presents and spend time with local residents and those using these invaluable services. Seeing pictures of the players bring smiles to the faces of those who enjoyed and hosted the visits was a humbling reminder of the role this club plays in people’s lives.
This connection was further strengthened by seeing so many of you, of all ages, at other of our recent events. The Junior Whites Christmas Party was a joy to witness and our BWFC Carol Service in the Boxoso Premier Suite a beautiful occasion led by the Vicar of Bolton, Reverend Hannah Lane. Moments like these remind us that this club is about people coming together.
I must also place on record my sincere thanks to all our staff across the stadium, the hotel and Bolton Wanderers in the Community. This is an incredibly busy time of year and their dedication always impresses me.
On the pitch, we have plenty to smile about. Our excellent league form has seen us remain unbeaten at home this season ahead of Boxing Day. We have turned this stadium into a place where teams fear to come and that is down to you. Your support has been magnificent. With the second half of the season upon us, we need this momentum to carry on.
Let’s stick together and keep pushing forward.
Enjoy the game.
Sharon
NB: The Chairman's Christmas message is also available to read in the double festive edition of match programme 'The Wanderer'. Covering both the Boxing Day and 29th December fixtures, the special 60-page edition is packed full of the usual features and excellent value at just £4, available to buy in and around the ground or online for subsequent delivery HERE