Can Bolton Survive the Transfer Window?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - A general view around the University of Bolton Stadium, the home Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Three wins from three matches and looking pretty good while doing it rightfully has Bolton fans convinced they can make a push for promotion to the EFL Championship. However, there’s a bit of a caveat in order to survive: Bolton’s got to fend off outside interests for its roster.
As currently constructed, Bolton has to be considered a contender in League One. It claimed fifth place in the league last season, and it’s hit nine goals in three matches to pick up right where it left off. But a club can easily be dissected by the end of the window, and Bolton has to hold firm. Here’s the situation facing the Trotters.
Loyalty Must Win Out
Bolton got a nice boost when George Thomason said no to a larger role at Bristol City in the Championship, even though it would have meant 1 million pounds in a transfer fee. Thomason then put pen to paper on a new deal to keep him at Bolton through 2027, which means the Trotters have a solid piece at their disposal in the young midfielder.
Now Bolton must show the same loyalty to Dion Charles. Strikers of his caliber are hard to find in League One, which is one reason why he’s rumored to be drawing interest from the likes of Stoke City and Watford. Last year, Charles topped 20 goals for the Trotters, and Bolton isn’t going to replace that before December. Unless the offer gets ridiculous, Bolton has to say no.
Results Must Continue
Bolton has an opportunity to keep piling on the points with 23rd-place Burton as the last match before August ends. They also face the team in last place, but that’s only because Wigan took a points deduction and started the year on negative-8. The Latics have played well and sit at negative-1 after three matches, which speaks to how well they’ve started. To make matters worse, Bolton must play without Charles after two yellow cards.
But 13 points in five matches can convince Bolton players and fans that they’re part of a season that could be special. The Trotters’ best chance to keep the team together is to make players not want to leave a winner.
Keep Up the Attacks
Bolton is winning because it’s playing exciting soccer and having fun. Victor Adeboyejo’s hat trick was a nice reminder of what the Trotters can do beyond Charles. This team has depth and has to keep using it in an attacking manner. Bolton has to ensure its rotation gets plenty of chances to attack to keep it in top position and ensure everyone’s getting proper playing time.
