Bolton Wanderers vs Cheltenham Town

FROM THE MANAGER
IAN EVATT
GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME BACK TO THE UNIVERSITY OF BOLTON STADIUM FOR
THIS AFTERNOON’S SKY BET LEAGUE ONE FIXTURE AGAINST CHELTENHAM TOWN.
Welcome to Wade Elliott, his staff
and players, and all the travelling
supporters who have made their
way up to the North West today.
​Like us, Cheltenham are in the
semi-finals of the Papa Johns
Trophy later this month, and will
be wanting to make sure they get
to that fixture with a good run of
form under their belts. They are a
difficult team to play against and
we’ll have to show our usual good
energy and sharpness in front of
goal if we are to get the result we
want.
​Looking back at the last couple
of games, I am obviously happy
with both victories following the
disappointing defeat against Derby
County. It was an uncharacteristic
performance by us but to bounce
back immediately with successive
wins has been very pleasing.
​We had to dig deep and show
some real resolve to beat Forest
Green after our game plan turned
on its head. Much has been written
about the sending off and I don’t
wish to add anything further, but
to play the majority of the game
with a man down in those
circumstances and to see
out the victory illustrated
our battling qualities and
appetite to win.
​Last weekend, at The Valley,
it was a different
kind of game. The
Addicks have been
on a good run of
form since Dean
Holden came in and
it was always going
to be a challenge to
beat them on their own soil. We
got off to an excellent start with
that sublime free-kick from Aaron
Morley and could have scored a
few more before they got back
into it just after half time. But we
got our just rewards thanks to Dion
Charles who showed his natural
instinct in front of goal to restore
our lead.
The only criticism I could find from
that game was that we should
have put the game beyond them
in the first half. But we are creating
plenty of chances in games and
the goals will come.
​The transfer window closed earlier
in the week and I am more than
happy with the business we have
done over the month. A lot is made
of the deadline day itself but the
recruitment process is ongoing so
that when the window opens, be
that in the summer or in January,
we are ready to get recruits in.
This window has been no
exception and we are delighted
to have brought in Randell
Williams, Dan Nlundulu, Shola
Shoretire, Cameron Jerome, Victor
Adeboyejo and Luke Mbete.
​Cameron and Victor joined in
time for the Charlton game and
will be a tremendous boost for
our frontline. Cameron’s
experience will be
invaluable, while
Victor has showed
his prowess in front
of goal for Burton
this season.
​Luke is the
latest player we
have brought in on loan from a
top Premier League club, joining
the likes of James Trafford and
Conor Bradley, and the recent
acquisitions of Dan and Shola.
That the top clubs are letting
their young talents join us on a
temporary basis highlights the trust
and faith they have in how we go
about our business.
​Huge thanks to Sharon and
the Board for their support in
strengthening the squad, while full
credit must go to Chris Markham
and the recruitment team for their
work in identifying the right type of
players to enhance our squad.
Following the departure of Dapo
Afolayan and Amadou Bakayoko
earlier in the window, we also said
goodbye to Will Aimson while
Kieran Sadlier joined Leyton Orient
on loan until the end of the season.
​We received an offer we felt was
acceptable for Will. Exeter offered
him a really good contract and we
thank Will for everything he’s done.
​In the last six weeks, in particular,
he was outstanding and his
professionalism has been superb.
​‘Sads’ is at an age where he wants
to be playing regular first-team
football and wants to be starting
every single week, and at the
moment we couldn’t offer him that.
​We always try to do right by our
players and we allowed him to go
out on loan.
​Enjoy the game and thank you for
your loyal support.
Ian.
www.bwfc.co.uk
The Wanderer | 5