2020–21 Bolton Wanderers F.C. season

The 2020–21 Bolton Wanderers season will be the club's first season in the fourth tier of English football since 1988, and only their second overall, following their relegation from EFL League One. It covers the period from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.

Bolton Wanderers
2020–21 season
ChairmanSharon Brittan
ManagerIan Evatt
StadiumUniversity of Bolton Stadium

Background

Bolton had begun the 2019–20 EFL League One season with a twelve point reduction[1] and never recovered. When the season was suspended and then abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic they had never risen above bottom place and were subsequently relegated to EFL League Two on 9 June with a points per game ratio of 0.41.[2] Three days later, the club announced that both manager Keith Hill and his assistant David Flitcroft would not have their contracts, which ran until 30 June, extended.[3] On 15 June, Ronan Darcy signed his first professional contract with the club, keeping him at the club until 2022.[4] On 26 June Bolton announced that they would be releasing 14 senior players at the end of their contracts on July 1, though also stated that when a new manager was hired they would be allowed to offer the players new contracts if they desired.[5] On 24 June 2020 Bolton Wanderers made an official approach to Barrow for Evatt to become their manager, and Barrow demanded £250,000 compensation should he make the move.[6] Two days later Barrow rejected Bolton's bid for his services, stating it was below the £250,000 they had asked for.[7] On 29 June, Bolton and Barrow agreed on compensation and Bolton began discussing personal terms with Evatt.[8] Evatt's appointment at Bolton was confirmed on 1 July 2020.[9] On 3 July Ali Crawford returned to the club, signing a new two year contract.[10] The club confirmed on 9 July that Home Bargains would continue to be primary shirt sponsor for the forthcoming season.[11] Bolton's first signing was the leading goalscorer of the 2019–20 EFL League Two season, Eoin Doyle.[12] This was followed by the signings of Antoni Sarcevic on 15 July[13], George Taft on 20 July[14] and Brandon Comley on 21 July[15]. The same day that the club signed Comley, they announced that long serving academy director, former player and sometime caretaker manager Jimmy Phillips would be leaving his role, ending a thirty year association with the club.[16] On 28 July, the club announced their first loan signing of the summer with Tom White joining from Blackburn Rovers for the season.[17] July ended with the club confirming the return of Macron as their kit supplier.[18]

Bolton started August with the signing of Liam Gordon on a two year deal.[19]

Pre-season

On 24 July Bolton announced a Pre-season friendly against F.C. United of Manchester on August 12.[20] The game never ended up taking place, however. They played unannounced Pre-season friendlies against Atherton Collieries on 1 August[21], Bamber Bridge on 8 August[22], and Loughborough University on 11 August.[23] On 14 August Bolton announced they would play their final Pre-season friendly against Championship side Blackburn Rovers on 29 August.[24]

In the match against Loughborough University Dennis Politic was injured and will potentially miss the entire season.[25]

1 August 2020 (2020-08-01) FriendlyAtherton Collieries0–3Bolton WanderersAtherton
Report
Stadium: Skuna Stadium
Attendance: Behind closed doors
8 August 2020 (2020-08-08) FriendlyBamber Bridge0–7Bolton WanderersBamber Bridge
Report
Stadium: Sir Tom Finney Stadium
Attendance: Behind closed doors
11 August 2020 (2020-08-11) FriendlyLoughborough University0–6Bolton WanderersLoughborough
Report
Stadium: Loughborough University Stadium
Attendance: Behind closed doors
22 August 2020 (2020-08-22) FriendlyAccrington StanleyvBolton WanderersAccrington
Stadium: Wham Stadium
Attendance: Behind closed doors
25 August 2020 (2020-08-25) FriendlyBolton WanderersvWigan AthleticBolton
Stadium: University of Bolton Stadium
Attendance: Behind closed doors
29 August 2020 (2020-08-29) FriendlyBolton WanderersvBlackburn RoversBolton
Stadium: University of Bolton Stadium
Attendance: Behind closed doors

Competitions

EFL League Two
Main article: 2020–21 EFL League Two

League table
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Promotion, qualification or relegation
1 Barrow 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Promotion to the EFL League One
2 Bolton Wanderers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Bradford City 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Cambridge United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Qualification for League Two play-offs
5 Carlisle United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Cheltenham Town 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Colchester United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Crawley Town 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played on 12 September 2020. Source: EFL Official Website
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored; 4) Head-to-head results; 5) Wins; 6) Away goals; 7) Penalty points (sec 9.5); 8) 12-point sending off offences[26]

Results summary
OverallHomeAway
PldWDLGFGAGDPtsWDLGFGAGDWDLGFGAGD
0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Last updated: pre-season.
Source: BBC

Results by matchday
Matchday1
Ground
Result
Position
Updated to match(es) played on pre-season. Source: 11v11 for league tables and fixtures
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Matches

  Win   Draw   Loss   Postponed

FA Cup
Main article: 2020–21 FA Cup

Bolton will enter the FA Cup at the first round proper stage, along with all other League One and League Two clubs.

  Win   Draw   Loss

EFL Cup
Main article: 2020–21 EFL Cup

Bolton will enter the EFL Cup at the first round stage, along with all other League One and League Two club and the majority of Championship clubs. The draw was made on 18 August and saw Bolton face Bradford City in the first round.


First roundBolton WanderersvBradford CityBolton
Stadium: University of Bolton Stadium

  Win   Draw   Loss

EFL Trophy
Main article: 2020–21 EFL Trophy

  Win   Draw   Loss

On 17 August, Bolton were drawn with Crewe Alexandra and Shrewsbury Town in the group stage of the EFL Trophy. The regional group stage draw was confirmed on 18 August with Newcastle United U21 completing the group.[27]


Pos Div Team Pld W PW PL L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 L2 Bolton Wanderers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to Round 2
2 L1 Crewe Alexandra 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 ACA Newcastle United U21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 L1 Shrewsbury Town 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Source: EFL.com







Squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— GK  ENG Matthew Alexander
— GK  ENG Billy Crellin (on loan from Fleetwood Town)
— GK  SCO Matt Gilks
— DF  ENG Alex Baptiste
— DF  ENG Harry Brockbank
— DF  IRL Ryan Delaney
— DF  ENG Liam Edwards
— DF  GUY Liam Gordon
— DF  GUY Reiss Greenidge
— DF  ENG Jak Hickman
— DF  WAL Gethin Jones
— DF  POR Ricardo Santos
— DF  ENG Adam Senior
No. Pos. Nation Player
— DF  ENG George Taft
— MF  MSR Brandon Comley
— MF  SCO Ali Crawford
— MF  ENG Ronan Darcy
— MF  ENG Sonny Graham
— MF  WAL Callum King-Harmes
— MF  ROU Dennis Politic
— MF  ENG Antoni Sarcevic
— MF  ENG Tom White (on loan from Blackburn Rovers)
— FW  ENG Nathan Delfouneso
— FW  IRL Eoin Doyle
— FW  ENG Muhammadu Faal

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— MF  ENG George Thomason (on loan at Bamber Bridge until June 2021)

Transfers

Transfers in
Date Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref.
10 July 2020CFEoin Doyle Swindon TownFree transfer[28]
15 July 2020CMAntoni Sarcevic Plymouth ArgyleFree transfer[29]
20 July 2020CBGeorge Taft Cambridge UnitedFree transfer[30]
21 July 2020CMBrandon Comley Colchester UnitedFree transfer[31]
1 August 2020LBLiam Gordon Dagenham & RedbridgeFree transfer[32]
3 August 2020CBRicardo Santos BarnetFree transfer[33]
4 August 2020CBReiss Greenidge ArendalFree transfer[34]
4 August 2020RBGethin Jones Carlisle UnitedFree transfer[35]
6 August 2020CFNathan Delfouneso BlackpoolFree transfer[36]
6 August 2020GKMatt Gilks Fleetwood TownFree transfer[37]
6 August 2020RBJak Hickman Coventry CityFree transfer[38]
7 August 2020CBAlex Baptiste Doncaster RoversFree transfer[39]

Loans in
Date from Position Nationality Name From Date until Ref.
28 July 2020CMTom White Blackburn Rovers30 June 2021[40]
3 August 2020GKBilly Crellin Fleetwood Town30 June 2021[41]

Transfers out
Date Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref.
1 July 2020AMWill BuckleyFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020CFEddie BrownFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020CFDe'Marlio Brown-SterlingFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020LBJoe BunneyFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020CFJoe DodooFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020LBMyles EdmondsonFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020RBJosh Emmanuel Hull CityFree transfer[5][42]
1 July 2020CFConnor Hall WokingFree transfer[5][43]
1 July 2020CBJack HobbsFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020CMJason Lowe Salford CityFree transfer[5][44]
1 July 2020GKRemi MatthewsFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020CMJacob Mellis GillinghamFree transfer[5][45]
1 July 2020CFDaryl Murphy WaterfordFree transfer[5][46]
1 July 2020CMLuke MurphyFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020CFChris O'GradyFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020CMKwame OsigweFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020CBD'Neal RichardsFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020LBJoe WhiteFree agentFree transfer[5]
1 July 2020CBYoan ZoumaFree agentFree transfer[5]

Loans out
Date from Position Nationality Name To Date until Ref.
8 August 2020CMGeorge Thomason Bamber Bridge30 June 2021[47]

References
  1. "Bolton will start next season in League One with a 12-point deduction". The Guardian. 13 May 2019. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  2. "Club Statement". bwfc.co.uk. 9 June 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  3. "Wanderers confirm Hill and Flitcroft departure". bwfc.co.uk. 12 June 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  4. "One Of Our Own: Darcy commits his future". bwfc.co.uk. 15 June 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  5. Iles, Marc (26 June 2020). "Wanderers announce retained list - with 14 players out of contract this summer". The Bolton News. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  6. https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/18539586.bolton-wanderers-make-official-approach-barrow-boss-ian-evatt/
  7. https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/barrow-reject-offer-well-below-buy-out-fee-bolton-wanderers-blackpool-legend-ian-evatt-2896223
  8. https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/18548743.bolton-strike-compensation-deal-barrow-manager-ian-evatt/
  9. "Ian Evatt: Bolton Wanderers name Barrow manager as new head coach". BBC Sport. 1 July 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  10. "Ali Crawford signs Two-Year Deal with Wanderers". www.bwfc.co.uk.
  11. "Wanderers announce Shirt Sponsorship Renewal with Home Bargains". bwfc.co.uk. 9 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  12. "Eoin Doyle: Bolton Wanderers sign ex-Swindon Town striker on three-year deal". BBC Sport. 10 July 2020.
  13. "Antoni Sarcevic: Bolton sign former Plymouth midfielder". BBC Sport. 15 July 2020.
  14. "George Taft: Bolton Wanderers sign ex-Cambridge United defender on two-year deal". BBC Sport. 20 July 2020.
  15. "Brandon Comley: Bolton Wanderers sign midfielder on two-year deal". BBC Sport. 21 July 2020.
  16. "Bolton Wanderers confirm Jimmy Phillips has stepped down as academy boss". Bolton News. 21 July 2020.
  17. "Wanderers sign Blackburn Rovers midfielder on loan". bwfc.co.uk. 28 July 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  18. "A sneak peak? Go on then!". Twitter. 31 July 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  19. "Ian Evatt makes sixth Summer Signing as defender pens deal". bwfc.co.uk. 1 August 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  20. The Bolton News: "Bolton Wanderers announce FC United pre-season friendly."
  21. The Bolton News: "Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt on 'secret' friendly at Atherton Colls."
  22. BWFC.co.uk: "Report: Bamber Bridge 0-7 Bolton Wanderers"
  23. [https://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/2020/august/report-loughborough-university-0-6-bolton-wanderers/ BWFC.co.uk: "Report: Loughborough University 0-6 Bolton Wanderers"
  24. The Bolton News: "Bolton to host Blackburn in behind-closed-doors friendly"
  25. " The Bolton News: "Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt reacts to serious Dennis Politic injury"
  26. "EFL Regulations Section 3 – The League; subsection 9 – Method of Determining League Positions". EFL. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  27. "EFL Trophy Regional Groups confirmed". English Football League. 18 August 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  28. "Bolton sign ex-Swindon striker Doyle". BBC. 10 July 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  29. "Bolton seal ex-Plymouth Argyle star Antoni Sarcevic on two year deal". The Bolton News. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  30. "Central Defender become Wanderers' third new signing of the Summer". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 20 July 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  31. "Wanderers sign midfielder Comley". BBC. 21 July 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
  32. "Ian Evatt makes sixth Summer Signing as defender pens deal". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 1 August 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  33. "Evatt Recruits Portuguese Defender". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  34. "Greenidge pens deal to bolster Wanderers defence". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 4 August 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  35. "Evatt welcomes ninth summer signing". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 4 August 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  36. "Delfouneso Leaves Blackpool". Blackpool F.C. 6 August 2020. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  37. "Wanderers confirm Matt Gilks appointment". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 6 August 2020. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  38. "Wanderers bring in defender Jak Hickman". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 6 August 2020. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  39. "Wanderers Return For Alex Baptiste". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  40. "Blackburn midfielder and Barrow promotion-winner joins Bolton on loan". The Bolton News. 28 July 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  41. "Wanderers land highly-rated keeper on loan". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  42. "Former Ipswich Town defender Emmanuel makes League One move". East Anglian Daily Times. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  43. "Connor Hall returns to Woking". Woking F.C. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  44. "Jason Lowe signs for Salford". Salford City. 22 July 2020. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
  45. "Jacob Mellis joins the Gills". Gillingham F.C. 10 August 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  46. The72.co.uk "EX-BOLTON WANDERERS AND NOTTINGHAM FOREST VETERAN JOINS HOMETOWN CLUB"
  47. "Bolton Wanderers head coach Ian Evatt laughs off overspending remarks". The Bolton News. 10 August 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
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