Bolton Wanderers had a strong season this year and although they were unlucky to miss out on the play-offs, they seem to be building a strong project to take forward with their eyes on promotion next season. 

Not only will the first team be aiming for big things but with the introduction of a B team at the club, head of academy Dave Gardiner is hoping to be able to maximise what comes out of their youth system too.

Discussing what the new set-up could bring, Gardiner told The Bolton News: "It's the start of a new era.

"I joined when Bolton Wanderers were in the Premier League and it was a great place to be, and over the years I have seen plenty of things go on, good times and the bad.

"But what is exciting to me taking this job on is that I know what this club means to the fans, to the staff that are here, to the town. And the academy plays a massive part in that.

"The club is at the start of a fantastic journey, and I think it has a clear vision, so it's my job now to make sure the academy is aligned with where the club wants to go."

The Verdict: 

It seems like this could be the start of an exciting time for Bolton both in the short term and long term.

Ian Evatt seems to be preparing a strong fight for promotion next season and he will be looking to make the right additions to his squad to help these efforts.

However, the investment in the team at a lower level as well in terms of the B team and the academy will hopefully mean that in seasons to come, Bolton don't have to sign as many players externally and rather can look at those who they have developed themselves at the club.

As Gardiner says, a new part of Bolton's history looks to be underway now and if they can get their work right then they could be building a very sustainable model at the club.