Bolton Wanderers put together a very strong second half to 2021/22 in League One, and for that reason they are firmly in the promotion conversation ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Ian Evatt's men were devastating in patches last season, and if it was not for a terrible run at the tail end of 2021, the Trotters would likely have been in and around the top six for the entirety of the campaign.

Nevertheless, it was a very promising first season since promotion from League Two.

Evatt explained exactly what he is looking for Bolton to show in pre-season when he spoke to The Bolton News.

He said: "For now, it’s about building our idea, building our identity, building the philosophy, getting minutes into their legs.

"The lads are improving week on week, which is really pleasing.

"I just think we want to see our personality and identity really and that improve week on week."

Evatt certainly comes across like the type of manager who leaves no stone unturned in preparation for matches and the season itself, the Trotters played an attractive brand of football last season and it will be interesting to see if they have taken that to the next level come the end of this month.

The Verdict

 

 

Bolton take on League One promotion favourites Ipswich Town at Portman Road on the first game of the season.

Arguably the toughest match in the whole calendar at this stage, but the Trotters will have positive memories of their thumping 5-2 victory in the identical fixture last season.

Promotion will always be the ambition for a club the size of Bolton in the third tier of English football, but there is set to be fierce competition at the top end, with clubs like Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County throwing their weight around in the transfer market.

It will be interesting to see how Evatt gets on, looking to demonstrate why he is thought of as one of the most promising up and coming managers in the EFL.