Reviewing 2025/26

After five long years in League One, the Trotters finally make their return to the Championship. But they did it the hard way. Starting off poorly and just gradually improving throughout, eventually finishing 5th, beating Bradford in both play off semi final legs and then demolishing Stockport 4-1 in the final at Wembley Stadium.

Tough to pick a stand out performer but 31 year-old Josh Sheehan marshalled the midfield and earned a call up to the Wales squad in doing so. Not bad for a League One player.

Looking ahead to 2026/27

It is the Whites' first season at the level for seven years, and with Steven Schumacher at the helm, they have a head coach who has strong recent Championship experience, and will be hoping to prove some of his former employers wrong in the next 46 games.

It's a tough division though and the bookies have them as 5th favourites for the drop. However, the summer signings are positive so far with Luca Stephenson arriving from Liverpool as the pick of the bunch. Centre back Ben Davies signing from Rangers will boost the defence and if they can add 1 or 2 others they should be fine.

Court Offside Tip

100/1 for the title. That gives you some insight into where the bookies expect Bolton to finish up this season. I think they'll be ok though. There's no market available right now for avoiding relegation from League One but if one pops up, that's where my money is going.