Things to look out for ahead of Wanderers' trip to Prenton Park
After falling to defeat against Mansfield Town on Saturday in their last pre-season outing, Bolton Wanderers will be eager to bounce back as the Whites return to action with a trup to Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night. Here are five key points to look out for.
1. Warwick Rimmer
Tuesday night's trip to Tranmere Rovers will serve as Bolton Wanderers legend Warwick Rimmer's testimonial. The former Whites captain made over 500 appearances for Bolton between 1960 and 1975, while he has been working behind the scenes for Tranmere since the mid-eighties. Part of the furniture at Prenton Park despite never having kicked a ball for the club, Rimmer's contribution on Birkenhead has been invaluable, with him founding Rovers' youth academy. Tuesday's game between two clubs Rimmer holds close to his heart promises to be a special occasion as both Bolton and Tranmere come together to pay tribute to a football legend.
2. Third kit
Wanderers' first team will be wearing the club's new Macron third kit for the first time at Prenton Park. While the club's XI side have already turned out in the yellow jersey, Bolton will be wearing the full kit on Tuesday as the black shorts and black socks make their debut.
3. Quick turnaround
A slow start ultimately cost Wanderers in their last outing against Mansfield Town, with manager Phil Parkinson left disappointed after the final whistle. Back in action just three days later, the Whites have not had long to wait for their next pre-season fixture as they look to build momentum heading into the new season.
4. Strikers scoring goals
Having seen Gary Madine and Jamie Proctor both get off the mark at the first time of asking in Wanderers' pre-season opener against FC Helsingor, it was Zach Clough's turn to open his account for the year away at Mansfield Town on Saturday. While the Whites' Sky Bet League One opener against Sheffield United might still be two-and-a-half weeks away, it bodes well to see three of Parkinson's forwards already on the scoresheet as preparations for next month's big kick-off continue.
5. Max Clayton and Zach Clough
Believe it or not, Saturday's meeting with Mansfield Town marked the first time the duo have shared a field together as Bolton Wanderers players. Close friends off the pitch, both have spent time on the sidelines because of injury over the past two seasons. However, they wasted no time in combining to create the Whites' goal last weekend, Clough finishing smartly from Clayton's clever through-ball less than ten minutes after the latter's introduction to play. More of the same please, lads!