It was a busy summer at Macron Stadium as Wanderers prepared for their 2016/17 campaign in Sky Bet League One.
Ending a three-month wait to appoint a new manager with the appointment of Phil Parkinson on June 10, the ex-Bradford City boss was soon joined by his Bantams backroom staff with Steve Parkin, Lee Butler, Nick Allamby, Matt Barrass and Tim Breacker also all making the move to BL6.
Moving quickly in the transfer market, Chris Taylor became Parkinson’s first signing when he joined the club on a free transfer on June 2, with free agent Mark Beevers signing the following day.
Having previously played at Bradford under Parkinson, Jamie Proctor became the Whites’ third signing of the summer on July 5, as the Trotters opened their pre-season preparations with training camp in Scandinavia.
All three new arrivals making their Bolton debuts in the new manager’s first pre-season outing against FC Helsingor, with Proctor making an immediate impact as he netted a late winner.
Signing goalkeeper Mark Howard on July 13, the Trotters next faced Mansfield Town in their first pre-season outing on English soil only to suffer a slender defeat, before bouncing back with victories over Tranmere Rovers and York City.
Wanderers finished their pre-season preparations back at Macron Stadium, first losing late on to Premier League Burnley before fighting out a 0-0 draw with Preston North End the week before their Sky Bet League opener at home to Sheffield United.
JULY RESULTS
FC Helsingor A W 1-2
Bolton Wanderers rounded off their week-long pre-season training camp in Scandinavia with a 2-1 victory at FC Helsingor on Saturday afternoon.
Gary Madine and Jamie Proctor were the men on target for the Trotters, with the winning goal coming late on in front of a crowd of 357 at Helsingor Stadion.
Mansfield Town A L 2-1
Wanderers' second pre-season fixture ended in a narrow reverse at the hands of Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Following an even start to proceedings, the hosts opened the scoring through Danny Rose in the 11th minute of the game with the forward converting from close range, while the Stags doubled their advantage halfway through the first period when Krystian Pearce nodded home.
The deficit was halved not long into the second half however, with Max Clayton and Zach Clough combining well for the latter to slot home, but it was to prove only a consolation at the final whistle as Town held out.
Tranmere Rovers A W 1-2
Wanderers picked up their second pre-season victory with a late 2-1 win over Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park on Tuesday evening.
In a game played in hot and humid conditions, it was the home side who drew first blood five minutes in with Connor Jennings nodding home from close range.
The Whites were level with just under 20 minutes left however, with Dorian Dervite stroking the ball home off the inside of the post, before Zach Clough's thunderous 90th minute effort secured victory for Phil Parkinson's men.
York City A W 0-2
Bolton Wanderers continued their pre-season preparations with a positive performance and victory against York City at Bootham Crescent.
Mark Davies opened the scoring inside a lively opening 20 minutes for Bolton, before late on Jamie Proctor converted from the spot to seal victory.
The home side did have a chance to level the scoring from the penalty spot, but Mark Howard was on hand superbly keep out Scott Fenwick’s kick from 12 yards.
Zach Clough and trialist Frazer Richardson were forced from the field play with slight knocks inside the opening 45, in what were the only incidents of concern on an otherwise encouraging afternoon.
Burnley H L 1-2
Wanderers suffered a late defeat at the hands of Premier League outfit Burnley at Macron Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The visitors drew first blood with the game 15 minutes old as Andre Gray won a penalty and dispatched the resulting spot-kick past Ben Amos in the Bolton goal.
Phil Parkinson’s side were level shortly after the restart however, with Jay Spearing firing home from the edge of the box, but the Clarets had the last word as substitute Josh Ginnelly fired home from close range on the stroke of full time to snatch the victory.
Preston North End H D 0-0
Wanderers brought the curtain down on their pre-season exploits with a goalless draw against Preston North End on Saturday afternoon.
In a game of few chances, Darren Pratley did have the ball in the net on twice for the Whites, only to be denied by the offside flag on both occasions.
Despite the best efforts of both sides however, the match finished all square at the final whistle.
JULY GOALSCORERS
Zach Clough 2
Jamie Proctor 2
Mark Davies 1
Dorian Dervite 1
Gary Madine 1
Jay Spearing 1