The team head into Tuesday night’s game off the back of another hard-earned away point against Preston North End on Friday evening – a match where we got off to a slow start but one in which we can certainly count ourselves very unlucky not to have taken all three points at the final whistle given our second half performance.
For the 3,500 Bolton fans inside Deepdale – the second highest away following in the division this weekend - and of course, those watching on Sky Sports television at home, once again the players’ endeavour and determination was clear to see and come the final whistle, it was another game were we were left disappointed that it was just a solitary point and right up to the final kick, I thought we might just nick it, but it was not to be.
That said however, it is again another step in the right direction and it is one that means we head into our next clash with Reading on a six-game unbeaten run.
Had we been offered our current situation a month ago - being just one win away from being out of the drop zone - I am sure you will all agree with me when I say that we would have gladly taken it and the performances of the team in recent weeks have been hugely encouraging for all involved at the football club.
How we have closed the gap points-wise on the teams above us is no mean feat - it seems hard to comprehend that at the start of October, we were seven points adrift of safety.
Tuesday will see us come up against a Reading team who enter the match off the back of a defeat to Wolves at the weekend and will no doubt be looking to put some daylight between themselves and the bottom three tomorrow evening.
With that in mind however, this kind of game is the perfect opportunity for the players to narrow that gap on not only the teams in and around the relegation zone, but those lingering in the bottom half of the table.
We picked up a few knocks on Friday evening and coupled with the suspension of Mark Beevers, it looks like there will be several changes to the line-up on Tuesday evening.
However, our medical staff are working assiduously - as they have always done - and I’m sure one or two of the players will have recovered in time and will play through the pain barrier to help us continue this positive momentum against a very good Reading side.
It is vitally important that we do everything we can to ensure we retain our Championship status this season and stabilise the club both on and off the pitch - and with that in mind l urge everyone in the town and surrounding areas to come along and get behind the team and support us.
Looking back to the end of last season when we had over 20,000 people coming along to the games as we challenged for promotion, I truly believe that if we can achieve those attendances again, then we will climb the league and have the financial resources to strengthen the squad in January for the run in.
The players have adopted a warrior-like, indomitable spirit, wherein their attitude is that if they are unable to claim a victory, then they are very much determined not to lose the contest.
On the horizon we have got some six-pointers against sides who are in the ‘mini-league’ with us - Barnsley and Burton are two that spring to mind - and I really do hope you all will get behind the team and help drive them up the league by taking advantage of our various ticket incentives which are detailed below.
Your backing really has been crucial in recent weeks and I hope many of you will take advantage of our £15 and £7 tickets for Tuesday’s game here at Macron Stadium.
I know that you will also show your support in your numbers down at Wolves on Saturday in our next game on our travels, with tickets still available.
We strive to make football here at Bolton Wanderers as accessible as possible and with that in mind, we have our special Festive Bundle for our home games throughout the month of December now on sale.
Purchasing this bundle allows you to attend our matches against Barnsley, Burton Albion and Cardiff City for one set price which will save you up to £27 off the total cost. Please visit Bolton Central in person, call 0844 871 2932 or click onto www.eticketing.co.uk/bwfc for more details.
And of course, we have just announced our half season ticket deal for the final 11 home games of the season, which starts from the home game against Hull City on New Year’s Day, while places are still available over Christmas in our award-winning hospitality suites.
Ahead of our game against Reading meanwhile, I myself will be holding a Q&A session for supporters in Reflections Restaurant at Bolton Whites Hotel from 6pm, details of which can be found HERE and Mark Beevers, Chris Taylor and Aaron Wilbraham will be meeting fans in Bolton Central from 7pm onwards.
I hope to see as many of you as possible at both events.
Off the field, our hotel is continuing to stage events to help drive our revenue and I would be grateful if you could help to support us in this way also. They are again hosting a pantomime this year which is Aladdin, starring Bolton’s very own Stu Francis, with tickets available now from Bolton Central and online.
There is plenty of family entertainment available at Macron Stadium over the festive period so please follow Bolton Whites on their social media channels to find out more information.
I hope you all enjoy the game tomorrow night and as always, let’s be loud, let’s be proud and let’s get behind the team.
Kind regards,
Ken