Tomorrow evening we travel down to Villa Park with a grit and determination to build on our improved performance against Hull City last weekend.
As I have previously said, although the result was disappointing, we showed plenty of hunger and desire to get back on the points trail.
The belief and passion was there for all to see and it’s vitally important that we take the same determination and spirit into the Aston Villa game which I am sure will be another tough and competitive game with both teams wanting to get three points in front of the Sky Sports cameras and we need to try and send our travelling supporters home happy.
It’s worth noting that after 15 league games last season we had accumulated eight points. Going into Friday’s game and having already played 15 matches we are on 16 points.
Now I know that statistics and history do not affect the here and now, but it does put into context that we are still in a good position to climb higher up the table with approximately two-thirds of the season still remaining.
With your continued support and backing, I am convinced it’s only a matter of time before we get back on a run of good results.
Next Saturday, we take on Swansea City which will be our final home game before the international break. I do hope that all our season ticket holders will take advantage of the special offer whereby they can bring up to four additional guests for £10 each. Whilst there has been a great deal of media and social media coverage on ticket prices the uptake has been slow at the moment, which is a bit disappointing having tried to fulfil your pricing requests. If you haven’t yet done so, there is still plenty of time to take advantage of this special offer. More details can be found here.
I am conscious that it has been a while since I last updated you all with regards to potential investment.
As you will have seen from the media reports regarding other clubs, it does take quite a long time to strike a deal. Just look at our neighbours, Wigan Athletic, for example, whose takeover has been going on for quite a long time and has still not been finalised, although I am led to believe that it will happen this month. Charlton Athletic and Newcastle United are two other clubs which have been on the market for a considerable period of time and haven’t yet been sold.
We are in discussions with several parties still and as always, as soon as there is any progress, I will of course let you know.
In the meantime everyone is doing everything possible to try and ensure that the football club and hotel brings in as much revenue as possible through sponsorship, hospitality, tickets, retail and events as unfortunately we, like most others in the Championship, are struggling to compete with the ever increasing players, staff and operating costs which is why it is imperative we continue to grow match day attendances.
A limited amount of our black away shirts are now back in stock at Bolton Central and are available to buy now. If you missed out last time, don’t miss this opportunity to get hold of one of the shirts, which have proved to be immensely popular. You can order online by clicking here.
The third choice shirt will be in stock soon, and again I would urge you to pre-order today so you don’t miss out on owning one. There will only be a limited amount available in all sizes.
Both would make excellent Christmas gifts, but please hurry as we fully expect the stock to go very quickly.
The Bolton Wanderers International Football Programme held its Elite Pro Club Experience at Lostock and the Hotel the other week and it proved to be very successful once again. We have received some excellent feedback from the participants and I would like to thank Danny Clarke, James Ward, Margaret Graham and all those who have worked hard on this.
I would like to congratulate Jason Lowe and his partner on the birth of their baby boy who was born last night.
Finally, to those of you who are travelling down to the West Midlands tomorrow, enjoy the game and let’s be loud, let’s be proud and let’s get behind the boys.
Best wishes,
Ken