It’s the club’s first ever ‘Family Day’ tomorrow as Wanderers welcome Rotherham United to the University of Bolton Stadium for the latest Sky Bet League One fixture.
Ian Evatt’s men had a week without a midweek fixture for the first time this season, whilst the Millers were in league action on Tuesday evening. Held to a 1-1 draw at Lincoln City, the South Yorkshire outfit took the lead through Michael Smith before Lewis Fiorini’s second-half equaliser.
Pre-match quotes: From the bosses
Ian Evatt: “I think it’s going to be our most difficult challenge of the season so far. I think they’re a really difficult team to play against. You have to really earn the right to play, stand up to everything physically, win your first and second duels and defend your box well. After that we have to switch modes and make sure we are brave on the ball and show composure on transition. Hopefully we can do that.”
Paul Warne: “Bolton's history is there for everyone to read but they've come back and they're a big club in this league. I don't think anyone has underestimated them in football and they've made some good signings in the summer again. I think the top teams in League Two always do well when they get promoted. The step up from League Two to League One isn't the same as the other two steps I don't think. They've started off really confidently and they have a style of play that he's recruited well for."
Team News:
In his pre-match press conference, manager Ian Evatt has confirmed that Andrew Tutte will face a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury sustained in the Reserves’ midweek Central League Cup draw against Accrington Stanley.
Amadou Bakayoko is back out on the grass and edging closer to a return to first team action, whilst Xavier Amaechi has started doing some indoor running work. Declan John is expected to return to training at the start of next week, but Saturday’s clash with Rotherham will come too soon for him. Harry Brockbank is also nearing a return to action after coming off injured in last week’s Reserves victory against Accrington Stanley.
Tickets and Travel
With this Saturday’s game being the club’s very first ‘Family Day’ ticket prices have been significantly reduced, with prices as follows:
Adults - £10.00
Over 65s - £5.00
Under 18s - £5.00
The club is urging supporters to purchase their tickets in advance to avoid queues. There will be no cash turnstiles in operation on Saturday in the run-up to kick-off.
We have the following advice for tickets purchased prior to the game:
- Digital Tickets– Please ensure you have downloaded your ticket(s) to your smart device, in advance of travelling to the stadium. iPhone users can store their ticket(s) in their Apple Wallet and Android users can store their ticket(s) in Google Pay. Once downloaded, the QR code will be scanned at the turnstiles upon entry.
- Print at Home Tickets– Should you prefer to print your tickets at home, please ensure you have the printed version with you in advance of travelling to the stadium and that the barcodes are clear. Please note that barcodes for print-at-home tickets cannot be scanned from smart devices – you must present a printed copy. Please use the digital ticket function if you would like to gain entry via your device.
For more information please contact the Ticket Office by calling 01204 328 888 or email ticketsales@bwfc.co.uk.
Turnstiles will be open from 1.30pm.
Last Time Out
Having made nine deadline day signings, new Wanderers boss Keith Hill finally had a team to field which was made up of senior players as opposed to the teams fielded in the previous weeks – which were made up largely of academy players.
Despite starting the game brilliantly with Thibaud Verlinden scoring the opening goal, the Millers fought back strongly and ended up with an emphatic victory at the New York Stadium thanks to goals from Ben Wiles, Freddie Ladapo (2), Carlton Morris (2), and Jake Hastie.
Rotherham United 6-1 Bolton Wanderers | Saturday 14 September 2019
Line-Up: Matthews, Emmanuel, Hobbs, Wright, Chicksen, L. Murphy (Darcy 62), Weir (Lowe 39), Bridcutt, Crawford, Politic, Verlinden.
Unused Subs: Alnwick, Zouma, Boon, Senior, Brown.
Match Officials:
Referee: James Bell
Assistants: David Avent and Joe Simpson
Fourth Official: Conor Brown.