New league, fresh start.

After a difficult season for the Wanderers, we now are officially written as a Championship side, whether we play like one or not, time will tell. This first blog will just re-fresh your mind about who we've brought in, who's ventured to the exit, pre-season results, and my overall opinion on how our season will finish, with the main answer being glory or disappointment. 

15 moved on:

15 players have moved on to pursue their careers else where. Various players returning to their club after a loan spell with Bolton, others heading out to experience a new style of play else-where and a few being released. 

Ivan Klasnic, Gretar Steinsson and Ricardo Gardener are among those who have been released, however Nigel Reo-Coker activated a release clause in his contract. 

Paul Robinson, Sean Davis, Robbie Blake, Mark Connolly, Tope Obadeyi, Rhys Bennett, Dino Fazlic and Tom Eckersley all had not been offered new contracts, so that adds them to the list of players who won't be returning to The Reebok anytime soon. 

Our fellow Jussi Jaaskelainen also decided it was his time to leave the club after 15 seasons with Bolton, the Finish goalkeeper joined Big Sam's recently promoted West Ham. Jaaskelainen was a true legend to Bolton Wanderers, and will always be worthy to wear a Bolton shirt. His last words to the club were: "I'll see you in the Premier League". Good look to Jussi with West Ham. I, and on behalf of all the Bolton fans wish a successful season for you. 

Meanwhile, Tuncay, Ryo Miyachi and Dedryck Boyata have all returned to their parent clubs after reaching the end of their loan spells at the Reebok Stadium. 

New Recruitment's: 

Forgetting the long list of players who have left the club, Owen Coyle has also made some positive signings during the Summer Transfer Window, and also he isn't quite finished yet. The players Coyle has already brought in our: Ex Burnley player Joe Mckee, who looks to be a star for the future, Midfielder Keith Andrews, who currently was in the Euro 2012 squad for the Republic of Ireland, Ex Leeds goalkeeper Andy Lonergan who has already impressed during pre-season friendlies. Also: Central Defender Matt Mills, Young Starlet Benik Afobe on a season-long loan from Arsenal. These are the players we have brought in so far, with hopefully some more fresh faces being added to the squad before the start of the season.

Pre-Season Friendlies:

1) Our first pre-season game sent us to Somerset Park to face AYR United, a satisfying result for our first game back in action. The final score was 1-1, left-back Marcos Alonso getting the goal for the Wanderers.

2) The second game we were on the road to New Douglas Park, the home of Hamilton Academical. In that game there were plenty opportunities however Bolton just couldn't find the net that day. Hamilton took full advantage to that and the final score was 2-0. Attendance: 779.

3) Third up was Falkirk, our goal that game came from Chris Eagles, a stunning volley. The final score in that game was 1-1. Attendance: 1,359. 

4) Next, the lads made their way down to Gresty Road to face Crewe Alexandra. A hand-ball in the box gave Wanderers their goal that day. Final score ending up 1-1. Attendance: 2,440. 

5) This game was at Morecambe, a very good performance from the lads, with alot of link up play from Alonso and Wylde which was good to see. Chris Eagles and David Ngog gave Bolton the goals. Final score was: 0-2. Attendance: 1,352. 

6) Portsmouth v Bolton, a game we didn't really turn up to. However, pre-seasons are about keeping our fitness up, and hope nobody gets injured! Final score was: 0-3. Attendance: 4,193.

The next games involve a trip to Tranmere, and then we end our pre-season friendlies at home to Barca B. Reports on both games coming up later after the end of pre-season. 

Overall I think if we maintain our fitness throughout the season, and give 100% effort into each game, there is no reason why we cannot be promoted back to a Premier League Status. All the fans want it, the gaffer, the players, so get behind the boys next season! Come On You White Men. 

The Bolton Blogger.