Bolton August Review: timid Trotters

During this two-week break from the Championship for internationals, we review how all 24 teams have looked in their first five league games. Here’s our assessment of Bolton Wanderers.

What we said in pre-season

“As well as Bolton did in the third tier, many of their players were found wanting when last tried in the second, including summer additions. The hope is that some return stronger due the spirit Phil Parkinson has cultivated, but survival won’t be easy in an increasingly technical league. 23rd ”

Have they surprised us so far?

No. Although the players did well to secure promotion, their form so far this year suggests their success might have been helped by the burgeoning gap between the divisions. Financial restrictions means Parky has been unable to strengthen what is little more than a good League One squad. It’s proving a big ask therefore for the club to compete at this level.

The positives

They’ve scored three goals in the last half hour of matches – only Villa, Hull and Norwich have netted more in that time. They average a goal every 64 minutes when Adam Le Fondre is on the pitch, in comparison with none in 194 without his tenacious pressing. Target man Aaron Wilbraham and wide man Will Buckley have also made positive contributions when fully fit while youngster Jack Earing has looked bright in the cup.

The negatives

A lack of Championship quality is half Bolton’s on-field problem, the other half is a lack of intent. It is not uncommon for 10 players to stay back and the team to pass slowly before punting the ball up-field to Gary Madine. The target man has played 56 inaccurate short passes, more than any striker in the Championship, highlighting his struggles without sufficient support.

Late business

Craig Noone has been the only addition since the first match against Leeds, but he could add much-needed skill to this Bolton side. His arrival would suggest a scrapping of the wing-back system, which has arguably shackled the creativity of Filipe Morais.

The Football Lab’s Grade

Not good enough. Noone could solve their attacking shortcomings, but only if more midfielders have the freedom to support him and Madine. E