2020–21 Bolton Wanderers F.C. season explained

Club:	Bolton Wanderers
Season:	2020–21
Manager:	Ian Evatt
Chairman:	Sharon Brittan
Stadium:	University of Bolton Stadium
League:	League Two
League Result:	3rd (promoted)
Cup1:	FA Cup
Cup1 Result:	First round
Cup2:	EFL Cup
Cup2 Result:	First round
Cup3:	EFL Trophy
Cup3 Result:	Group stage
League Topscorer:	Eoin Doyle (19)
Season Topscorer:	Eoin Doyle (19)
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Prevseason:	2019–20
Nextseason:	2021–22

The 2020–21 season is Bolton Wanderers's first season in the fourth tier of English football since 1988, and only their second overall, following their relegation from EFL League One to EFL League Two. It covers the period from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.

Squad

Youth players with first team squad numbers

Background

Bolton had begun the 2019–20 EFL League One season with a twelve-point reduction^[1] and never recovered. When the season was suspended and then abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic they had never risen above bottom place and were subsequently relegated to EFL League Two on 9 June with a points per game ratio of 0.41.^[2] Three days later, the club announced that both manager Keith Hill and his assistant David Flitcroft would not have their contracts, which ran until 30 June, extended.^[3] On 15 June, Ronan Darcy signed his first professional contract with the club, keeping him at the club until 2022.^[4] On 26 June Bolton announced that they would be releasing 14 senior players at the end of their contracts on 1 July, though also stated that when a new manager was hired they would be allowed to offer the players new contracts if they desired. On 24 June 2020 Bolton Wanderers made an official approach to Barrow for Evatt to become their manager, and Barrow demanded £250,000 compensation should he make the move.^[5] Two days later Barrow rejected Bolton's bid for his services, stating it was below the £250,000 they had asked for.^[6] On 29 June, Bolton and Barrow agreed on compensation and Bolton began discussing personal terms with Evatt.^[7] Evatt's appointment at Bolton was confirmed on 1 July 2020.^[8] On 3 July Ali Crawford returned to the club, signing a new two-year contract.^[9] The club confirmed on 9 July that Home Bargains would continue to be primary shirt sponsor for the forthcoming season.^[10] Bolton's first signing was the leading goalscorer of the 2019–20 EFL League Two season, Eoin Doyle.^[11] This was followed by the signings of Antoni Sarcevic on 15 July,^[12] George Taft on 20 July^[13] and Brandon Comley on 21 July.^[14] The same day that the club signed Comley, they announced that long serving academy director, former player and sometime caretaker manager Jimmy Phillips would be leaving his role, ending a thirty-year association with the club.^[15] On 28 July, the club announced their first loan signing of the summer with Tom White joining from Blackburn Rovers for the season.^[16] July ended with the club confirming the return of Macron as their kit supplier.^[17]

Bolton started August with the signing of Liam Gordon on a two-year deal.^[18] Further signings that month were permanent deals for Ricardo Santos,^[19] Reiss Greenidge,^[20] Gethin Jones,^[21] Nathan Delfouneso,^[22] Matt Gilks,^[23] Jak Hickman,^[24] Jamie Mascoll^[25] and Alex Baptiste, who had previously played for the club between 2013 and 2015. A season long loan deal for Billy Crellin was also completed.^[26]

Pre-season friendlies

On 24 July Bolton announced a Pre-season friendly against F.C. United of Manchester on 12 August.^[27] However, the game never took place. They played unannounced pre-season friendlies against Atherton Collieries on 1 August, winning 3–0,^[28] Bamber Bridge on 8 August, winning 7–0,^[29] and Loughborough University on 11 August, winning 6–0.^[30] In the match against Loughborough University Dennis Politic was injured^[31] and it was confirmed on 20 August that he was likely to miss the whole of the forthcoming season.^[32] On 14 August Bolton announced they would play their final pre-season friendly against Championship side Blackburn Rovers on 29 August,^[33] but this was soon cancelled after Blackburn's EFL Cup match was brought forward.^[34] As a replacement, Crewe Alexandra announced they would be playing against Bolton on 28 August.^[35] Bolton beat League One side Accrington Stanley 3–0 on 22 August,^[36] but their pre-season 100% record was ended when a youthful Bolton side lost 5–1 to local rivals Wigan Athletic on 25 August.^[37] Bolton finished Pre-season with a 0–3 home defeat to newly promoted League One side Crewe Alexandra.^[38] A day later the club announced that Antoni Sarcevic had been named club captain for the forthcoming season.^[39]

Competitions

EFL League Two

See main article: 2020–21 EFL League Two.

Matches

The fixtures for the 2020–21 EFL League Two season were released on 21 August and saw Bolton opening their campaign at home to Forest Green Rovers on 12 September. The regular season concluded on 8 May with a trip to Crawley Town.^[40]

FA Cup

See main article: 2020–21 FA Cup.

The draw for the first round was made on Monday 26, October.^[41]

EFL Cup

See main article: 2020–21 EFL Cup. Bolton will enter the EFL Cup at the first round stage, along with all other League One and League Two club and the majority of Championship clubs. The draw was made on 18 August and saw Bolton face Bradford City in the first round.

EFL Trophy

See main article: 2020–21 EFL Trophy. On 17 August, Bolton were drawn with Crewe Alexandra and Shrewsbury Town in the group stage of the EFL Trophy. The regional group stage draw was confirmed on 18 August with Newcastle United U21 completing the group.^[42]

Statistics

|-! colspan="14" style="background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center"| Goalkeepers|-! colspan="14" style="background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center"| Defenders|-! colspan="14" style="background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center"| Midfielders|-! colspan="14" style="background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center"| Forwards|-|colspan=14|Out on loan:|-|colspan=14|Left during the season:|-|}

Goals record

Rank	No.	Nat.	Po.	Name					Total
1	9		CF	Eoin Doyle	19	0	0	0	19
2	7		CF	Nathan Delfouneso	6	2	0	0	8
	10		CM	Antoni Sarcevic	7	0	1	0	8
4	20		CF	Shaun Miller	3	0	0	1	4
5	2		RB		3	0	0	0	3
	23		RW	Lloyd Isgrove	3	0	0	0	3
	24		LW	Arthur Gnahoua	2	0	0	1	3
	-		RB	Peter Kioso	3	0	0	0	3
9	6		CB	Ryan Delaney	1	0	0	1	2
	28		LB	Declan John	2	0	0	0	2
	29		CM	Kieran Lee	2	0	0	0	2
12	11		CM	Ali Crawford	1	0	0	0	1
	12		RB	Jak Hickman	0	0	0	1	1
	15		LB	Jamie Mascoll	0	0	0	1	1
	25		CM		1	0	0	0	1
	30		LW	Oladapo Afolayan	1	0	0	0	1
	32		LB		1	0	0	0	1
	34		CB	Adam Senior	0	0	0	1	1
Own Goals					4	0	0	0	4
Total					59	2	1	6	68

Disciplinary record

Rank	No.	Nat.	Po.	Name	League Two						League Cup						Total
1	4		CM	MJ Williams	7	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	0	1
2	6		CB	Ryan Delaney	4	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	5	1	0
3	5		CB		5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0	0
	10		CM	Antoni Sarcevic	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0	0
	16		CB	Reiss Greenidge	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	1	0
6	8		CM	Brandon Comley	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	0
	21		CB	Harry Brockbank	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	0
	25		CM	George Thomason	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	0
	-		CM	Tom White	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	4	0	0
10	14		RW	Marcus Maddison	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
	28		LB	Declan John	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0
	29		CM	Kieran Lee	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0
	-		RB	Peter Kioso	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
14	2		RB	Gethin Jones	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0
	27		CB	Alex Baptiste	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0
16	3		LB	Liam Gordon	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
	9		CF	Eoin Doyle	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
	12		RB	Jak Hickman	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
	13		GK	Matt Gilks	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
	17		CM	Ronan Darcy	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
	18		CM	Andrew Tutte	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
	23		RW	Lloyd Isgrove	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
	30		LW	Oladapo Afolayan	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
	34		CB	Adam Senior	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0
	-		CB	George Taft	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0
Total					53	3	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	0	0	59	3	2

Transfers

Transfers in

Date	Position	Nationality	Name	From	Fee	Ref.
10 July 2020					Free transfer	^[43]
15 July 2020					Free transfer	^[44]
20 July 2020					Free transfer	^[45]
21 July 2020					Free transfer	^[46]
1 August 2020					Free transfer	^[47]
3 August 2020					Free transfer
4 August 2020					Free transfer
4 August 2020					Free transfer
6 August 2020					Free transfer
6 August 2020					Free transfer
6 August 2020					Free transfer
7 August 2020					Free transfer	^[48]
24 August 2020					Free transfer
3 September 2020					Free transfer	^[49]
4 September 2020					Free transfer	^[50]
5 September 2020					Free transfer	^[51]
26 September 2020					Free transfer	^[52]
26 September 2020					Free transfer	^[53]
8 January 2021					Free transfer	^[54]
1 February 2021					Free transfer	^[55]

Loans in

Date from	Position	Nationality	Name	From	Date until	Ref.
28 July 2020					2 February 2021	^[56] ^[57]
3 August 2020					End of season
15 October 2020					11 January 2021	^[58] ^[59]
7 January 2021					End of season	^[60]
16 January 2021					End of season	^[61]
16 January 2021					End of season
1 February 2021					End of season	^[62]
1 February 2021					End of season	^[63]
1 February 2021					12 April 2021	^[64] ^[65]
2021					2021	^[66]

Loans out

Date from	Position	Nationality	Name	To	Date until	Ref.
31 August 2020					21 February 2021	^[67] ^[68]
31 August 2020					17 November 2020	^[69]
6 November 2020					End of season	^[70]
17 December 2020					End of season	^[71] ^[72]
7 January 2021					1 February 2021	^[73]
1 February 2021					End of season	^[74]
24 February 2021					End of season	^[75]
5 March 2021					End of season	^[76]

Transfers out

Date	Position	Nationality	Name	To	Fee	Ref.
1 July 2020					Free transfer	^[77]
1 July 2020					Free transfer
1 July 2020					Free transfer
1 July 2020					Free transfer	^[78]
1 July 2020					Free transfer	^[79]
1 July 2020			Myles Edmondson		Free transfer
1 July 2020					Free transfer	^[80]
1 July 2020					Free transfer	^[81]
1 July 2020					Free transfer
1 July 2020					Free transfer	^[82]
1 July 2020					Free transfer	^[83]
1 July 2020					Free transfer	^[84]
1 July 2020					Free transfer	^[85]
1 July 2020					Free transfer	^[86]
1 July 2020					Free transfer
1 July 2020			Kwame Osigwe		Free transfer
1 July 2020			D'Neal Richards		Free transfer
1 July 2020					Free transfer	^[87]
1 July 2020					Free transfer	^[88]
1 February 2021					£250,000	^[89] ^[90]
1 February 2021					Free transfer	^[91] ^[92]

Notes and References

1. News: Bolton will start next season in League One with a 12-point deduction . 13 May 2019 . The Guardian . 15 June 2020 . en-GB . 0261-3077.
2. Web site: Club Statement . 9 June 2020 . bwfc.co.uk . 15 June 2020.
3. Web site: Wanderers confirm Hill and Flitcroft departure . 12 June 2020 . bwfc.co.uk . 15 June 2020.
4. Web site: One Of Our Own: Darcy commits his future . 15 June 2020 . bwfc.co.uk . 16 June 2020.
5. Web site: Bolton Wanderers make their move for Barrow boss Ian Evatt. The Bolton News. 7 December 2020.
6. Web site: Barrow reject offer 'well below' buy-out fee from Bolton Wanderers for Blackpool legend Ian Evatt. www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk. 7 December 2020.
7. Web site: Wanderers set to appoint Ian Evatt as new boss after striking compensation deal. The Bolton News. 7 December 2020.
8. News: Ian Evatt: Bolton Wanderers name Barrow manager as new head coach . 1 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 1 July 2020.
9. Web site: Ali Crawford signs Two-Year Deal with Wanderers. www.bwfc.co.uk.
10. Web site: Wanderers announce Shirt Sponsorship Renewal with Home Bargains . 9 July 2020 . bwfc.co.uk . 11 July 2020.
11. News: Eoin Doyle: Bolton Wanderers sign ex-Swindon Town striker on three-year deal . 10 July 2020 . BBC Sport.
12. News: Antoni Sarcevic: Bolton sign former Plymouth midfielder . 15 July 2020 . BBC Sport.
13. News: George Taft: Bolton Wanderers sign ex-Cambridge United defender on two-year deal . 20 July 2020 . BBC Sport.
14. News: Brandon Comley: Bolton Wanderers sign midfielder on two-year deal . 21 July 2020 . BBC Sport.
15. News: Bolton Wanderers confirm Jimmy Phillips has stepped down as academy boss . 21 July 2020 . Bolton News.
16. Web site: Wanderers sign Blackburn Rovers midfielder on loan . 28 July 2020 . bwfc.co.uk . 1 August 2020.
17. Web site: A sneak peak? Go on then! . 31 July 2020 . . 1 August 2020.
18. Web site: Ian Evatt makes sixth Summer Signing as defender pens deal . 1 August 2020 . bwfc.co.uk . 1 August 2020.
19. News: Evatt Recruits Portuguese Defender . 3 August 2020 . . 3 August 2020.
20. News: Greenidge pens deal to bolster Wanderers defence . 4 August 2020 . . 4 August 2020.
21. News: Evatt welcomes ninth summer signing . 4 August 2020 . . 4 August 2020.
22. News: Delfouneso Leaves Blackpool . 6 August 2020 . . 6 August 2020.
23. News: Wanderers confirm Matt Gilks appointment . 6 August 2020 . . 6 August 2020.
24. News: Wanderers bring in defender Jak Hickman . 6 August 2020 . . 6 August 2020.
25. News: Mascoll Makes it 15! . 24 August 2020 . . 24 August 2020.
26. News: Wanderers land highly-rated keeper on loan . 3 August 2020 . . 3 August 2020.
27. Web site: Bolton Wanderers announce FC United pre-season friendly. The Bolton News. 7 December 2020.
28. Web site: What Ian Evatt made of the 'secret' Wanderers friendly at Atherton Colls. The Bolton News. 7 December 2020.
29. Web site: Report: Bamber Bridge 0–7 Bolton Wanderers. www.bwfc.co.uk. 7 December 2020.
30. Web site: Report: Loughborough University 0–6 Bolton Wanderers. www.bwfc.co.uk. 7 December 2020.
31. Web site: The Bolton News: "Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt reacts to serious Dennis Politic injury". 7 December 2020.
32. Web site: Politic set to miss forthcoming season. www.bwfc.co.uk. 7 December 2020.
33. Web site: Bolton to host Blackburn in behind-closed-doors friendly. The Bolton News. 7 December 2020.
34. Bolton Wanderers @OfficialBWFC "Our pre-season friendly against @Rovers has been cancelled due to a clash with their scheduled @Carabao_Cup tie against @drfc_official. #BWFC" Twitter, 21 August 2020. 7:22PM.
35. Web site: Artell Reveals Next Three Pre-Season Fixtures. www.crewealex.net. 7 December 2020.
36. Web site: Report: Bolton Wanderers 3–0 Accrington Stanley. www.bwfc.co.uk. 7 December 2020.
37. Web site: Report: Wigan Athletic 5–1 Bolton Wanderers. www.bwfc.co.uk. 7 December 2020.
38. Web site: Report: Bolton Wanderers 0–3 Crewe Alexandra. www.bwfc.co.uk. 7 December 2020.
39. Bolton Wanderers @OfficialBWFC "Your Bolton Wanderers captain for the 2020/21 season: @ASarcevic #BWFC" Twitter, 29 August 2020. 7:00AM.
40. News: Wanderers Sky Bet League Two Fixtures Confirmed . 21 August 2020 . bwfc.co.uk . 21 August 2020.
41. Web site: EFL League One And Two Clubs Join Emirates FA Cup After Monday's First Round Draw . The FA . 28 October 2020.
42. News: EFL Trophy Regional Groups confirmed . 18 August 2020 . . 18 August 2020.
43. News: Bolton sign ex-Swindon striker Doyle . 10 July 2020 . . 10 July 2020.
44. News: Bolton seal ex-Plymouth Argyle star Antoni Sarcevic on two year deal . 15 July 2020 . . 15 July 2020.
45. News: Central Defender become Wanderers' third new signing of the Summer . 20 July 2020 . . 20 July 2020.
46. News: Wanderers sign midfielder Comley . 21 July 2020 . . 21 July 2020.
47. News: Ian Evatt makes sixth Summer Signing as defender pens deal . 1 August 2020 . . 1 August 2020.
48. News: Wanderers Return For Alex Baptiste . 7 August 2020 . . 7 August 2020.
49. News: Evatt Brings in Experienced Midfielder . 3 September 2020 . . 3 September 2020.
50. Web site: Wanderers Academy confirms scholar intake. www.bwfc.co.uk. 7 December 2020.
51. News: Wanderers Recruit Experienced Frontman . 5 September 2020 . . 5 September 2020.
52. News: Evatt boosts strike force with signing number 18 . 26 September 2020 . . 26 September 2020.
53. News: Wanderers land Welsh winger . 26 September 2020 . . 26 September 2020.
54. Web site: Bolton complete deal for former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Kieran Lee . The Bolton News . 8 January 2021.
55. Web site: Wanderers swoop for MJ Williams . Bolton Wanderers - Official Site . 1 February 2021.
56. News: Blackburn midfielder and Barrow promotion-winner joins Bolton on loan . 28 July 2020 . . 28 July 2020.
57. Web site: White returns to Rovers. Blackburn Rovers F.C.. 2 February 2021. 2 February 2021.
58. Web site: Peter Kioso joins Bolton Wanderers on a season-long loan . Luton Town FC . 15 October 2020.
59. Web site: Peter Kioso recalled from his loan at Bolton Wanderers . Luton Town FC . 11 January 2021.
60. Web site: Swansea City Defender Declan John Joins Bolton On Loan . Swansea City AFC . 7 January 2021.
61. Web site: Wanderers confirm double loan swoop . Bolton Wanderers FC . 16 January 2021.
62. Web site: Afolayan joins Bolton Wanderers on loan . West Ham United - Official Site . 1 February 2021.
63. Web site: Wanderers land Danish keeper on loan . Bolton Wanderers - Official Site . 1 February 2021.
64. Web site: Marcus Maddison joins Bolton Wanderers on loan . Charlton Athletic - Official Site . 1 February 2021.
65. Web site: Marcus Maddison's loan spell ends with Club's full support. Bolton Wanderers F.C.. 12 April 2021. 12 April 2021.
66. https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/19262669.bolton-wanderers-passed-liverpool-academy-midfield-prospect-liam-coyle/ The Bolton News: "Bolton Wanderers 'passed' on Liverpool academy midfield prospect Liam Coyle"
67. News: Wanderers duo join Bamber Bridge on Youth Loans . 31 August 2020 . . 31 August 2020.
68. Web site: Coronavirus: All football below National League to end . BBC Sport . 26 March 2020 . 26 March 2020.
69. Web site: Thomason recalled from Bamber Bridge loan. www.bwfc.co.uk. 7 December 2020.
70. News: Faal joins Barnet on loan until the end of the season . 6 November 2020 . . 6 November 2020.
71. Web site: Gordon Makes Daggers Loan Switch . Bolton Wanderers FC . 17 December 2020.
72. Web site: Gordon's Dagenham & Redbridge loan spell extended . Bolton Wanderers FC . 19 January 2021.
73. Web site: Taft joins Scunthorpe on loan . Bolton Wanderers FC . 7 January 2021.
74. Web site: Crawford pens loan move to Tranmere . Bolton Wanderers - Official Site . 1 February 2021.
75. Web site: Mascoll joins Waterford on loan . Bolton Wanderers - Official Site . 24 February 2021.
76. Web site: Hickman joins King's Lynn Town on loan . Bolton Wanderers - Official Site . 5 March 2021.
77. News: Iles . Marc . 26 June 2020 . Wanderers announce retained list – with 14 players out of contract this summer . en . The Bolton News . 1 July 2020.
78. Web site: Former Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool and Rochdale defender joins non-league Matlock Town . 19 October 2020 . Manchester Evening News . 19 October 2020.
79. https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/Ghanaian-forward-Joe-Dodoo-joins-Turkish-side-Ankara-Keciorengucu-SK-1058134 Ghanaweb: "Ghanaian forward Joe Dodoo joins Turkish side Ankara Keciorengucu SK"
80. News: Former Ipswich Town defender Emmanuel makes League One move . 7 August 2020 . . 7 August 2020.
81. News: Connor Hall returns to Woking . 14 August 2020 . . 14 August 2020.
82. News: Jason Lowe signs for Salford . 22 July 2020 . . 22 July 2020.
83. News: Matthews signs for Sunderland . 21 August 2020 . . 21 August 2020.
84. News: Jacob Mellis joins the Gills . 10 August 2020 . . 10 August 2020.
85. Web site: Ex-Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest veteran joins hometown club. 2 August 2020. The 72. 7 December 2020.
86. News: Luke Murphy Re-Joins Crewe Alexandra . 4 September 2020 . . 4 September 2020.
87. Web site: NWCFL | Joe White. www.nwcfl.com. 7 December 2020.
88. Web site: Barrow Complete Signing Of Yoan Zouma . Barrow AFC . 1 October 2020.
89. Web site: City seal Regan Riley deal . 1 February 2021 . Eastern Daily Press, Norfolk . 1 February 2021.
90. https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/19053628.bolton-wanderers-transfer-deadline-day-live-january-2021/ The Bolton News: Bolton Wanderers transfer deadline day live January 2021: "Regan Riley has gone to Norwich City for £250,000"
91. Web site: Taft completes permanent move to Scunthorpe . Bolton Wanderers - Official Site . 1 February 2021.
92. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55894098 BBC Sport: "George Taft and Teddy Howe: Scunthorpe United sign defenders in deadline-day deals" "Taft, 27, moves on a free transfer less than a month after joining on loan and has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal."