Exclusive: Don Goodman sends "fierce" warning to Bolton Wanderers and Steven Schumacher | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has suggested Bolton Wanderers face an uphill battle for automatic promotion next season

Bolton Wanderers' 24/25 season proved frustrating for all connected with the club, as they finished eighth in League One with 68 points - a huge drop from their play-off final appearance in 23/24.

Following Ian Evatt's departure by mutual consent, the January appointment of Steven Schumacher on a three-and-a-half-year deal has certainly changed the outlook at Bolton.

The 40-year-old previously guided Plymouth Argyle to the League One title with 101 points in 22/23 - and will face the Pilgrims next season with the Trotters.

Under Schumacher's guidance, Bolton showed signs of improvement despite ending the season on a six-game winless run - and he's been realistic about the challenges ahead, acknowledging they weren't good enough when reflecting on the season's conclusion.

Don Goodman believes competition will be fierce for League One automatic promotion next season

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has suggested Bolton Wanderers face an uphill battle for automatic promotion next season, labelling them as having an "outside chance" rather than being definite contenders for a top-two finish.

"I think eighth-place last season was a bit of a disappointment for Bolton," Goodman explained.

"Particularly because they found themselves at the end ten points short of the playoffs spot. So we’re asking, can they bridge that gap and jump into the automatic challenge they would expect as a football club in League One."

"Bolton Wanderers in League One they would expect to be challenging for an automatic spot I have no doubt about that, but the competition next season is going to be fierce when you look at some of the ambitious recruitment that has already occurred."

Bolton Wanderers face tough competition for automatic promotion next season

Goodman mentioned several clubs that he expects to be major players in the promotion race - creating a very crowded field at the top of League One.

"Barnsley, Blackpool, Huddersfield I know very very busy, then you look at the likes of Plymouth Argyle - going to be an overhaul but have a good manager, Cardiff City it’s going to be interesting to see how they go and obviously Luton Town who will be one of the favourites," he said.

Huddersfield Town have been particularly active in the transfer market, with the Terriers securing the high-profile signings of both Ryan Ledson and Marcus Harness - Xavier Simons is arguably Wanderers best signing thus far in the window, alongside Sam Dalby.

Bolton Wanderers need to be realistic heading into 25/26

While automatic promotion remains somewhat challenging on paper, Goodman believes Bolton should be targeting an improvement on last season's performance.

"So challenging for an automatic, probably an outside chance at this stage I would say, rather than a definite chance - but certainly top six finish is a very, very realistic ambition," Goodman concluded.

With the 25/26 League One season beginning on August 2nd, it gives Schumacher crucial time to iron out any creases and try and build a squad capable of mounting a serious promotion challenge.

In Goodman's verdict - automatic promotion may represent an "outside chance", but foundations being laid, like the early signings of Xavier Simons and Sam Dalby, will definitely give the Greater Manchester outfit hope.