Bolton Wanderers ‘Capable Of Going Up A Gear’ Feels Ex-EFL Star | OneFootball

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Former EFL star Adrian Clarke believes Bolton Wanderers are ‘capable’ and have a chance to ‘consolidate’ in the Championship next season.

Bolton gained promotion from League One to the Championship following their 4-1 win over Stockport County in the playoff final.

Ruben Rodrigues opened the scoring inside two minutes, while a Kyle Wootton own goal made it 2-1, before then Sam Dalby scored in the 80th minute and Rodrigues ‘ 90th-minute penalty put the game to bed.

The Trotters enjoyed an impressive season under Steven Schumacher, finishing fifth in the league with 75 points on the board and securing promotion to the Championship to end a seven-year wait.

Clarke feels it is great to see Bolton back in the Championship, given that the club were in turmoil with fans suffering and almost going out of business as well.

The former EFL star is thrilled to see Bolton get up and thinks that the right club ended up winning the League One playoffs.

Adrian said on What The EFL (23:00): “It’s great to see them back.

“Because obviously they were a club in turmoil, the fans were long suffering, they almost went out of business, they went right all the way down and have come back right up.

“Yes, really happy for Bolton and I think they come up in pretty good shape, they have got a lot of talented players, obviously few are loanees.

“So, what they do there we will have to wait and see if they turn those permanent or not.”

Clarke is of the view that where Bolton are located in the country could well help, along with the size of the fan base, when it comes to selling a move to targets this summer.

He also feels they could go up a gear, giving them a chance to survive.

“But you know, being so close to Manchester is an advantage, being a big club attracts a good crowd is another advantage.

“I think a lot of good players would be interested in playing for Steven Schumacher and Bolton in the Championship.

“Because their style of football is perfectly suited to it, so I look forward to what’s to come.

“I think they are capable of going up a gear and maybe consolidate in the second tier next season.

“I think we have got the right team in the end.”

Schumacher lavished praise on Johnny Kenny, who is on loan from Scottish Premiership giants Celtic, and played a crucial role in their promotion.

Kenny though missed out on the playoffs due to a knee ligament injury.

Besides that, the 42-year-old hailed striker Marcus Forss and is on loan from Middlesbrough.

The loan signings have been impressive this season and manager Schumacher might want to keep hold of them next season as Bolton tackle the Championship.

It remains to be seen whether Bolton can survive the Championship after a seven-year absence.