Bolton Wanderers Mount Play-Off Push in Pivotal 2025/26 Season
BOLTON, 24 January 2026 – Bolton Wanderers find themselves firmly in the League One promotion conversation as the 2025/26 season enters its decisive phase. Occupying a play-off position under the stewardship of manager Steven Schumacher, the Trotters have undergone a significant squad transformation aimed at returning Championship football to the Toughsheet Community Stadium. This report examines the club’s current campaign, summer transfer activity, iconic home ground, and enduring place in English football history.
The Current Campaign: A Work in Progress
As of early January 2026, Bolton Wanderers sit 5th in the League One table, squarely in the play-off places. Their record of 10 wins, 9 draws, and 5 losses from 24 matches illustrates a team that is difficult to beat but seeking greater consistency to close the gap on the automatic promotion spots. The team has shown defensive solidity, conceding just 22 goals, while scoring 31. This campaign represents a fresh start following a comprehensive summer rebuild, with the new players gradually bedding into Steven Schumacher’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system.
Key Season Statistics
| Metric | 2025/26 (As of 4 Jan 2026) |
|---|---|
| League Position | 5th (League One) |
| Played / Points | 24 / 39 |
| Record (W-D-L) | 10 – 9 – 5 |
| Goal Difference | +9 (31 For, 22 Against) |
| FA Cup Progress | Eliminated in Second Round (Dec 2025) |
| EFL Trophy | Advanced from Group Stage |
Squad & Strategic Summer Overhaul
The 2025 summer transfer window was one of major change at Bolton. Manager Steven Schumacher and the board executed a strategic overhaul, moving on several established players and injecting fresh talent aligned with a new tactical approach. Key departures included top scorer Aaron Collins, captain George Thomason, and long-serving defenders Ricardo Santos and Gethin Jones.
The recruitment drive focused on adding quality and depth. Notable arrivals included striker Sam Dalby on a free transfer from Wrexham, Barbados international winger Thierry Gale, and midfielder Xavier Simons from Hull City. The defence was bolstered by left-back Richard Taylor (free, St Mirren) and experienced right-back Cyrus Christie. Exciting loan additions such as Brighton’s Amario Cozier-Duberry and Chelsea goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe added further youthful promise. The squad, captained by defender Eoin Toal, blends this new talent with existing key figures like Josh Sheehan and Victor Adeboyejo.
The Toughsheet Community Stadium: A Modern Home
Since 1997, Bolton Wanderers have played at the 28,723-capacity all-seater stadium in Horwich. Originally known as the Reebok Stadium, it was renamed the University of Bolton Stadium in 2018 before becoming the Toughsheet Community Stadium in July 2023 following a landmark five-year sponsorship deal with the local, eco-conscious building product manufacturer. The ground, which replaced the historic Burnden Park, is an integral part of a larger retail and leisure complex. It has hosted everything from Premier League football and UEFA Cup matches to major concerts, rugby league internationals, and even snooker’s Champion of Champions tournament. Long-term council-approved redevelopment plans for the surrounding area, known as the ‘grand arc’ project, promise further enhancement to the stadium’s facilities and locale.
Historical Context & Legacy
Founded in 1874, Bolton Wanderers are a club with a rich history. They are four-time FA Cup winners, with their most recent triumph coming in 1958, famously defeating Manchester United at Wembley. The club has spent the majority of its existence in the top two tiers of English football, enjoying a prolonged Premier League stay between 2001 and 2012. After facing severe financial difficulties and a relegation to League Two in 2020, the club was rescued by new ownership. An immediate promotion back to League One was secured, followed by an EFL Trophy win in 2023 and a play-off final appearance in 2024. The current project under Steven Schumacher is the latest chapter in the ongoing mission to restore the Trotters to the Championship and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Bolton Wanderers play?
Bolton Wanderers play at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in Horwich, Greater Manchester. The stadium has a capacity of 28,723.
Who is Bolton Wanderers’ manager?
As of January 2026, the manager is Steven Schumacher, who was appointed in January 2025.
When did Bolton last win a major trophy?
Bolton Wanderers’ last major trophy was the FA Cup in 1958. They have won more recent silverware in the form of the EFL Trophy (then the Football League Trophy) in 1989 and again in 2023.
What league are Bolton Wanderers in?
Bolton Wanderers are competing in EFL League One, the third tier of English football, for the 2025/26 season.