Bolton Wanderers Must Avoid a Costly Mistake
Bolton Wanderers have made a solid start to the season, underlined by their commanding derby win over Wigan Athletic. Steven Schumacher’s side have lost just once in nine matches, proving to be one of the hardest teams in League One to break down. That resilience is invaluable in a promotion race.
However, too many draws — five already — have slowed their progress. If the Trotters want to be genuine promotion contenders come May, turning stalemates into wins will be crucial. Recent signs are promising, with a 3-0 victory against AFC Wimbledon and the emphatic 4-1 triumph over rivals Wigan hinting that Schumacher’s men are finding their stride.
Marcus Forss Shows His Quality
In the win over Wigan, fans caught a glimpse of why Marcus Forss could be a game-changer. On loan from Middlesbrough, the Finland international scored twice in only his second league start, showcasing the quality and composure that made him a Championship-level player.
His performance highlighted just how valuable he could be to Bolton’s promotion push. But there’s a catch — Schumacher must be careful not to rely too heavily on his new striker.
Why Schumacher Must Manage Forss Carefully
Forss has the ability to dominate in League One, but his career so far has been disrupted by recurring fitness issues. During his time at Middlesbrough, spells on the sidelines limited his impact, despite his clear ability.
For Bolton to get the best out of him, Schumacher will need to manage his minutes wisely. Resting Forss in cup matches or against weaker league opponents could be key to keeping him fit for the bigger challenges ahead.
If handled correctly, Forss could be the difference-maker who propels Wanderers into the promotion race. But if overplayed, his injury record suggests Bolton could be left frustrated, with his signing feeling like a missed opportunity.
A Platform to Build On
Consistency has kept Bolton in the mix despite their struggles to collect wins. Now, with their attacking play improving and confidence high after big results, the foundations are in place for a serious promotion push.
If Schumacher strikes the right balance — keeping his team difficult to beat while carefully managing Forss — Wanderers could turn early promise into a genuine title challenge.
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