Key Points
- Steven Schumacher, appointed in January 2025, is determined to address the issues that led to Bolton Wanderers missing out on promotion from League One.
- Defensive frailties and a lack of clinical finishing were identified as the main reasons for the club’s failure to secure a play-off spot.
- Schumacher has openly criticised the squad’s mentality and consistency, stating that a significant overhaul is needed.
- The club finished eighth in League One, with a negative goal difference and a poor run of form in the final stretch of the season.
- Schumacher has pledged to focus on recruitment, targeting players with a winning mentality and experience of promotion.
- The head coach has already begun implementing intensive training sessions to improve finishing and defensive organisation.
- Bolton Wanderers are expected to see several departures and new signings as Schumacher rebuilds the squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
- The club’s ownership and supporters remain supportive of Schumacher’s vision and approach.
- Schumacher’s previous success at Plymouth Argyle, where he achieved promotion, is seen as a blueprint for his plans at Bolton.
Bolton Wanderers head coach Steven Schumacher has vowed to overhaul his squad and fix the problems that cost the club a chance at promotion last season, following a disappointing end to the 2024/25 League One campaign.
Why Did Bolton Wanderers Miss Out on Promotion?
As reported by The Real EFL, Steven Schumacher pinpointed defensive weaknesses and a lack of goals as the primary reasons for Bolton’s failure to secure promotion. Schumacher stated,
“We conceded 69 (70) goals as well. We’ll sort that area out as well. And it’s not just the forward players, other players have missed chances. We’ve had opportunities for centre-backs and they have missed them right in front of goal as well. But everyone knows the areas where we’re struggling, and where we need to get better”.
He further explained the efforts being made on the training ground:
“We do finishing sessions literally every day. Different types of finishes. Not just shooting for the sake of it. Different techniques, different little practices. But you can practice it as much as you like on the training ground. It’s when the pressure counts. You’ve just got to be able to take the opportunities. I know that nobody means to miss chances but they win games”.
What Changes Has Steven Schumacher Promised?
According to Pete Oliver of Bolton Wanderers FC, Schumacher has been candid about the need for significant changes. After a 1-1 draw against Stevenage that capped a six-game winless run, Schumacher said,
“What we've got currently hasn't been good enough this year so we need to make sure that we're stronger and to give us a chance to get promoted”.
He added,
“I think the first 15 minutes probably summed it up. In the first three minutes we created two unbelievable chances that should have been goals and then created another one when Aaron Collins should score. From being where it should be 3-0 up and enjoy the day, party atmosphere and then pass the ball around it becomes a bit of a scrap. The game was closer than it needed to be. We got ourselves in front from another set-play goal, which was good, and then probably should have lost the game because the last 20 minutes was messy, scruffy. That game probably sums up the whole season”.
Schumacher confirmed that he would meet with the entire squad to outline his plans, which involve both outgoings and new signings as the club prepares for a fifth consecutive season in League One.
How Did Bolton’s Season Unfold?
As detailed by The Real EFL, Bolton Wanderers’ season was marked by inconsistency. The club parted ways with long-standing manager Ian Evatt in January after a poor run of results. Schumacher’s arrival initially sparked an upturn, with the team climbing into the top six by March. However, a collapse in form saw Bolton win just two of their final 11 games, ultimately finishing eighth and missing out on the play-offs.
Football League World reported that after a loss to Lincoln, Schumacher admitted,
“Creating chances hasn't been a problem all season. Conceding the first goal has been a huge problem. We just don't start games properly and give the opposition a head start nearly all the time, so we're always up against it. We need to figure that out because it's difficult enough to win a game at any stage, let alone when you give a team a two-goal head start. There's loads of work to do. I can't wait to actually get cracking now with the recruitment and try and get it sorted, because there's definitely areas in this squad that we need to improve, 100 percent”.
What Is Schumacher’s Assessment of the Squad’s Mentality?
In an interview with The Bolton News, as cited by Football League World, Schumacher was forthright about the squad’s mentality:
“You have just got to find the right players and get the right personalities in more than anything. You need to get the people who hold themselves to the highest standard every single day, they train properly, they carry out what you have asked them to do on the pitch week in, week out, and they are consistent. We found a way to do that at Plymouth a few years ago and I want to find a way to do that here at Bolton as well”.
He continued,
“You have got to know how to win games. You have to know the size of the task and the expectation that this club has and be able to deal with it as well. If we can bring in people who have experience of promotions, then brilliant, and also if we can bring in some people who have that youth, that energy and enthusiasm, so they play with confidence regardless of what’s going on, then that will help us as well. Being able to attract players to a club of this size shouldn’t be a problem. But, again, they have to be the right types who are going to be able to handle what it takes to play here. Winning a promotion, no matter what division it’s in, isn’t easy because you need a winning mentality”.
What Are the Plans for Recruitment and Squad Overhaul?
As reported by Football League World, Schumacher is looking forward to the summer transfer window:
“I can't wait to actually get cracking now with the recruitment and try and get it sorted, because there's definitely areas in this squad that we need to improve, 100 percent”.
The club is expected to see several departures, with Schumacher making significant contract decisions. He is targeting players with experience of promotion and those who can bring a winning mentality to the squad.
How Has Schumacher’s Past Success Informed His Approach at Bolton?
According to BBC Sport, Schumacher’s previous managerial success at Plymouth Argyle, where he achieved promotion from League One with 101 points, is seen as a model for his work at Bolton. Schumacher told BBC Radio Manchester,
“Numerous aspects have drawn me to this remarkable club—the legacy, the supporters, the ownership, and the calibre of the squad. There are countless factors that have made me thrilled this week. Throughout my coaching career, we've adapted our teams to secure points and success, and that's the objective I wish to bring to Bolton Wanderers”.
What Is the Outlook for the 2025/26 Season?
With Schumacher at the helm, Bolton Wanderers are preparing for a significant rebuild. The club’s ownership and supporters remain supportive of his vision, and there is optimism that the changes being implemented will put the club back on track for promotion.
Schumacher’s focus on mentality, standards, and recruitment is expected to shape the club’s approach in the coming months, as he seeks to address the shortcomings of the previous season and restore Bolton Wanderers to their former glory.