So another season starts tomorrow, one which we could have easily not have started. But stricken, depleted, we are still on the start line, as Bolton Wanderers make their first ever trip to Adams Park to take on our namesakes from Wycombe.
The first key question was would we have a game on at all. The answer seems yes. Contracted players have apparently been paid with a takeover close (we’ve heard that one too often now), while non-contracted players must wait until next week. A few of the senior players plus a large dollop of youth looks to be how we’ll line up – but one absentee will be Josh Magennis, who has refused to travel. He had activated his notice period, but now being paid, where does that leave things?
Us Bolton fans will be making the trip in big numbers – nearly selling out a 1,800 capacity away end at the time of writing.
One new addition tomorrow will be the kit, The club confirmed the players will wear a Hummel kit, which I’m not massively keen on, but there are bigger issues at the moment, let’s remember. There are talks to sort out a deal for the whole season.
👕 Bolton Wanderers will be wearing a hummel kit for our @SkyBetLeagueOne opener against @wwfcofficial on Saturday.
The club are having discussions with @hummel1923 regarding the rest of the campaign.#BWFC 🐘🏰 pic.twitter.com/8lJ1FaumkR
— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) August 2, 2019
As for Wycombe, Sido Jombati and Curtis Thompson are their only absentees. All their summer signings are available, which include the likes of ex-Gillingham and Red Star Belgrade (really) Josh Parker and former Millwall player Fred Onyedinma. Whoever plays in our backline will also have to deal with the small matter of Adebayo Akinfenwa.
Prediction
Tough one. I’ll go for a 2-1 defeat. That might be optimistic, but it’s the opening day of the season and it’s difficult to go off anything.