With new owners, a new manager and a whole new playing squad acquired in the last week, the days are surely numbered for Bolton’s team of youngsters, hoping to keep their place in the side, who have battled against all odds this season to keep the club going and fulfilling its fixture list.
As new manager Keith Hill has brought with him nine new signings, all of whom have plenty of experience, most of Wanderers’ young players are likely going to lose their place in the squad.
However, given some of the performances on show in the opening few weeks of the season, a number of Bolton youngsters fully deserve to keep their place in the side.
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Harry Brockbank
Despite his young age, Harry Brockbank already resembles a first-team professional. The 20-year-old has captained Bolton on two occasions this season, leading the team to hard-fought and entertaining draws in both instances.
A Bolton lad through and through, Brockbank could have left during the summer and had options on the table but elected to remain at his beloved Wanderers.
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Dennis Politic
One of the most exciting players to watch this season, when fit, has been the tricky Dennis Politic whose slick skills and fierce right foot have netted him two goals so far.
It would be sensible to keep a player of his ability in and around the side as he could cause some problems for opposition sides this season.
Ronan Darcy
Ronan Darcy broke into Bolton’s side at the end of last season and impressed straight away. The fair-haired midfielder has continued to impress this campaign with a professional attitude and the most energy we think we’ve ever seen in a player.
Yoan Zouma
Zouma has quickly become a fan-favourite at the UniBol with the young Frenchman impressing from the word go against Wycombe and Coventry. He’s looked a little shaky at times but his boundless energy and fearless tackling warrant a place in and around the first team.
Liam Edwards
Edwards hasn’t played since going off injured against Rochdale in the League Cup but arguably looked more impressive than Zouma in the home draw against Coventry. His absence, we feel, easily contributed to the glut of goals Wanderers have conceded in recent games.
Matthew Alexander
The 17-year-old goalkeeper made his Wanderers debut against Coventry and did so in perfect fashion, earning a clean sheet and making some crucial saves.
In two appearances for Bolton, he has conceded just once; compare that with first-choice stopper Remi Matthews who has shipped 22 goals in five appearances so far this campaign.
The decision of which of Wanderers’ heroic youngsters get to keep a place in the side now rests with Keith Hill, hopefully, the new Bolton boss can fit some of them into his plans for the coming season.