End of Season Review: October

Welcome back to this review of Bolton Wanderers 2016/17 season.

This time, we look at October and the joy that it bore us all.

The month began in the shitter, in fairness. A 0-2 home defeat to Oxford United brought back memories of our defensive fragility under Neil Lennon and was a thoroughly miserable experience.

Three days later, Sammy Ameobi scored his first goal for the club as be defeated Blackpool 1-0 at the Reebok Stadium to earn ourselves a win in the Checkatrade Trophy. Nobody really cared.

Soon after, Wanderers received news that Max Clayton had returned from his latest injury and was cleared to join in training. Also back in training was ex-Everton man Leon Osman who was invited in by Lee Anderson Phil Parkinson, though who ultimately would fail to earn a deal.

8th October saw us travel to Wiltshere where we earned a last-gasp 1-0 win against Swindon Town, courtesy of a hilarious own goal. Sadly I can't find it on YouTube, but take my word for it, it was fantastic.

Later that week, new chairman Ken Anderson announced that he would be holding a Q&A session with Bolton fans later in November. His predecessor and a slew of former managers had held similar events, attended mainly by BWSA-types in knitwear.

Saturday 15th October came and went with another win. This time 2-0 against Oldham Athletic. That man Zach Clough scoring twice.

Two days later the draw for the First Round of the FA Cup was made. Wanderers, being ball no.5, drew Grimsby Town at home, and again, nobody really cared.

We travelled to Millwall that same week, coming away with three points after a thoroughly professional 2-0 victory. Goals came courtesy of a Sammy Ameobi thriker and a late David Wheater effort sending the boys home with the W.

Some more transfer news came immediately afterwards, with ex-Stoke City man Peter Odemwingie training with the club. He would later sign for Rotherham United, of the Championship, where he achieved the best part of jack-all. Bullet dodged.

The final week of October began with a convincing 2-0 midweek away win against Bury, with a Clough brace confirming our victory over the local minnows. It was a great game, with Wanderers easily winning in front of thousands of travelling fans.

October 29th saw us record a sixth successive win, turning over a very poor Port Vale side 3-1 at the Reebok. Goals came via Clough (again), Josh Vela and Lawrie Wilson.

As the Christmas period began to loom on the horizon, Wanderers were in great shape.