End Of Season Review: June

It seems like a million years ago that we embarked upon this most successful of recent seasons.

There was, however, a time when Bolton Wanderers still existed in a state of turmoil.

Over the next few weeks, Will and I plan on reviewing the Whites' fortunes on a month-by-month basis, culminating in last weekend's famous win over Peterborough United which sealed our promotion back to the Championship.

June 2016 however was a very different place for Bolton Wanderers. Still reeling from the pain of relegation and with the jeers of supporters in their ears, the players gathered their thoughts in a variety of foreign destinations.

The most pressing issue at the start of June however was whether the club would leave the upper tiers open at the Reebok Stadium. A debate was had online with arguments both ways, but ultimately a decision was made and you'd be hard pressed to find many fans who, with hindsight being 20/20, feel that was incorrect.

The business of finding a new manager was also in the front of our minds, with names such as Nigel Adkins, Ryan Giggs and Steve Cotterill being mooted. It was, ultimately, Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson who was unveiled on 9th June.

Two days later his backroom team was announced, with Steve Parkin, Tim Breaker and Lee Butler making the same trip over from Bratfut.

An announcement was made the same day to introduce something called the EFL Trophy - later known as the Checkatrade Trophy - which would go on to piss everyone off.

Later that week, former Everton and Manchester City man Peter Reid left the club, having helped Academy boss Jimmy Phillips towards the end of the previous campaign once Neil Lennon was sacked. Coincidentally, Lennon was appointed as Hibs manager later on that same week.

June 22nd saw our fixtures released, with eyes on an opening day clash with promotion rivals Sheffield United, along with tasty local derbies against Bury and Rochdale eagerly sought out by fans.

Academy graduate Niall Maher left the club on the 25th, moving to Bury on a free transfer. The very same day, Liam Feeney would sign for Blackburn Rovers where he would disappear into nothingness.

The Parkinson era began on June 27th, with Dean Holdsworth moving to a Director of Football role in what would be the first of many backroom reshuffles and squabbles over the course of what was to be another eventful season in the politics of Bolton Wanderers.

To close the month, youngsters Tyler Garrett and Jamie Thomas left the club, joining Doncaster Rovers and Burnley respectively.

So, it was on to July, and you will have to stay tuned to these pages to read about that particular month in an article coming soon.