The turbulent week has left many umming and ahing about this weekend’s fixture against Coventry City.
In the week that “aZ iT bIn DuN?” became the greatest Wanderers related meme since the days of the Jermaine Beckford thumbs up, we’ve had so many circumstance changes, this is the fourth time I’ve re-written this article in the past 5 days.
From ‘overpriced’ tickets, to ticket sale suspensions and to top it all off a Laurence Bassini High Court Injunction preventing the “imminent” sale of the club.
After Wanderers’ valiant display against Wycombe last weekend, it felt good to be a Wanderers fan again, something that’s been lacking for a long, long time.
Nothing but pride was written on the faces of the youthful Wanderers as they left the pitch at Adams Park, reciprocated by the better part of 2000 loyal supporters that had made the 400 mile round trip.
I, for one, was gutted not to attend but found myself full of pride when Jack Dearden and Marc Iles, on radio commentary, were drowned out by the Bolton faithful singing their hearts out. We’ve all seen the videos of that away end, the comments from other football fans and the posts by all those youngsters who were involved in the game.
Now, imagine this ten-fold.
It’s our chance to make that happen. This is our time to continue the incredible support back at home, our home, the place that in recent times has not been enjoyable to visit.
Those times will change. It’s us - the fans - the most important part of any football club, that have the power to prove to the squad, the staff and the rest of the footballing world just how proud we are of our boys. The chance to show how much this club means to us and no matter what league we find ourselves in; no matter what embargo’s we’re stuck with or whatever circumstances we’re under, we will always be on the terraces supporting the lads that are lucky enough to wear the shirt.
It has been reported tonight that Wanderers will be fielding a younger team than those who played at Wycombe. Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. It suggests that some, if not all, senior players are refusing to play, but it does mean that any player who crosses the touchline tomorrow wearing the white jersey will be doing so - not because he has too - but because he wants too.
We can argue till the ends of the world about ticket prices, about closing upper tiers, about the style of football, whether you’re “Parky In” or “Parky Out” and even the final score, but it’s all irrelevant at the minute.
We don’t know what the future holds but I’m sure the period of uncertainty will be over soon enough. Tomorrow brings round the opportunity to show our future owners - whoever they may be - exactly what they’re buying into.
Without wanting to sound like a certain Mr Anderson, although there is no pay on the day facility, tickets can still be purchased online and the club has urged fans to take advantage of the “Print at Home” service to prevent excess queuing pre-match.
So, if you don't have any plans tomorrow, let’s all make the trip down to The UNIBOL and show the world exactly what makes this club so special.
The players need you.
The staff need you.
The club needs you.