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Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How Bolton Wanderers have laid 'solid' foundations to build from
Wanderers' Chief Financial Officer Niaz Shazad believes the club has laid solid foundations to build from. Shazad joined from the City Football Group last September and has also served as interim co-Chief Executive Officer following Neil Hart's departure. 'The club's resurgence since the FVWL (Football Ventures) acquisition in 2019 culminated in record-breaking turnover in 2023/24 which speaks volumes about the jobs" target="_blank">work that's gone into rebuilding Bolton post-administration,' he told Football Business Journal. 'From a financial and operational standpoint, the foundations are sound and with the support and backing of the board, will only get stronger.' Shazad added: 'Scalability now depends on our ability to evolve this model. We are not just trying to grow for growth's sake – we're aiming for smart, sustainable growth. 'That means investing further in data infrastructure, improving talent pathways from Academy to first team, and forming strategic partnerships both locally and internationally.' The campaign didn't go to plan for the first team but there was success for the Women's team and Academy, who clinched several trophies collectively. The Women's team achieved the league and cup double in their first season under club operations, without losing a single game in the league. Julian Darby's Under-18s won the Youth Alliance League northern section before thrashing Luton in the national final at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. The youngsters also won the LFA Professional Youth Cup. Andy Taylor's B Team completed a hat trick of successes at the County Ground in Leyland, beating Burnley to lift the LFA Senior Cup. 'What we've seen this past season is not just success in isolation – it's reward for years of groundwork across our footballing departments, be it Julian Darby, Dave Gardiner, Myles Smith or the many wonderful members in their respective teams,' Shazad stated. 'The performance of our Women's team, B Team and Academy sides is a powerful signal that the club is building the right way - from the ground up, with cohesion, standards and identity running through every level. 'From a strategic standpoint, these achievements confirm our belief in a "one club" philosophy. We don't view these teams as peripheral or developmental – they're integral pillars of Bolton Wanderers. 'Their success enhances our brand, our talent pipeline and our commercial appeal. Winning matters, but what matters even more is how we're winning - with local talent, intelligent coaching and a culture of excellence that mirrors the first team's direction.' Several youngsters also received opportunities in the first team during the final weeks of the campaign including David Abimbola and Sam Inwood. Shazad echoed new Sporting Director Fergal Harkin's words about the importance of developing talent to make the step up to the senior ranks. 'Another core pillar is player trading and development,' he said. 'This isn't just about selling talent – it's about creating a vertically integrated pathway from Academy to first team and beyond, which creates long-term value both on the pitch and on the balance sheet. 'Our investment in data-led recruitment and youth development ensures that we aren't just developing talent for ourselves but becoming a club recognised for producing players who thrive at higher levels. 'Our B Team, as well as U18s have had tremendous success this season, winning leagues and cups alike and we hope to build upon these foundations in the years to come.'
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wanderers' U18s secure the league title with victory at Chesterfield
Wanderers' Under-18 side have been crowned Youth Alliance League Northern champions following a 2-0 victory at Chesterfield. Bolton only needed a point to finish top of the table but secured all three thanks to goals from David Abimbola and Latrell Lewis during the first half. It has been an impressive season for Julian Darby's side, who also won the LFA Professional Youth Cup after beating Blackpool in the final earlier this month. Wanderers have only lost once in the league this season and that defeat came against Salford over the weekend when a significant number of the squad were on first team duties at Peterborough. What a group! 🤍 A league and cup double for Wanderers U18's! 🙌🏻#bwfc — Bolton Wanderers B Team and Academy (@BWFCBandAcademy) April 29, 2025 Abimbola, Harrison Rice and Harley Irwin were all back in the starting line-up against Chesterfield, several days on from their trip to London Road. Abimbola, in particular, has had some valuable experience around the senior squad lately, making his first League One start at Lincoln City on Easter Monday. Daeshon Lawrence has also been an important player for the Under-18s over the past season but was absent from the squad, potentially with the B Team's final against Burnley tonight in mind. Darby, of course, had a stint with the first team this season. The club legend was in the dugout for the victories against Huddersfield and Northampton with assistance from Andy Taylor and Andrew Tutte. Wanderers have won 19 of their 23 league matches since the start of the campaign to see off competition from Wrexham for the title. Bolton have another league game to play this weekend against Shrewsbury at Lostock. Earlier this month, Darby said: 'I love it with the kids, they're a really good group and they've done really well this year.' He added: 'They're an excellent group. I can't speak highly enough and I just hope that a few of them get that chance to play at the stadium.'
