Latest news with #Wanderers'
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bolton Wanderers eyeing up homegrown Hull City defender Matty Jacobs
HULL City defender Matty Jacob is understood to be in Wanderers' sights as transfer activity starts to pick up at the Toughsheet Stadium. The left-back, who turns 24 today, came through Hull's youth ranks and has been on the fringes of the squad in the Championship for the last two seasons. Advertisement Jacob has two years left to run on his contract with the Tigers but it remains to be seen whether Bolton pursue a permanent or loan arrangement. Steven Schumacher has relatively few options on the left side of his defence and particularly in the full-back department, where the returning Max Conway is the only real specialist in the squad. Having knocked on the first team door at Hull, Wanderers could now offer Jacob the regular football he needs to progress a career which got off to a stellar start with a goal on his first start for Hull in the FA Cup against Birmingham City. Previously, he had also spent a season on loan in the National League North with Gateshead in 2021/22, featuring 34 times and helping the north-east club secure promotion as champions. Barnsley-born Jacob played eight games last season and scored his first league goal against Sheffield United in January. He was also a substitute on 18 occasions.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- 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
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Schumacher 'positive' as Wanderers' pre-season preparations start to take shape
THE first games of Wanderers' pre-season have been put in place, with Steven Schumacher's side set to face Barrow and Shrewsbury in July. Bolton's summer schedule will include a game at the So Legal Stadium (Holker Street) on Tuesday, July 15 (kick-off 7pm). Wanderers will then travel to face Shrewsbury at the Croud Meadow on Tuesday, July 22 (7pm kick-off). Players are due to return to the training ground at the end of next month, with Schumacher confirming a 'trip' was planned as part of the preparations for the new campaign. The fixture list is announced at midday on Thursday, June 26, with the League One season commencing on the weekend of August 1. Schumacher is expected to make several signings this summer and has already been linked with a string of goalkeepers including Chelsea's Teddy Sharman-Lowe, QPR's Murphy Cooper and, most recently, Crystal Palace's Owen Goodman, who is on loan with League Two play-off finalists Wimbledon. Although changes are afoot, the Bolton boss insists he has also seen signs around the squad in inherited that bode well for the future. 'We fell away a little bit towards the end, now injuries played a big part in that,' he explained. 'We had 12-13 senior players out who had all been playing – good, senior players who you'd miss, and any squad with that number of injuries suffers. 'Also, getting the squad to play how I want to play, without that balance, it just wasn't possible. It has been difficult but we will address that over the summer with recruitment if we can. 'I have seen loads of positives, the running stats have been higher, we have had a lot more opportunities in transition which is how I like to jobs" target="_blank">work, we have seen certain things in the team which looks like the style we want. 'But we also know we need some other players as well to execute that style and carry out the gameplan. We have got good players here, but we fell short, we need better players that can help us play exactly how I want to play next year.' Schumacher is confident he will be able to bring in players this summer who can complement the existing squad and ensure a sustained push for promotion next season. 'I am positive about it,' he said. 'When I came here in January and went through the interview process, spoke to Sharon and Nick, they said it was going to be difficult and that there would be ups and downs with the way the squad was, the balance of the squad,' he said. 'I understood that but I genuinely did feel we could make the play-offs, I was honest about that. We didn't manage to do that but I also had one eye on next year and if we didn't do it, what does next year look like? 'I have a really good idea now, I have had four months to assess the group and for me it's really clear to see what needs to be done and what has to get better.'
The Advertiser
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Arzani amazes as Victory knock Wanderers out of finals
Daniel Arzani was the star of the show as Melbourne Victory edged past Western Sydney Wanderers to claim a 2-1 A-League Men elimination final win. Victory will play host premiers Auckland in the first match of a two-legged semi-final next Saturday, and Arzani will be on deck after he helped Arthur Diles' men end the Wanderers' finals campaign. Arzani had to be helped off the field by Victory medical staff with 10 minutes to go, but Diles explained the Socceroos ace was simply suffering from cramp. The 26-year-old had been electric on Saturday, having a hand in both of his side's goals as they ended the Wanderers' 11-game unbeaten run in front of 16, 399 spectators at CommBank Stadium. "He (Arzani) played to the level that we know he can show," Diles said. "I think he can play better than that as well ... he put in a great shift there. "His body cramped up from all the hard work, and that's the other part of the game where he's growing, his defensive duty and discipline." The Wanderers had chances to tie the game in the final quarter of an hour. Star import Juan Mata blazed a golden opportunity over the bar to leave coach Alen Stajcic cursing his side's lack of killer instinct. "They're a top team, a good attacking team and we let them get the lead and allowed them to sit back," said Stajcic, who was involved in a heated full-time discussion with Diles. "Those moments of quality when he had them, we didn't take our chances." Victory did a terrific job to nullify the Wanderers' attacking threats, and it helped that at the other end Arzani was clearly in a mood to make an impact. The Socceroos winger has consistently had his work rate and effort questioned, particularly by former Victory manager and current national team boss Tony Popovic. But Arzani was popping up everywhere on Saturday and he gave Victory their lead after taking charge of his side's attack on the right. Arzani scampered in-field and, unchallenged, floated the ball past Gabriel Cleur and found left-back Kasey Bos, who buried the ball past Lawrence Thomas to give the away side a sixth-minute lead. The early goal seemed to spark the Wanderers into action, and after some encouraging waves of attack they eventually broke through courtesy of Zac Sapsford. Brandon Borrello poked a ball through the Victory defence in the 23rd minute and Sapsford raced ahead, turning the ball beyond the reach of Jack Duncan with his first touch. But Arzani took matters into his own hands to ensure Victory went in at halftime with a 2-1 lead. Jinking down the left touchline this time, the winger took on Cleur and beat him to the byline to squeeze a ball back across the face of the six-yard box. Bozhidar Kraev failed to beat Zinedine Machach to the ball and the Frenchman struck past Thomas. Arzani looked the most likely to conjure something for Victory to put the game to bed, but he trudged off with a limp. Wanderers boss Stajcic had thrown Mata into the game in pursuit of a goal. And while the Spanish international nearly set up fellow sub Marcus Antonsson, he fluffed at the best chance of the night. Mata was unmarked in the middle of the box when the ball was played to him, but he skied it into the second tier of the grandstand. Victory will host Auckland next Saturday (May 17) at AAMI Park, before a return leg at GoMedia Stadium on May 24. Daniel Arzani was the star of the show as Melbourne Victory edged past Western Sydney Wanderers to claim a 2-1 A-League Men elimination final win. Victory will play host premiers Auckland in the first match of a two-legged semi-final next Saturday, and Arzani will be on deck after he helped Arthur Diles' men end the Wanderers' finals campaign. Arzani had to be helped off the field by Victory medical staff with 10 minutes to go, but Diles explained the Socceroos ace was simply suffering from cramp. The 26-year-old had been electric on Saturday, having a hand in both of his side's goals as they ended the Wanderers' 11-game unbeaten run in front of 16, 399 spectators at CommBank Stadium. "He (Arzani) played to the level that we know he can show," Diles said. "I think he can play better than that as well ... he put in a great shift there. "His body cramped up from all the hard work, and that's the other part of the game where he's growing, his defensive duty and discipline." The Wanderers had chances to tie the game in the final quarter of an hour. Star import Juan Mata blazed a golden opportunity over the bar to leave coach Alen Stajcic cursing his side's lack of killer instinct. "They're a top team, a good attacking team and we let them get the lead and allowed them to sit back," said Stajcic, who was involved in a heated full-time discussion with Diles. "Those moments of quality when he had them, we didn't take our chances." Victory did a terrific job to nullify the Wanderers' attacking threats, and it helped that at the other end Arzani was clearly in a mood to make an impact. The Socceroos winger has consistently had his work rate and effort questioned, particularly by former Victory manager and current national team boss Tony Popovic. But Arzani was popping up everywhere on Saturday and he gave Victory their lead after taking charge of his side's attack on the right. Arzani scampered in-field and, unchallenged, floated the ball past Gabriel Cleur and found left-back Kasey Bos, who buried the ball past Lawrence Thomas to give the away side a sixth-minute lead. The early goal seemed to spark the Wanderers into action, and after some encouraging waves of attack they eventually broke through courtesy of Zac Sapsford. Brandon Borrello poked a ball through the Victory defence in the 23rd minute and Sapsford raced ahead, turning the ball beyond the reach of Jack Duncan with his first touch. But Arzani took matters into his own hands to ensure Victory went in at halftime with a 2-1 lead. Jinking down the left touchline this time, the winger took on Cleur and beat him to the byline to squeeze a ball back across the face of the six-yard box. Bozhidar Kraev failed to beat Zinedine Machach to the ball and the Frenchman struck past Thomas. Arzani looked the most likely to conjure something for Victory to put the game to bed, but he trudged off with a limp. Wanderers boss Stajcic had thrown Mata into the game in pursuit of a goal. And while the Spanish international nearly set up fellow sub Marcus Antonsson, he fluffed at the best chance of the night. Mata was unmarked in the middle of the box when the ball was played to him, but he skied it into the second tier of the grandstand. Victory will host Auckland next Saturday (May 17) at AAMI Park, before a return leg at GoMedia Stadium on May 24. Daniel Arzani was the star of the show as Melbourne Victory edged past Western Sydney Wanderers to claim a 2-1 A-League Men elimination final win. Victory will play host premiers Auckland in the first match of a two-legged semi-final next Saturday, and Arzani will be on deck after he helped Arthur Diles' men end the Wanderers' finals campaign. Arzani had to be helped off the field by Victory medical staff with 10 minutes to go, but Diles explained the Socceroos ace was simply suffering from cramp. The 26-year-old had been electric on Saturday, having a hand in both of his side's goals as they ended the Wanderers' 11-game unbeaten run in front of 16, 399 spectators at CommBank Stadium. "He (Arzani) played to the level that we know he can show," Diles said. "I think he can play better than that as well ... he put in a great shift there. "His body cramped up from all the hard work, and that's the other part of the game where he's growing, his defensive duty and discipline." The Wanderers had chances to tie the game in the final quarter of an hour. Star import Juan Mata blazed a golden opportunity over the bar to leave coach Alen Stajcic cursing his side's lack of killer instinct. "They're a top team, a good attacking team and we let them get the lead and allowed them to sit back," said Stajcic, who was involved in a heated full-time discussion with Diles. "Those moments of quality when he had them, we didn't take our chances." Victory did a terrific job to nullify the Wanderers' attacking threats, and it helped that at the other end Arzani was clearly in a mood to make an impact. The Socceroos winger has consistently had his work rate and effort questioned, particularly by former Victory manager and current national team boss Tony Popovic. But Arzani was popping up everywhere on Saturday and he gave Victory their lead after taking charge of his side's attack on the right. Arzani scampered in-field and, unchallenged, floated the ball past Gabriel Cleur and found left-back Kasey Bos, who buried the ball past Lawrence Thomas to give the away side a sixth-minute lead. The early goal seemed to spark the Wanderers into action, and after some encouraging waves of attack they eventually broke through courtesy of Zac Sapsford. Brandon Borrello poked a ball through the Victory defence in the 23rd minute and Sapsford raced ahead, turning the ball beyond the reach of Jack Duncan with his first touch. But Arzani took matters into his own hands to ensure Victory went in at halftime with a 2-1 lead. Jinking down the left touchline this time, the winger took on Cleur and beat him to the byline to squeeze a ball back across the face of the six-yard box. Bozhidar Kraev failed to beat Zinedine Machach to the ball and the Frenchman struck past Thomas. Arzani looked the most likely to conjure something for Victory to put the game to bed, but he trudged off with a limp. Wanderers boss Stajcic had thrown Mata into the game in pursuit of a goal. And while the Spanish international nearly set up fellow sub Marcus Antonsson, he fluffed at the best chance of the night. Mata was unmarked in the middle of the box when the ball was played to him, but he skied it into the second tier of the grandstand. Victory will host Auckland next Saturday (May 17) at AAMI Park, before a return leg at GoMedia Stadium on May 24.
West Australian
10-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Arzani shines as Victory knock Wanderers out of finals
Daniel Arzani was the star of the show as Melbourne Victory edged past Western Sydney Wanderers before failing to finish his side's 2-1 A-League Men elimination final win. Victory will play host premiers Auckland in the first match of a two-legged semi-final next Saturday after Arzani helped Arthur Diles' men end the Wanderers' finals campaign. But Arzani, who had to be helped off the field by Victory medical staff with 10 minutes to go, could be in doubt. The 26-year-old had a hand in both of his side's goals on Saturday as they ended the Wanderers' 11-game unbeaten run in front of 16, 399 spectators at CommBank Stadium. The Wanderers had chances to tie the game, but star import Juan Mata butchered a golden opportunity in the final quarter of an hour. Victory did a terrific job to nullify the Wanderers' attacking threats, and it helped that at the other end Arzani was clearly in a mood to make an impact. The Socceroos winger has consistently had his work rate and effort questioned, particularly by former Victory manager and current national team boss Tony Popovic. But Arzani was popping up everywhere and he gave Victory their lead after taking charge of his side's attack on the right. Arzani scampered in-field and, unchallenged, floated the ball past Gabriel Cleur and found left-back Kasey Bos, who buried the ball past Lawrence Thomas to give the away side a sixth-minute lead. The early goal seemed to spark the Wanderers into action, and after some encouraging waves of attack they eventually broke through courtesy of Zac Sapsford. Brandon Borrello poked a ball through the Victory defence in the 23rd minute and Sapsford raced ahead, turning the ball beyond the reach of Jack Duncan with his first touch. But Arzani took matters into his own hands to ensure Victory went in at halftime with a 2-1 lead. Jinking down the left touchline this time, the winger took on Cleur and beat him to the byline to squeeze a ball back across the face of the six-yard box. Bozhidar Kraev failed to beat Zinedine Machach to the ball and the Frenchman struck past Thomas. Arzani looked the most likely to conjure something for Victory to put the game to bed, but he trudged off with a limp. Wanderers boss Alen Stajcic had thrown Mata into the game in pursuit of a goal. And while the Spanish international nearly set up fellow sub Marcus Antonsson, he fluffed at the best chance of the night. Mata was unmarked in the middle of the box when the ball was played into him, but he skied it into the second tier of the grandstand.
