Bolton Wanderers Boss Named Two “Important Of His Star Players” That Will Totally The His Only…

Bolton Wanderers boss seeks ‘huge boost’ against Stockport

STEVEN Schumacher has signalled the charge for Wanderers in the final 10 games of the season.

More than 23,000 fans will flock to the Toughsheet Stadium this lunchtime to see if the Whites can climb above their local rivals into fifth spot in League One before the international break.

The likes of Jordi Osei-Tutu, Josh Dacres-Cogley and Chris Forino are pushing for a recall after sitting out Tuesday night’s 3-2 defeat at Bristol Rovers – a result which Schumacher feels should act just as much as motivation for his side as the 5-0 embarrassment they suffered at Edgeley Park back in November.

Back in the play-off mix for the first time since that dark day, Wanderers remain one of the division’s form sides, and Schumacher reckons his team will be ready to make amends.

“We were gutted from Tuesday night, but it was just another game – if we can go up against a rival, get the better of them and go above them in the league then it would be a huge boost going into the international break.

“The games here at home have been high-energy and the crowds have been amazing. It’s a big game against a local rival with a lot at stake, so we will be ready for it.

“The run we have been on has been excellent, and if we can put a similar one together between now and the end of the season then it will give us a really good chance of being where we want to be.”

Stockport have been flying high for most of the season, losing just twice in the league since Boxing Day and threatening to achieve a third promotion in four seasons under ex-Bury defender Dave Challinor.

Schumacher has been impressed by the way their success has spilled over from League Two.

“I think they’ve had a brilliant season,” he said. “Having continuity for a squad that got promoted and then going into the next league, sometimes that can give you that a bit of momentum.

“They obviously all know each other’s games, they’ve recruited well from last season. They have some new players in there, their manager is obviously experienced and is a really good coach, you can see with the way that they play, they know what they’re doing, they’re organised.

“I’m not surprised that they’ve done as well as they have done, it is similar to Wrexham, who came up as well. This will be a tough game, and we want to make sure we come out of it on top.” 

Waiting on the horizon after the international break is another two local fixtures at Blackpool and Wigan Athletic, the latter now managed by Schumacher’s associate, Ryan Lowe.

The pair worked together at Plymouth Argyle, helping them achieve promotion to League One before Lowe departed for Preston North End and Schumacher took the club on another level to the Championship.

The prospect of being in opposite dugouts at neighbouring clubs brings a smile to his face.

“’m pleased for Ryan, he’s obviously been out of the game for a little while, having left Preston early on in the season, he’s been waiting for the right moment to get back in,” he said. “

“Thankfully for him it’s happened and he’s gone in at Wigan, so we get it on in a few weeks, and I can’t wait.

“I am looking forward to it. it’ll be a good night, and we haven’t beaten them for a while, so it’ll be good to try and get one over on my mate.”