Why Bolton ‘Refuse to Play by the Rules’ as Wanderers’ Approach Comes Under Scrutiny

Bolton Wanderers have already established a clear identity under Schumacher

There is plenty to like about Bolton Wanderers’ start to the campaign, with the Whites sitting just three points outside the play-off places as league football prepares to return.

Given the circumstances surrounding the summer, it would have been difficult to demand much more from Bolton at this stage. The squad looked arguably weaker than the one which secured promotion at Wembley, yet Schumacher’s side have quickly found a way to compete.

One of the most noticeable features of Bolton’s opening eight matches has been their willingness to take the game to opponents.

There appears to be little interest in simply accepting the role of an underdog and sitting back against teams with greater resources or a bigger reputation. Bolton have been prepared to be aggressive, take risks and impose themselves on matches.

That approach has produced an unpredictable campaign so far.

Some performances have been frantic and chaotic, but there has also been plenty of entertainment. Bolton have shown a willingness to attack games rather than simply trying to survive them, and that has helped create a team with a recognisable identity.

Importantly, though, they have demonstrated that they can win games in different ways.

The victory over Cardiff City was a perfect example. It was hardly a performance where Bolton dominated from start to finish, and there was an argument that they were fortunate to come away with all three points.

But that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Cardiff was viewed as one of those matches Bolton simply had to win, and finding a way to take maximum points when not at their best is an important quality for any side with ambitions of challenging near the top.

The difference between the two clubs is already significant. Bolton have 10 points, while Cardiff have managed only seven and currently sit just above the relegation places.

It highlights how quickly the margins can change in this league.

Bolton have also discovered that the smallest details can be costly. Their 3-2 defeats against West Ham and Sheffield United showed both the attacking potential of the team and the defensive improvements that are still required.

There were concerns during pre-season that Bolton might lack enough firepower, but those fears have not exactly been justified so far.

Seven goals have been scored across the last three matches, with six of them coming from different players. That suggests Schumacher has more attacking options at his disposal than some may have initially expected.

There is still plenty to tidy up.

Bolton can look vulnerable defensively and will need greater organisation if they are going to turn their positive start into a sustained promotion challenge. But the foundations are already there.

More importantly, this Bolton side knows how it wants to play.

They are not interested in simply respecting reputations or allowing supposedly bigger clubs to dictate proceedings. Schumacher has encouraged his players to be brave, and the early signs suggest that mentality is paying off.

There is a long way to go, but Bolton have given supporters plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

Now comes another opportunity to test that identity.

Bring on Stoke.