Bolton finished the season in a comparatively comfy 13^th spot but despite being clear of the relegation dogfight before the death-throes of the season, a full 9 points off a top ten position is something upon which manager Gary Megson will wish to improve next time around. 

Megson was not initially a universally welcomed choice to replace Sammy Lee at the helm but some good results amongst the occasional Allardyce-esq workman-like performance have given him the backing of the majority of the regulars at the Reebok. A team built very much around influential captain Kevin Davies, Bolton recouped well following the surprise departure of club captain Kevin Nolan to Newcastle during the January transfer. Megson will expect to see a few departures and some fresh blood injected into his squad in preparation for the new campaign. However, with the very real prospect of limited funds being given for transfer, the more rival team’s see foreign investment making ever greater sums of money available for transfers, maintaining a safe distance between Wanderers and the bottom of the league may be a priority over looking upwards.