Bolton Wanderers players handed their half term report

Friday night’s win at Fleetwood left them in second spot, two points behind leaders Portsmouth but with a game in hand.

And with 48 points in the bag after 23 games, they are once again ahead of Ian Evatt’s two-points-per-game benchmark that he believes will be needed to secure Championship football.

As Wanderers head into 2024, we thought it was a good time to assess the progress made by each player and give them a good old fashioned school report.

Here is our rundown on the players who have featured in five or more league games for Bolton.

Victor Adeboyejo scores his seventh goal of the season against Fleetwood on Friday night (Image: camerasport)

VICTOR ADEBOYEJO – C+

Goals are a striker’s currency and up to Friday night Adeboyejo was having a hard time getting himself going again. The hard work continues, and he has arguably brought more out of Dion Charles than anyone else, but the numbers have to improve.

ZAC ASHWORTH – C-

Not easy to make a judgement on the West Brom youngster, who suffered an unfortunate succession of injuries through October and November. Looks tidy on the ball and clearly has the trust of the manager, which is a good start.

NATHAN BAXTER – A

Looking more and more like an excellent bit of business for Wanderers. Still has scope for improvement in possession and his role in building from the back is becoming more prominent with each passing week. His consistency has been frightening.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is looking back to top shape at Wanderers (Image: camerasport)

JON DADI BODVARSSON – B

Boasts the most reliable touch of any of Ian Evatt’s strikers and looks as fit as he has at any time in his Bolton career, which is a huge plus for the club. His experience will be an important commodity if the Whites are going to challenge at the top.

DION CHARLES – A-

His goal record speaks for itself, and Wanderers will be keeping fingers crossed that nobody makes them an offer they cannot refuse in the January window. Not the finished article by any means, but when he is in the mood, he is difficult to handle.

JOEL COLEMAN – C+

A couple of calf injuries have deprived the Boltonian of some cup starts and meant some extra minutes for Baxter. Hasn’t let anyone down in the games he has played so far, however, and is clearly keeping his fellow keeper on his toes.

JOSH DACRES-COGLEY – B+

Another very savvy purchase who caught a few people by surprise by dominating the right wing-back position in the first half of the campaign. Quick and impressively robust, Dacres-Cogley now wants to add more of a goal threat to his game.

Kyle Dempsey has returned from a fractured back - and looked back to his best at Fleetwood (Image: camerasport)

KYLE DEMPSEY – B-

Probably the first name on Evatt’s team-sheet up to the autumn. Played with a fractured back – which speaks volumes of his commitment - and now his challenge for the New Year is to get back to his previous levels. His performance at Fleetwood was a very good sign.

WILL FORRESTER – B-

Plenty of Wanderers fans will say he is unlucky not to have more games under his belt after some eye-catching performances. Looks to have some classic defender traits, brave as a lion, with good positioning. One to watch.

JACK IREDALE – C+

Wanderers have leaned heavily on Iredale because of George Johnston’s season-ending injury. Has had his critics but also chipped in with some important goals as he effectively learns a new position on the job when played at wing-back.

CAMERON JEROME – C-

Won’t need reminding that he is yet to score for Bolton. Some have questioned the logic of handing him an 18-month deal last January – but those inside the club say his experience has been invaluable for the younger players. Could yet have his ‘Wilbraham’ moment.

GETHIN JONES – B

Like Iredale and Jerome, has had to battle the critics at times, but a selfless player who has the trust of his manager and brings out the best in others. Will be interesting to see how Wanderers handle his absence after being selected for Australia’s Asian Cup squad.

Brentford's Paris Maghoma has progressed in his loan spell with Wanderers (Image: camerasport)

PARIS MAGHOMA – B+

The Brentford loanee can be so watchable when he is on form. Capable of the spectacular and winning games with a moment of magic, he is also learning the less glamorous side of the game and clearly developing as an all-round player.

LUKE MATHESON – C+

His breakthrough into first team contention has been one of the good news stories of the season so far. Took a risk signing as a B Team player and pressing the ‘reset’ button on a promising career but with a new contract, the decision is looking a sensible one.

CARLOS MENDES GOMES – C+

We haven’t yet seen Mendes Gomes at his consistent best and will now have to wait until he returns from the African Cup of Nations. Exactly where he fits in, we are yet to see, but could be a late-season wildcard.

AARON MORLEY – B

Has had to make some adjustments this season knowing he won’t be playing week-in, week-out, but rewarded with a new deal recently. Has an eye for a pass which sets him apart, and if Bolton needed to score a free-kick to seal promotion, you know who they would call upon.

DAN NLUNDULU – C+

So unlucky to pick up a bad hamstring injury at the point his Wanderers career appeared to be catching fire. Would be great to see the former Southampton striker get back to full fitness and make an impact in the latter stages.

Ricardo Santos is hoping to get a second promotion with Wanderers (Image: Camerasport)

RICARDO SANTOS – B+

When ‘Rico’ plays well, Bolton tend to play well. There are plenty of different views available on the club skipper but his importance to Evatt’s tactical game-plan is undisputable. Can he lead the Whites to another promotion?

JOSH SHEEHAN – A-

No-one has turned around his Bolton career quite like Sheehan. From looking a peripheral figure post knee injury to becoming one of the most reliable of Evatt’s midfield options, 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride for the Wales international.

GEORGE THOMASON – A

Made more giant strides this season to become a bona fide first team leader. Adds a touch of physicality in midfield and seems to understand Evatt’s overall gameplan better than anyone. Wanderers will hope their grip on Thomason is not tested again in the transfer window.

EOIN TOAL – B+

In a year the Northern Irishman has progressed from an untested youngster fresh from Derry City to international centre-half with 50 first team games under his belt. Still has scope for improvement and an exciting future ahead.

RANDELL WILLIAMS – B-

Wanderers look a more balanced side this season and much of that is down to Williams, who has held down the left wing-back role for the most part. Has provided goals and a few assists, along with a quite spectacular celebration.

Ian Evatt hugs Josh Sheehan after the win against Wycombe (Image: camerasport)

IAN EVATT - A

Much like his team, the manager has continually been asked questions from an expectant fanbase, and even with his team riding so high in League One there will be some who feel he still has something to prove.

Those doubts seem to fuel him, however, and Evatt has a steadfast belief in his players and the system he has honed over the last few years. 

No manager has ever taken Bolton up two levels - and stay at the club - and you sense even Championship football would not quell his ambition.

It has taken some time to get the blend right - but the symbiosis between Evatt and the club around him appears a perfect one right now.