HOW do you top the most successful season in the club’s history?

That is the conundrum facing Bolton Wanderers Ladies as they gear up for a new campaign under a new manager.

Last year – in stark comparison to the struggles of their male counterparts – Chris Stokes’ side ended-up second in the North West Premier League, their highest-ever finish, scoring a record 84 goals.

Playing at the fifth level of the women’s game, last season’s success marked a high point for BWFC Ladies, who had pushed hard to increase participation the previous summer.

Only Crewe Alexandra could better Wanderers’ record of just two defeats all year and though the achievement was unexpected, it has now raised the bar with what is expected this time around.

“Last season was a significant jump from previous years,” explained BWFC Ladies’ secretary Darren Butler. “Before that we’d been competing lower to mid-table and though you start off every season hoping to be successful, there was no real indication it would be that good.

“There was no one single reason why it happened. We’d got a good coaching staff and an influx of younger players, which might have added a bit more competition.

“The women’s World Cup helped increase participation but in truth we’ve been seeing a steady increase for a number of years at youth level.

“The challenge is getting players to move through from the junior level to the senior level. Once girls get to the age where they go away to university and start careers it sometimes drops away.

“But we’re very happy with what we have managed to do. We have a lot of local girls here who have improved considerably. Hopefully this season we can push on again.”

Picking up the baton from Stokes this season is Londoner John Oliver, who has worked with Wanderers for the last two years.

“I’ve been very impressed with the quality and the attitude of the squad and the new faces who have come in,” he said. “Hopefully we can make this another season to be proud of for the club.”

In terms of numbers, BWFC Ladies have never looked healthier and they will enter three open-age teams into the North West Women’s Regional League (first team), Lancashire County Women’s League (reserves) and the Greater Manchester Women’s League (development squad).

“It means we can cater for players with a broad spectrum of ability,” explained Butler. “It isn’t just about the elite players and there are plenty of opportunities for less experienced players to get involved.

“We’ve got some great support from our junior set-up, so I think things are looking good right the way through the club at the moment.”

Where BWFC Ladies stand with regard to the professional club has always been a grey area and it remains part-funded by the independent Bolton Wanderers Community Trust.

But contrary to popular belief the relationship between the two teams is good, and that has helped attract some of the region’s top young talents.

“To be associated with the club carries a lot of kudos, especially in the junior teams,” explained Butler. “We recognise we’re not top of the agenda, particularly with things so tight at the moment but the assistance we’ve been given with equipment, kits and facilities has been excellent.

“When opposition teams come and play at the Eddie Davies Academy you can see they are impressed.

“What we really want to encourage if for people to come down and have a watch, see what we’re about. People always ask if they are allowed – but the doors are wide open for anyone to come down to Lostock and see us in action and I know it would mean a lot to the players.”

Wanderers kick off their season at Stockport County – recently relegated from the Women’s Premier League – on Sunday, September 4.

They also enter the FA Cup at the second preliminary round stage, facing FC United of Manchester away on Sunday, September 18.

Home matches are played at the academy on Sundays and usually kick off at 2pm.

Anyone who would like to get involved can contact Katie Bent on 01204 673790 or email kbent@bwct.org.uk – training sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Little Lever School.