THERE has been no shortage of highs and lows in Wanderers’ season to date, and we have only just reached the halfway stage.

Phil Parkinson’s men struggled to find their way after promotion and had just two points to show from their opening 11 games – their longest wait for a win since 1902.

No team has come back from such a start and one bookmaker offered odds of 1,500/1 ON that they would make an immediate return to League One.

But from October onward there was something different about the Whites, and not just in the fact key men like Sammy Ameobi and Josh Vela returned to full fitness.

There is still plenty of work to be done to secure a place in next season’s Championship but here Marc Iles reviews how things have gone for each player over the opening 22 games, and what their future might hold.

BEN ALNWICK 6.5

Currently in the most secure position since signing for Wanderers, and has played twice as many games as rival Mark Howard. Good games have outnumbered the bad.

Season high: A fantastic double save against Barnsley.

Season low: The 5-1 defeat at Wolves. Two big mistakes.

SAMMY AMEOBI 7

Enjoying his second spell at the Macron and building a solid partnership with Mark Little down the right flank. Unpredictable but carries the ball better than any other Bolton player.

Season high: October. Almost unstoppable with three great goals.

Season low: Knee injury picked up in the friendly against Stoke City.

ADAM ARMSTRONG 6

Can’t quite feel we have seen the best of the Newcastle United loanee, even though Parkinson managed to nurse the youngster’s confidence back after a poor start.

Season high: A fine goal against Norwich to break his league duck.

Season low: Struggled when played through the middle early in the campaign.

MARK BEEVERS 6.5

Looks happier in a back four after some initial teething trouble in a three. Took time to adjust to this level but the big defender is starting to find a measure of consistency.

Season high: Dominant performance against QPR.

Season low: Pulled all over the shop by Derby County.

WILL BUCKLEY 6

Now starting to look like the player we thought Wanderers had done well to sign last summer. If fitness problems can stay behind him, Buckley could be a key figure.

Season high: Nottingham Forest away – loads of energy and a goal.

Season low: Limping out of the 4-0 defeat to Hull City.

REECE BURKE 6

The West Ham youngster definitely has something – but whether we have seen it yet at Bolton, I am not sure. Good on the ball, gives Wanderers something different at the back.

Season high: Composed performance at Millwall soon after his arrival.

Season low: Exposed against Brentford at the Macron in a back three.

JOSH CULLEN 5.5

There have been flashes of quality from the young Hammer, just not enough. If he stays beyond January, Cullen has to prove he can handle Championship physicality.

Season high: Strong performances away at Millwall and Ipswich Town.

Season low: Bypassed by Hull City.

STEPHEN DARBY 5

The former Bradford City skipper has not showed his full qualities yet as he has had to play second fiddle to Mark Little on the right but remains an important character behind the scenes. Don’t write him off yet!

Season high: Played well against Sheffield Wednesday in the cup.

Season low: An unglamorous debut against Leeds United.

DERIK OSEDE 5

Played well in the cup against Crewe and Sheffield Wednesday but the Spaniard has struggled on his rare appearances in the Championship thus far.

Season high: A first Wanderers goal in the cup against Crewe.

Season low: Failed to impress in his big chance against Boro.

DORIAN DERVITE 5

Always looked destined to play a bit part for Wanderers this season with so much competition at the back. Looks way off the pecking order again.

Season high: Grabbed a goal against Sheffield Wednesday.

Season low: Surprise start on the opening day didn’t end well.

KARL HENRY 7

Widely credited as a catalyst for Wanderers’ turnaround from October onwards, the veteran midfielder has undoubtedly brought out the best in those around him.

Season high: Big performance in defeat at Villa.

Season low: Not a happy homecoming against Wolves.

MARK HOWARD 6

One of last season’s promotion heroes has had to be patient after falling behind Ben Alnwick for two thirds of the campaign. His time will come again, no doubt.

Season high: Some great saves in the goalless draw at Birmingham.

Season low: On the receiving end of Derby and Hull City defeats.

JEM KARACAN 5

Seems to be a casualty of the system at the moment, with powerful pair Henry and Pratley ruling the roost in midfield. Shame, as big things were expected of the ex-Reading man.

Season high: Man of the match against Ipswich Town.

Season low: Scythed down by David Meyler at Hull City.

ADAM LE FONDRE 5.5

It all looked fine for Alfie back in August – first choice, a goal on his (permanent) debut. But since then it has been a frustrating mess of substitute appearances, much to his fans’ chagrin.

Season high: His goal on the opening day against Leeds.

Season low: Left out of the squad entirely at Forest.

MARK LITTLE 7.5

Looked out of sorts for his first six weeks but once Little got into his stride few have matched his consistency or quality. Dubbed ‘Warrior’ at Bristol City, can see why.

Season high: A superb solo goal against Norwich City.

Season low: Early performances at wing-back.

GARY MADINE 7

Has upped his game another level after last season’s success. Integral to Parkinson’s plan and if he can add more goals, could be a real Championship force.

Season high: Scoring at Sunderland. Toon fan heaven.

Season low: Misdemeanours off the pitch.

FILIPE MORAIS 5.5

Competition is high on the wings but The Postman has struggled to really put his stamp on things since Wanderers returned to the Championship.

Season high: A wonderful free kick at Millwall.

Season low: Sent off at Bristol City.

CRAIG NOONE 5.5

There should be plenty to come from Noone, if only Wanderers can get it out of him. A good signing from Cardiff, the winger just hasn’t done enough to warrant regular starts yet.

Season high: Looked the Noone of old at Ipswich.

Season low: Seemed to take a fair while to reach top fitness.

DARREN PRATLEY 6.5

On the up after a difficult start. Given a new lease of life after the arrival of Henry, the skipper is now getting up and down the pitch like only he can.

Season high: Commanding performance in the 2-2 draw with Reading.

Season low: Had a poor game against Middlesbrough

ANTONEE ROBINSON 7.5

The Everton loanee was an unknown quantity when he arrived at Bolton but has shown some real pedigree which suggests he could be one to watch in future years.

Season high: Really announced himself on the scene against Sheffield United.

Season low: Few positional problems in early cup games.

ANDREW TAYLOR 5.5

Another of last season’s most consistent players who has found the going tougher this season. Ever-reliable but Robinson’s extra attacking nous nudged Taylor down the pecking order until recently.

Season high: Fine return to the side against Cardiff City.

Season low: Swamped at times in defeat at Villa.

JOSH VELA 6

Brings energy and physical presence and – as Wanderers found out in his absence – very difficult to replace, but Vela hasn’t found his top form this season, yet.

Season high: Big return to the team against Sheffield Wednesday.

Season low: An ankle injury on the opening day against Leeds.

DAVID WHEATER 7

Arguably the most consistent customer in the camp, Wheater is one of the few who has looked comfortable at Championship level all season long.

Season high: Shoved QPR’s words back down their throats.

Season low: Dropped at Forest.

AARON WILBRAHAM 5.5

The veteran target man was signed to take the load off Gary Madine’s shoulders but injury issues have rendered him unavailable for a bit too long so far.

Season high: An impressive cameo at the City Ground.

Season low: Injury problems which have laid him low.

Also featured: Jack Earing and Jeff King.