FROM winning just one trophy in 27 years, Bolton Wanderers Ladies and Girls are now in danger of needing another cabinet.

Five major league and cup titles now sit comfortably alongside a raft of individual honours after what was the most successful season in the club’s history.

The seniors will be playing in the Women’s Super League next season for the first time – and two other teams, including the double-winning Under-17s - have also gained promotion.

The bar has been raised but the hard work is just beginning.

“It has been a really exciting year,” reflected club chair Katie Bent, “but now we’re promoted the pressure is on to make sure we don’t come straight back down. I’d hate to see all that hard work undone.

“This summer is about improving quality across the board. We want to get away from simply being a grassroots club, even though we will always cater for that level.

“The first team needs to step up. We aimed at being the biggest club in Bolton and now we’re playing at the second highest level behind Manchester City in the whole of Greater Manchester.

“Girls are looking at our club now and taking notice. We need to reflect that in everything we do.”

A new first team manager has been appointed in ex-Accrington academy and Atherton Colls coach Chris Knights, whose brief is to unify the style of football played at every level of the club.

“Chris is a really experienced coach and we think he can create a brand new philosophy of women’s football in the area,” said Bent. “We want all our teams to be playing the same style, so that transition between teams is as smooth one.

“The aim is to create a brand of football which is unique to Bolton. We want our players to come all the way through the system.”

The first team will face some recognisable names this season, travelling to Newcastle United, Leeds, Hull and Barnsley while the reserves have Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United for company.

Travelling costs will increase significantly – and the Whites are hoping local businesses may step forward to help.

“We kicked off the player sponsorship drive this week on social media,” explained Bent. “Some of the girls work at big companies who look like they will step forward and pay the £350 we’re asking to fund travel.

“We’re hoping some local companies will also come on board and help us put on buses for the team and fans going to away games like Newcastle, instead of the players driving themselves.”

Sponsors will also receive match tickets at the Macron Stadium as part of the deal, alongside branding on social media.

The relationship with the main club has improved significantly in the last few years, which has also helped to add an air of professionalism to the operation.

Although still officially under the umbrella of the Community Trust, the partnership with Wanderers has brought some significant benefits.

“We played against Wigan Athletic at the Macron recently,” explained club secretary Darren Butler. “And even though we lost the game – to have 300-plus fans there coming to see what we’re about was terrific.”

“I think some of the girls looked at that game and it really brought it home to them that they are representing Bolton Wanderers, and that they are really being looked after,” added Bent. “Not many other clubs get that, so we are extremely grateful for what the club do for us in terms of facilities and kits.”

Although a first-ever league title sits proudly on the top shelf of the trophy cabinet, the Dave Higson Award – bestowed by the Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Association – is the honour most cherished.

“That one really was special,” Bent said. “The girls were like ‘they know what we’re doing?’ I think for the first time we felt the fans were taking notice and it was a really rewarding feeling.”

The Ladies and Girls club have some more big plans this summer which will be announced in the coming weeks, but also want to hear from volunteers who could help them on match-days next season.

For more information, or to enquire about sponsorship, contact Katie Bent on kbent@bwct.org.uk