What are the mysterious squares that have appeared in each goalmouth at the University of Bolton Stadium?
Fans returned to the UniBol last weekend as Wanderers kicked off the new League One season against MK Dons, and the squares have sparked debate online.
But what are they? We asked Bolton fans and their answers didn’t disappoint!
Thermal hotspots to keep the keeper warm during those long, sustained periods of Bolton attacking play 👀
— Johny Nocash (@JohnyNocash) August 12, 2021
Reserved zones for Baptiste last minute winners only
— Rob (@Bobzilla3000) August 12, 2021
Trap doors for opposition players
— Lion of Vienna Suite (@LionOfViennaSte) August 12, 2021
Nicotine Patches
— James BWFC🇬🇧 (@jodbwfc) August 12, 2021
Launch pads for Thunderbirds 5 & 6
— Bill Limpet (@Bill_Limpet) August 12, 2021
Ivan Klasnic heat map
— Spencer (@Spen95) August 12, 2021
The Bermuda square
— BWFCVision (@BwfcVision) August 12, 2021
Wireless charging pad for your phone.
— RNVB (@Raoul_B85) August 12, 2021
Underground pitch entrances
— zack michalowski (@MichalowskiZack) August 12, 2021
The squares are actually in place to cover the footings for rugby posts, which would have been used when the Rugby League World Cup games took place at the UniBol.
Wanderers were due to host a group game between England and France on October 30 and a quarter-final between the winners of England’s group and the runner-up of Group D, which includes Wales, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands.
However, the tournament has now been postponed until 2022 after Australia and New Zealand pulled out, citing fears amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Whites had moved a League One game against Crewe Alexandra to a Friday night due to the rugby schedule, and were expecting a large crowd for both games. The postponement means they are now facing a considerable financial shortfall this year.
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