Bolton Wanderers will attack at Sheffield Wednesday, says MJ Williams

Ian Evatt’s side have refused to take a backward step at home, or away this season and are currently the second top scorers in the division behind MK Dons as they go to Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.

Counteracting that is the fact they have kept just two clean sheets in their first 11 games – but Williams says it is a sacrifice Bolton are willing to make in order for their playing style to work effectively.

“We have maybe conceded a few more goals than we would have liked but that is the way we have set up to play this year,” he said, ahead of the trip to Hillsborough.

“We want to go at teams head on and if we score goals like we did at Charlton, I am sure the fans will enjoy that.

“I think it helps that we have got a group of players who already know each other very well.

“I know of a few clubs who have gone out and signed a load of players, which is taking a lot of time in some cases to get together.

“But in our case we almost have the same team as we did in January, and that helps. We all chase the ball down for each other and do exactly what the manager wants from us.

“And I think that has benefited us massively.”

Williams is known more for his defensive work in midfield, a role which is now crucial to the team’s success with so many attack-minded players around him.

Wanderers’ fans have responded in kind and the former Liverpool and Blackpool midfielder reckons he is in the middle of the most enjoyable spell of his career.

“I do see a lot of messages from people about the way I’ve been playing, which is really nice,” he told the club.

“I love my football here at Bolton and I’d say it is the happiest I have been in football.

“I just want to keep working hard for the team and hopefully the fans recognise that as well.

“In the way we play, it suits me so well. I like the dirty side of the game and allow other players to get forward.

“With the likes of Gethin Jones, Declan John, Liam Gordon – or whoever it is – I know they can drive forward.

“I have loved every single minute of this season and, ever since I joined the club,, I knew I’d be happy here. I just hope that shows on the pitch too.”

Wanderers start the weekend in seventh spot in League One, with designs of breaking into the top six with a win at Wednesday.

Longer-term, Williams is confident the club can sustain a push for Championship football.

“The gaffer has spoken out about it and his aim is to get promoted – and that is all of ours as well,” he said.

“That is what we’re in football for, to win, and we just want to be at the top end of League One come April.

“Personally, I just want to keep enjoying my football, keep playing well and giving my all for this football club.”