WANDERERS have had plenty of ups and downs over the years, but what is their “true league standing”?

Sky Sports have compiled the “Ultimate League Table”, which ranks clubs in the top four divisions of English football based on their positions over the past 50 years.

Wanderers are 32nd in the list, having spent a decade outside of the top-flight following their relegation under Owen Coyle back in 2012.

The Whites find themselves above local rivals Burnley (35th), Blackpool (48th) and Wigan (51st) in the hypothetical table.

Liverpool sit at the top of the list, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham making up the top four.

Meanwhile, the likes of Everton, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City and West Ham also rank highly.

Ian Evatt’s men finished ninth in League One last season and were one of the form teams in the division since the turn of the year.

However, Evatt is aware of Bolton's rich history and is determined to keep improving and get the club “back to where it belongs”.

The data classes Wanderers as one of the current “underachievers” in the top four divisions based on their positions in previous years.

Oldham sit at the top of the list – last season the Latics were 45 places below their expected position after finishing in the League Two drop zone.

The data also suggests that Notts County, Southend, Ipswich and York are currently well below where they should be.

Meanwhile, Accrington Stanley are classed as the biggest “overachievers” after finishing 12th in League One last term – 38 places above their expected position.

Brentford, Wycombe, Burton and Fleetwood are also currently performing better than expected, according to the figures.

Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...

You can follow the Bolton News on social media by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Camera Club page

If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters 

Gain unlimited access to the Bolton News website with a premium digital subscription

Or if you want the Bolton News newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227

Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact us at newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk or by using our online contribution form