WANDERERS have finally removed planning restrictions which force them to kick-off midweek games at 8pm.

The club has confirmed that from the 2022/23 season they will now start games 15 minutes earlier, in line with the majority of the Football League.

Wanderers had been forced to kick-off at 8pm because of planning regulations set by the council when the stadium was built in 1997.

As The Bolton News revealed in May, discussions were held to remove the covenant and give the club more flexibility.

Wanderers’ chief executive Neil Hart said: “We have listened to the supporters, many of whom were keen on earlier kick-offs to help families attend mid-week matches.

“We are also grateful to the Council and members of SAG for helping accommodate the move which will be in place from the start of next season.”

Cup fixtures are also expected to kick off at 7.45pm, although home ties in the Papa John’s Trophy are likely to continue as 7pm kick-offs and some fixtures may be subject to change depending on possible television commitments.

Wanderers were one of only a handful of clubs with planning restrictions preventing a 7.45pm kick-off, including Reading and Stoke City.