Gethin Jones admits League One will be “very tough” this season – but is optimistic Wanderers can get off to a good start.

Ian Evatt’s men kick off the campaign with the long trip to Portman Road to face Ipswich, who have been tipped as early favourites for promotion.

Jones is expecting a tough test against Kieran McKenna’s side but believes the Whites have what it takes to build on their strong form since the turn of the year and be successful this season.

“When the fixtures came out and we got Ipswich away, obviously they are one of the contenders as well that want to get promotion,” he told BBC Sport Manchester.

“The teams in the league again this year are very strong. You’ve got Derby who have come down, they want to push on.

“It will be a very, very tough league. Sheffield Wednesday, they have got some new signings in so they will be strong again this year.

“It is going to be very competitive. Hopefully, the first five or six games are looking quite good for us and if we can start well, I can’t see why we won’t be up there.”

Meanwhile, Wanderers have sold “just over 1,300” tickets for this weekend’s opener against the Tractor Boys.

The club is now into its second allocation of tickets for the fixture after the initial set of around 1,000 sold out.

They are still on sale to season ticket holders and club members, and are priced at £30 for adults, £22 for over-65s, £15 for under-23s and £8 for under-19s.

Official coach travel is also available and costs £36 per person, with all coaches set to depart the UniBol at 7:30am.

Tickets will remain on sale online and via the phone lines until 3pm on Friday, July 29, although orders after 3pm on Wednesday, July 27 must be collected from the ticket office.

Social, subscriptions and getting in touch...

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

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

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