WANDERERS will not be advocating early kick-offs to offset the rise of energy bills this winter.

Lunchtime weekend games have been suggested as one way clubs could combat escalating prices for electricity during the current cost of living crisis.

Just turning on the floodlights at the University of Bolton Stadium is understood to cost around £300-400 – but while some clubs may be considering drastic measures as the nights drawn in, Wanderers are understood to be happy with the status quo.

Speaking to The Bolton News, CEO Neil Hart confirmed the club is currently in a comfortable position on its utility bills but will remain vigilant.

“We have to be pragmatic managing our costs but we do that anyway,” he said.

“Energy bills are what they are for us – but we are lucky to be tied into a fixed-term deal for a significant length of time, which helps us with what is going on at the moment.

“Of course we are aware of the rising costs and we’ll review it week by week, month by month.”

As a business, Wanderers are not immune to the rising bills which have affected us all but Hart says the business has been fortified by an impressive uptake of season tickets and the backing of an average gate currently on track to be the club’s highest at League One level in their history.

“What I will say is that I feel we are doing well as a business,” he said.

“Across the football club and the hotel we are in very good shape. Yes, we have challenges, yes we have seen costs go up, but I won’t lie to you we have also seen revenue go up as well.

“The season tickets did really well for us, and the average gate is up there at 18,500-19,000, which is great. The Fanzone has been at capacity for every game and the hotel is busy, vibrant, our occupancy rates are on the up too.

“We are fully aware of the cost of living crisis and we were only talking the other day about how it is affecting people in Bolton with some representatives at the town hall. As a business, I think we are performing well."