SHARON Brittan says Football Ventures remain “fully committed” at Wanderers and keen to bounce back from this season’s setbacks.
After missing out on promotion, the chairman believes the club will be better prepared after a leadership restructure this summer.
Writing in her programme notes for the final game against Stevenage, Ms Brittan promised Wanderers supporters that changes in the hierarchy over the coming months would help improve chances of reaching the Championship for the first time since 2019.
Wanderers will start their fifth consecutive term in League One in August – equalling the longest stay at this level of football, which was spent between 1988/89 and 1992/93, ending with promotion under Bruce Roch at Burnden Park.
But Ms Brittan remains optimistic that despite a frustrating eighth-placed finish this time around, lessons have been learned.
She said: “Reflecting on the season we must acknowledge the collective disappointment that our ultimate goal of promotion or securing a play-off place was not met. We share this feeling, but it only strengthens our resolve for the future.
“We welcomed head coach Steven Schumacher mid-season, and we are fully committed to providing him with the backing needed to build towards success.
“Crucially, we are enhancing our structure to support these ambitions the recent strategic appointment of Fergal Harkin as our new sporting director is a significant step forward.
“Fergal brings a wealth of high-level experience and his expertise in overseeing football operations from recruitment and scouting to academy development and performance analysis will be vital in building a sustainable foundation for progress.
“Rest assured, planning for next season is already firmly underway.”
Ms Brittan was also keen to praise the wider club for its successes this season, including the BWFC Women’s team, the Under-18s and B Team, all of whom were represented for the first time at the club’s end-of-season awards dinner last weekend.
She said: “While the first team outcome wasn't what we aimed for it is important to recognise the fantastic success elsewhere across the club demonstrating our overall health and direction.
“Huge congratulations must go to our Bolton Wanderers Women and a truly remarkable inaugural season under full club operations, securing a league and cup double, completing their league campaign undefeated with an incredible goal difference, and lifting the trophy here at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Easter Sunday was a proud and special moment for us all.
“Furthermore our Academy Under-18s under the leadership of Dave Gardiner and the coaching of Julian Darby and his staff had a magnificent season
“It is particularly pleasing to see this translate into further opportunities with David Abimbola making his full league debut and Daeshon Lawrence and Harrison Rice appearing off the bench in League One.
“The B Team has also shown clear progress, winning the Lancashire FA Senior Cup final and providing vital experience and pathways for several promising young players, notably Sam Inwood, who performed so impressively on his League One debut at Peterborough, and Sonny Sharples-Ahmed, who has earned a handful of senior appearances and represented his country.”
Wanderers have issued a reminder to supporters that they are holding their annual service of remembrance at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Monday, May 12 at 6.30pm.
Entrance is free of charge.
Share