Chris Forino's Championship message to Bolton Wanderers fans

Though the bookmakers have made Bolton one of the favourites for relegation, and the summer has been dominated by talk of low playing budgets and a slow transfer market, the mood inside the dressing room remains one of excitement.

For the players who had been knocking on the promotion door in League One for so long, this is a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labour and prove themselves at a higher level.

And for Forino, one of Steven Schumacher’s leadership group who hit peak form in the final few months of last season to help guide the team to success, the chance to play at this level for the first time in his career is also a major step.

"I just think it is an exciting time for this football club," he said.

"Regardless, we all set out last season to be here, we're now here.

"And we need to relish that.

"Bolton are a historic club, one that has had plenty of great days in its history.

"I have always associated them with Premier League football in the era I grew up.

"Of course, with the dip that started seven years ago, what happened, and then seeing the club rise again, I suppose the fans that lived through all that will be feeling extra proud that we have reached this level again, so that is a motivation.

"For me to have played a tiny, tiny part in getting them back to the Championship is a great privilege."

Forino finished last season playing – by his own estimation – the best football of his career.

But he steps up a level in class knowing that he too must knuckle down and improve to be able to cope with life in the Championship.

"For me individually, definitely.

"I've got to up my levels, up the way I live my life outside of football," he said.

"I've got a challenge in my body to bring on pastures that I've not ventured yet.

"So, absolutely, I'm going in semi-blind, I've not tested myself at this level, but I'm looking forward to it.

"I've got plans in place to hopefully cope."