Mason Burstow is set to make his Sheffield Wednesday debut this weekend - but he could have been back at Bolton Wanderers once again after his impressive goal-scoring exploits last season with the Whites. Bolton Wanderers manager Steven Schumacher admits that they considered bringing the Hull City striker back to the Toughsheet Stadium following his 12-goal contribution in helping Sheffield Wednesday secure promotion.
Burstow made 53 appearances for Wanderers during their successful League One campaign, contributing significantly with 45 league goals. Schumacher acknowledges that Burstow had a standout season at this level and was a key player for the club. However, they ultimately decided against re-signing him due to the need to strengthen the squad with players who could offer Championship experience.
"We had a conversation even before the end of last season because Mason has played at this level in the Championship and has done well," Schumacher said. "His best season has been for us in League One, where his goal contributions and all-round play were excellent."
Despite not signing Burstow, Schumacher is optimistic about his current squad's prospects as they prepare to face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. He believes that the club’s core group of players are in good shape and ready for their first competitive match.
"The tough times that Sheffield Wednesday went through last year, it's not nice to see any sort of football club go through that, and it looks like they've come out of it the other side now, in a better position," Schumacher added. "They're in League One, but they'll have aspirations I'm sure to try and bounce back and come straight back to the Championship."
While Schumacher remains focused on his squad's readiness for the upcoming match, he acknowledges that personal rivalries can add an extra edge to the game. Chris Forino, a Bolton player who was at Burstow’s wedding this summer, is looking forward to facing his former teammate.
"Obviously, I know his game really well," Forino said. "I've been trained against him all year and it actually does make a difference. Of course, he knows me as well. So I'm looking forward, hopefully, to get on the pitch and hopefully he gets on as well."
Forino added that there is both professional and personal competition between them, with both hoping to outperform each other after the game.
As Bolton prepares for a tough test against Sheffield Wednesday, Schumacher remains confident in his squad's ability to rise to the challenge despite their current limitations.
