Bolton Wanderers defender Chris Forino is not buying into the idea that his team is an underdog in the Championship. Despite being ranked as outsiders by bookmakers, Forino believes the Whites have what it takes to compete with bigger budgets and household names.

What happened?

Forino made the comments after Bolton Wanderers finished last season as one of the form teams in League One, starting eight of the last nine games including the play-offs. The defender has been joined this summer by new defensive signings Akin Famewo and Ben Davies, and he hopes to rise to the challenge of extra competition in the Championship.

Why it matters for Bolton Wanderers

Forino's comments are a boost for the Whites, who are currently joint second favourite for the drop in the Championship. However, the defender believes that Bolton Wanderers' reputation makes them right at home in the second tier. "I played for a few years being an underdog at Wycombe, but I don't think playing for Bolton you can ever really fall into that category," Forino said.

What comes next?

Forino is looking forward to the challenge of the Championship, and he believes that the Whites have what it takes to compete with bigger budgets and household names. "You do have to respect that the level of football we're coming up against is a bit of an unknown beast, and there are teams who are just out of the Premier League – serious football clubs," Forino said. "Bolton are on a path to try and get back there, back to those glory days, so to be able to play a little part in it all would be brilliant."

Bolton Wanderers are currently 28 points behind leaders Lincoln in the Championship, with 70 goals scored and 52 conceded (+18 goal difference). The Whites are looking to build on their success in League One, and Forino is confident that they have what it takes to compete with the best in the second tier.

As of 25 July 2026, Bolton Wanderers are 5th in League One, with 75 points from 46 games, and a recent form of LDDWL. The team is looking to make a strong start to the new season, and Forino is hoping to play a key role in their success.

In an interview with The Bolton News, Forino said: "I've been in League One for five years now and been waiting for this moment. Hopefully I get plenty of opportunities to relish what's coming up and the quality of players in this division. I'll enjoy coming up against proper number nines and having those physical battles. I'm just looking forward to the challenge."

Forino's comments are a boost for the Whites, and he believes that the team has what it takes to compete with the best in the Championship. With new signings and a strong squad, Bolton Wanderers are looking to make a strong start to the new season.

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