Bolton Wanderers will lock horns with Dutch side NAC Breda in a pre‑season friendly on Saturday, a key test before the club embarks on its League One schedule where they finished 5th with 75 points, 19 wins, 18 draws and 9 losses. The match offers manager Steven Schumacher a chance to gauge his squad’s readiness after a summer of celebration.
Who are the opponents?
NAC Breda, a club with a storied Dutch past, are fighting to bounce back from a chaotic relegation from the Eredivisie. Their recent pre‑season itinerary includes fixtures against FC Eindhoven, Excelsior Rotterdam and KSC Lorkeren. Manager Carl Hoefkens, a former England defender with spells at Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion, remains in charge despite the drop and will be looking to restore confidence among a passionate fanbase.
What does the friendly mean for Bolton Wanderers?
The friendly serves as a tactical rehearsal for Schumacher’s side, allowing him to experiment with formations and integrate new signings ahead of the Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday. With the club’s goal tally this season at 70 scored and 52 conceded, the coaching staff hopes to tighten the defence while keeping the attack fluid. A strong showing could also boost morale after the recent promotion celebrations.
When and where will the match take place?
The encounter is set for Saturday at the Toughsheet Stadium, Bolton’s home ground, with kickoff slated for the early afternoon. Fans can expect a lively atmosphere, as NAC Breda supporters have previously turned friendly fixtures into party‑like scenes, reminiscent of their viral moments at Norwich City. Security measures will be tight after last year’s incident involving fireworks at a Dutch match.
What lies ahead after the friendly?
Following the NAC Breda test, Bolton will travel to Sheffield Wednesday for their Carabao Cup first‑round clash, then return to the Toughsheet Stadium for the highly anticipated Championship opener against Preston North End. Maintaining the current form – a recent run of LDDWL – will be essential as the club aims to improve on its 5th‑place finish and close the 28‑point gap to league leaders Lincoln.
