Are we truly ready for opening day? By Lee Sidebotham It seems like the question everyone’s got an opinion on at the moment. I think the majority of fans, if you asked them, would say no. But then again, I think we would all have said the same this time last year too. The fact is, if we had Johnny Kenny, Amario Cozier-Duberry, and Mason Burstow all back on our books right now, I bet the majority of our fanbase would still say no. You just can’t win over everyone. But while I do think the negativity around right now is a bit much, there is no doubt improvement is still needed. Goalkeeper-wise, I still think there’s a signing to be made. While thoughts are mixed, I don’t mind giving Jack Bonham the number one shirt at the moment, especially after his performances at the back end of last season and in the pre-season friendly against Everton. We do need a solid backup option, however. I know a lot of people are keen on Luke Hutchinson, who admittedly had a great spell at Altrincham last season. But for me, in the Championship, an inexperienced young keeper feels like an accident waiting to happen. Someone like Asmir Begović may be a bit too experienced for my liking though... Defence-wise, I think we’ve done everything we needed to do. I mentioned in last week’s column how ironic it is that our biggest weakness from last year looks all of a sudden the strongest part of our game. Midfield-wise, I would also argue we're ready to go. Josh Sheehan and Xavier Simons start the first game, for me. It’s by no means the best midfield in the league, but I reckon they will all play their part this year and our midfield will prove to hold their own in this division. Then there’s our attack, which is simply not ready. Sam Dalby and Rúben Rodrigues can’t do it alone, yet I can’t see anyone else in our attack making up the number of goals needed to stay up. I would have kept Marcus Forss and splashed the cash we have left on a left-sided winger. If not, there must be a loan opportunity somewhere? I like to think Corey Blackett-Taylor is secretly on the cards and we’re going to get an announcement any time now that he’s on his way back. He would be the perfect choice for me. We only have to better three teams this season. When you look at other clubs around us like Lincoln, Preston, and Charlton, I think we’re more ready than they are right now. If we get the improvements needed, I think we’re ready to face the relegation battle head-on. But if we don’t, unlike last season when we eventually got the backup in, I fear the season may already be over before its started.

Apprehension, the unknown and ready or not? By Daniel Conway As another week of Wanderers news, gossip and transfer rumours flies by, there is a strong undercurrent from within most of the fanbase... apprehension. For me, this season I couldn’t really give two hoots about the Carabao Cup. Mainly because of our very light squad at current, the game almost feels like a friendly to me. Along with Sheffield Wednesday’s new ownership buzz from their fans, the game should be an interesting watch, despite my personal opinions towards the competition this season. I would, however, like to see at least a couple of names donning the white scarf above their heads. There will also be Bolton reunions for Ricardo Santos and Mason Burstow. That is a battle I’m hopeful to see; Santos v Dalby. Onto, unfortunately only outings this week. Sam Inwood and Lewis Temple have joined