Bolton Wanderers defender George Johnston feels the team is better prepared than ever to handle the challenges posed by some of League One’s more difficult away grounds.
Fresh from a 5-2 victory over Reading and a midweek test against Arsenal at the Emirates, the focus now shifts to smaller but equally testing venues at Crawley’s Broadfield Stadium and Northampton Town’s Sixfields. Having spent much of the week in a team camp near Wembley, the Wanderers squad has been working hard to maintain the intensity Johnston believes was crucial in last weekend’s emphatic win over Reading.
“The week leading up to Reading was the best week of training I have ever been a part of, so that game was already won in my eyes just by the intensity and standards that we had in the build-up,” Johnston explained to the Bolton News. “It has been positive in this week too, even with the Arsenal game thrown in. We have played against a world-class team, but the lads are still in that good mood, it is a good camp.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming fixtures, Johnston acknowledged the challenges posed by smaller venues but emphasized that Bolton will aim to impose their style of play. “We go to Crawley and know how these occasions are going to play out. We have learned from past mistakes, I think. We need to be streetwise, have the bravery to do what we’re good at, we can’t go into their ground and play their type of football, we want to play our way,” he said.
Bolton’s record at smaller grounds has been mixed in recent seasons, with last year’s defeat at Leyton Orient being a notable disappointment. However, Johnston believes the squad has grown and learned from those experiences under manager Ian Evatt. “I think it’s fair, maybe we have been a bit too naïve or respectful, playing teams at their own game, potentially,” he admitted. “But the onus is on us to correct it. I think we showed glimpses against Reading, got the win, but the lads know it means nothing if we don’t back it up in these two away games.”
Johnston emphasized the importance of adaptability in such environments. “They are smaller grounds, smaller crowds but they are also intimidating atmospheres, so it takes a different way of playing and thinking. We have more experience now. Some of the newer lads have a bit of bite too, they have been through the leagues themselves, so they have brought a bit more of that.”
Who Is George Johnston?
Johnston began his professional football career at Liverpool, having come through the club’s academy. Though he didn’t make a first-team appearance for the Reds, Johnston’s development in the youth ranks was closely followed by several clubs. In 2019, he moved to Dutch side Feyenoord, where he made his senior debut.
After gaining experience abroad, Johnston returned to the UK in 2021, signing with Bolton Wanderers. He quickly established himself as a key figure in Bolton’s defence, known for his composure and leadership at the back. Johnston’s career faced a setback when he suffered a cruciate ligament injury, which sidelined him for the entirety of last season. However, since his return in August 2023, he has exceeded expectations, becoming a pivotal part of the Wanderers’ backline once again.
Writer’s View
Johnston’s confidence in Bolton Wanderers’ ability to compete in League One’s toughest away venues is encouraging. His comments about the team’s growing maturity and the improvements in their training preparation reflect a side that is aiming for consistency, even in the face of historically challenging environments. With Johnston fit again and leading by example, Bolton’s defence looks much more solid, and his experience will be crucial as they navigate difficult matches.
As Bolton prepare for their upcoming fixture against Crawley, it’s important that they maintain the momentum built against Reading. Smaller grounds and more compact atmospheres can easily upset a team’s rhythm, but if Wanderers can impose their style of play as Johnston suggests, they have every chance of taking points from these tricky away games. The team must ensure that their hard work in training translates into results on the pitch, as every point counts in the race for promotion.
Founder of The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
