Josh Dacres-Cogley says both he and Bolton Wanderers are determined to finish the season strongly and secure a place in the League One play-offs.
The full-back recently committed to another year at the Toughsheet Stadium and remains confident that the club can still achieve their promotion goal, despite currently sitting just outside the top six.
Schumacher Influence Helping Dacres-Cogley Shine
Bolton travel to Blackpool this weekend, aiming to bounce back after two consecutive defeats. Dacres-Cogley believes he’s rediscovered his best form under Steven Schumacher and is now focused on maintaining momentum during the run-in.
“It feels like I’m playing my best football, personally, and I know I haven’t been as good as I was last season. Sometimes it just doesn’t work, no matter how hard you try. And then all of a sudden, it can flip, and things start working for you. It’s just about continuing that momentum.”
Since Schumacher’s arrival, Bolton have been more expressive in attack, something Dacres-Cogley says has helped the team rediscover their edge. “We are creating more chances. We are scoring more goals,” he added. “It’s all about continuing the form, grinding out the points, and seeing where that takes us.”
Having played as a wing-back for much of his Bolton career, Dacres-Cogley has shifted to a more traditional full-back role in recent months — and even slotted into central defence when needed. He credits the head coach for trusting him in multiple systems.
“He wants us to express ourselves,” he said. “He knows I can play in different roles, and it’s just about what works best to win the game.”
Josh Dacres-Cogley
Josh Dacres-Cogley, born in Coventry, progressed through Birmingham City’s academy and signed his first professional contract in 2015. He made his senior debut in 2016 but struggled for regular game time and was loaned to Crawley Town.
After returning to Birmingham, he moved to Tranmere Rovers in 2021. In June 2023, he signed for Bolton Wanderers, where he made an immediate impact, scoring a crucial goal against Derby County in September. Despite initial confusion over the goal’s credit, the dubious goals panel officially awarded it to him later that month.
Writer’s view
After a shaky spell, Dacres-Cogley’s resurgence has come at the perfect time for Bolton. His adaptability and renewed confidence under Schumacher could prove pivotal in their promotion push. If Wanderers can sustain this level, there’s every chance they’ll be playing Championship football next season — and Dacres-Cogley may be a key part of it.
