Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher has backed summer arrivals Mason Burstow and Thierry Gale to show their best form as they settle into life at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Both made their home debuts in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle, but with each missing chunks of pre-season, their minutes are being managed carefully. Burstow arrived from Hull City having featured only sparingly in their warm-up schedule, while Gale joined from Rapid Vienna after his move to England delayed his preparations.
Patience the key for new recruits
Schumacher insists the pair will need competitive match action to hit their stride.
“I don’t think any player really gets fully up to speed until you have played five or six intense, competitive games,” he told The Bolton News. “Thierry has been sharp on the ball, really good in one-on-one moments, and we’re working with him on the discipline side so that he is responsible defensively and gets inside the pitch.
“With Mason, he will just get better the more he plays. He hasn’t had that consistent run of games over the last two years for Sunderland or Hull, so the more he plays down the middle for us, the better he’ll get.”
The Bolton boss believes Gale’s adaptation to a new country and league will come with natural highs and lows. The 21-year-old Barbados international offers pace and flair in attack, and Schumacher is confident those attributes will shine once he is fully adjusted to the intensity of League One football.
Positive early impressions
Burstow has already shown promise, taking his goal against Plymouth well and impressing with his overall play. Schumacher praised his movement, physical presence and link-up work, suggesting there is far more to come as his match sharpness improves.
Gale, meanwhile, has caught the eye with his direct dribbling and willingness to take on defenders. While there is still work to do tactically, the signs are encouraging that he can provide a different dimension to Bolton’s forward play.
Cozier-Duberry thriving on loan
Another summer signing to impress is Amario Cozier-Duberry, who joined on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion. Schumacher says the winger has been given licence to express himself.
“He’s positive, isn’t he? We’ve said to him that when he plays he must have the freedom to express himself. He works incredibly hard off the ball for the team, and once he starts hitting the target, he’s going to be a good player.”
Writer’s View
Schumacher’s measured approach reflects an understanding that integrating new signings is as much about patience as it is about immediate impact. Gale and Burstow offer different attacking qualities, while Cozier-Duberry’s energy and creativity add balance to the front line.
If the trio continue on their current trajectory, Bolton could have a refreshed and dynamic attack capable of sustaining a promotion challenge deep into the season. The challenge now will be managing workloads to keep them fit and firing when the business end of the campaign arrives.
