Bolton Wanderers head coach Steven Schumacher insists Reading’s current league position isn’t a factor he has considered ahead of tomorrow night’s clash at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The Royals impressed last season in difficult circumstances, narrowly missing out on a place in the play-offs. With their ownership troubles behind them, they are hoping to once again challenge for a top six position, although have suffered the worst possible start to the new campaign.
Noel Hunt’s side have lost all three of their opening league games this season, scoring just one goal in the process. They went down 2-0 to both Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town before a 2-1 defeat against newly promoted AFC Wimbledon on Saturday. However, their performances in the last two games in particular have shown signs of promise.
Schumacher Hints At False League Position
Bolton have endured an inconsistent start, winning one, drawing one and losing one of their first three league games. Their only win did come in front of their own supporters though, a feat they’ll be hoping to match when they welcome Reading tomorrow night.
Noel Hunt’s side are currently bottom of the table, although can move up on goal difference prior to their trip to Greater Manchester should either Peterborough United or Plymouth Argyle taste defeat tonight. However, they will definitely remain in the bottom four before they take to the field tomorrow night.
Speaking to official club media ahead of the clash, Schumacher insists that the visitors current league position isn’t an indication of the threat they pose:
“I don’t think the players are looking too much into where Reading are currently. It’s so early in the season that results can happen. I said to them this morning when we did the video presentation on Reading that, for me, they’ve played well in their games.
“I think they’ve edged the XG (expected goals) in two out of the three games and haven’t been clinical enough, exactly what I’ve just been speaking about. They’ve had big moments and haven’t managed to score.
“They know the players that Reading have got and what they’re capable of. We won’t take them lightly because they’re bottom of the league. It makes no difference in this early stage of the season.
“We’ve just got to try and do the business where we can. Like I always say, it’s over to us. We’ve got to make sure we take care of what we need to take care of, try and be positive, try and play in a style that’s good to watch but, most importantly, try and find a way to win.”
Writer’s View
Bolton know they are in for a tough night against Reading, but Schumacher will be quietly confident that he has the players at his disposal to gain the three points. Although it is very early in the campaign, it is difficult to halt any winless run and the former Stoke City boss will be well aware of that fact. This is something that he will be looking to exploit, but he is certainly right not to take anything for granted.
