Are Bolton still getting battered everywhere they go?
Ryan Latham from Trotter Chatter answers our questions
Monday 13 November 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Bolton – Tuesday 14 November, 7.30pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Newport – Saturday 25 November, 3pm
Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and any Bolton supporters joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Monday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
“I hate that first question,” said Ryan Latham from the Bolton podcast Trotter Chatter when I first spoke to him. “Toughsheet,” I replied. (I didn’t really, as I’ve just thought of that now, but it’s still quite funny innit?”) The Trotters ended up more battered than a sausage at The Friary the last time they visited SK3 but they’re very much on the up at the moment. In fact, we both are: between us we’ve won 22 of our last 23 games. A 0-0 snoozefest tomorrow night then…
Today’s edition is sponsored by Kingsway Carpets. As always, a big thank you to Neil.
Finally, I’m currently walking every street in Stockport to raise money for mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.
Total distance so far: 46.68 miles
Total steps so far: 83,302
Total raised so far: £962
Total completed streets so far: 24 (Click here for the full list, which includes reports and photos from every day of the walk.)
Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.
Des Junior
Are Bolton still getting battered everywhere they go?
Barring a couple of freak results at home to Wigan and Carlisle this season, we most certainly are not. We’re 3rd in the league, just a point behind leaders Portsmouth, and have won 9 of our last 10 games in all competitions.
What sort of line-up will Bolton play on Tuesday night?
I imagine we’ll make a lot of changes to our usual line-up in the league. We may have won this trophy last year but all eyes have to be on automatic promotion this season.
How was last season’s success in the Papa John’s?
It all sort of happened very quickly. We didn’t really care about the competition at first, it was seen as an inconvenience. But then all of a sudden we’re in the semi-finals against Accrington and a trip to Wembley is in sight. What was originally an inconvenience became a huge moment for the club as it felt like Bolton had risen from the ashes.
Best and worst memories as a Bolton fan?
Last season’s Papa John’s win is the best to be honest, battering Plymouth 4-0 in the final at Wembley. It felt like we needed that as a fanbase after recent years.
Unfortunately, the worst memory is in the same place: a 5-0 humbling in the FA Cup semi-final against Stoke which seemed to trigger a series of events that would find us in League Two ten years later.
Will you ever make it back to the Premier League or is the Championship a more likely resting place?
The Championship is our immediate goal, we’re not thinking much further than that. We have the facilities to cope in the Premier League but external investment would be needed to help us get there.
What name do you use when referring to your stadium?
Most of us still call it the Reebok. The Toughsheet is normally used tongue-in-cheek when we’ve won. “You’ve lost at Bolton? Toughsheet!”
Favourite Bolton XI from players that you’ve seen?
It would have to be one of Big Sam’s line-ups. Having Djorkaeff, Campo, Okocha, Hierro, Nolan and Davies over the years has been a delight. Seems a long time ago now.
What’s the fan culture like at Bolton?
Overall, a family club, and we travel really well. We do have an entitled element who can be quite volatile if things aren’t going well. But overall we have a large supportive fanbase who really care.
What’s your opinion of Thogden?
He isn’t a good representative for the people of Bolton; he’s a southerner whose main appeal is children on his channel. Fair play to him the success he’s had but I feel like we represent the people better.
What’s your thoughts on Stockport County – A) the club B) the manager C) the fans?
Not a great deal to say about the manager but as a club you seem like you’re going in the right direction. The fans have recently gotten a little salty with the Bolton lot which will no doubt resurface. Overall a proper club.
Prediction for Tuesday night?
We’ve been on a winning run, but with a rotated side I think we are due a loss. 2-1 County.
It’s time to get a new carpet
One of our sponsors is Kingsway Carpets. Established in 1985, the family-run business have a huge selection of carpets to suit all budgets and there’s no hidden extras – the price quoted is the price you pay. They also have a team of experienced fitters who will expertly lay your brand new carpet perfectly. If you’re in need of a new carpet, give them a call and they’ll have you sorted out in no time.
Visit kingsway-carpets.co.uk for further details.
Today in SK
🍔 Food and drink
Lunch deal at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). One course for £7 or two courses for £11. 12pm till 2pm.
Med Monday at TRUNK (SK7) between 12pm and 9pm. Enjoy three tapas dishes for £15. T&Cs apply. Call 0161 222 9260 to book a table, and mention “The Scarf My Father Wore” to receive a 15% discount off the normal tapas menu.
🎤 Live music
Acoustica at Bask (SK1). Free entry.
❓Quiz night
The George & Dragon (SK7). 7.30pm.
The Scarf My Father Wore works closely with venues on a daily basis to bring you the most comprehensive guide to all of the best offers and events taking place across the whole SK region. Click on the links below for full details of everything taking place in your area over the next few weeks.
SK1 / SK2 / SK3 / SK4 / SK5 / SK6 / SK7 / SK8 / SK9 / SK10 / SK11 / SK12 / SK13 / SK14 / SK15 / SK16 / SK17 / SK22 / SK23
Photo of the day
Michael Byrne, Fraser McLachlan and Stuart Barlow in the changing room, during the Sammy McIlroy days.
DJ Des
Dave Thompson announced his final total yesterday, after raising money for Mentell with his recent 24-hour boxing challenge. The amount is a staggering £10,311. Massive respect from all of us.
Would you like DJ Des to play a song for your favourite County player, or a friend or family member? Email thescarfmyfatherwore@substack.com with your requests/shoutouts!
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