I know it's early but I thought I'd get this in before the festivities start.

Next up, we're destined for a trip to the Toughsheet stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers FC.

The Boss
Stephen Schumacher is no stranger to success at this level, winning the league with Plymouth in the 2022/23 season. Ironically, Schumacher also led Plymouth to the EFL Trophy final in the same season, losing to his current club Bolton in front of almost 80,000 fans. Appointed boss on 30/1/2025 Bolton supporters will be keen to see him replicate the success he had on the south coast with Plymouth.

If anyone is interested, this is what Schumacher has to say about the game with us on Boxing Day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_QvHQz9rfg

Who to watch
Mason Burstow
On loan from Hull City, the young marksman is top scorer for Bolton so far this season with 7 goals, all coming in the league.

Another player Bolton have on loan is Amario Cozier-Duberry. Currently on loan from Brighton, his trickery and pace will be a problem down our left side. Although he's currently at Brighton, he has represented Arsenal and England at various youth levels. The 20 year old is certainly a real prospect and definitely one to watch.

Thierry Gale
Bolton signed the 23 year wide-man from Rapid Vienna in the summer for a reported fee of 600k. The highly rated Barbadian is in his first season of English football and has scored 5 goals so far this season, one of which was against us in the EFL Trophy.

Last 6
Wycombe 2 v 1 Bolton (L1)
Bolton 2 v 1 Exeter (L1)
Mansfield 0 v 1 Bolton (L1)
Swindon 4 v 0 Bolton (FA Cup)
Bolton 3 v 0 Bradford (Vertu)
Luton 1 v 1 Bolton (L1)

Latest Odds
Bolton 1/3 Draw 7/2 Millers 15/2

Recent Meetings
(2/9/2025)
Bolton 1 v 0 Rotherham (Vertu)

(8/4/2025)
Bolton 0 v 1 Rotherham (L1)
Nombe.

(11/1/2025)
Rotherham 3 v 1 Bolton (L1)
Wilks(pen), James, Nombe.

Summary
Given recent performances, I just can't make a case for us to get anything out of this game. Injuries to Benson, Spence and I assume Reece James all add to the likelihood of this being a very uncomfortable afternoon for the Millers. That's the reality of the situation.

So a difficult game in prospect and I think most people would take a point right now. Hopefully the debacle of Huddersfield invokes some kind of reaction from the players, because we need to see one.

I'll keep it short and sweet folks and leave the summary there. Have a merry Christmas everyone and enjoy the game on Boxing Day.

UTM