Bolton Wanderers Captain Anthony Sarsevich reveals the details behind the ‘disrupted’ summer

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Compared to previous summers of financial desperation and boardroom turmoil at the Bolton Wanderers, it seemed like what had just gone a walk in the park.

The Whites were undefeated on the pitch, eight transfers were struck early, 10,000 season tickets were sold – the Whites went through a positive run-up on their return to the top flight, and were looking for infinitely more stable opportunities than they had in years Last.

But behind the scenes, stress levels were high. The outbreak of Covid infection on the training ground has left many players off the field and struggling to get back to full fitness in time to face the MK Dons.

Fortunately, the worst is over. And while club captain Anthony Sarcevic ranks this summer as one of the biggest shocks he’s faced in football, he takes some comfort in the fact that Bolton is entering the new campaign in good shape and in high spirits.

“Compared to last season, it’s chalk and cheese,” he told Bolton News. “I honestly think it was one of the most disruptive previous seasons I’ve had as a footballer and it was definitely difficult for the coach and the rest of the players.

“Coronavirus is affecting us in ways that people outside the club don’t really know about and it’s stressful for everyone because it can be something as simple as sitting next to someone.

“It’s been tough but I think we’re a little lucky because apparently everyone had it and got the virus before the first game, so hopefully we can start the season with a strong squad.

“Everyone gets up to where they need to be and we’ll definitely be ready for Saturday.”

In his 12 months as club captain, Sarsevich has become a barometer of the Wanderers’ status, and he has never been shy about expressing his displeasure if a stern word was needed.

So, when a quarterback says, with some kind of heart, that Ian Evatt’s squad is better prepared to do what is expected of them than they were last summer, you tend to believe him.

“I have to be careful what I say, but I’ve tried to be honest about things and put my views across – but, frankly, I can’t speak highly enough about how to do it now, and pre-season has shown that,” he said.

“Every performance we’ve proven we’re going to be a decent bunch this year.

“The players and the fans know that we are a long way from where we were last season and I think there is confidence now because of what we achieved. We didn’t have that last year either.

“All the players have been back on the training pitch for a few days now and we honestly can’t wait to play.”

The competition in midfield has intensified with the arrival of Wales international Josh Sheehan, as well as Sarsevich, MJ Williams, George Thomason, Kieran Lee and his co-stars, to whom last season’s promotion owes a lot.

With a larger squad to choose from, Evat will once again be challenged to keep all his squad happy but with a reserve team playing in the Central League, Sarsević believes the rivalry between the teams will be fierce.

“I speak selfishly,” he said, “but I think the midfield is the strongest area.” “We complement each other well. We talk on the pitch, we communicate well and we are all confident in each other’s abilities.

“People who did not participate in this third stage, they should be prepared because if something happens to one of us, they need to make sure that they are ready to enter our place.

“Going to League One it is very different from League Two. We need a good team in depth. It will be an intense league with the teams that are in and we have to make sure we have the players who are not involved to be ready to participate.”

The season that Sarsevich deems to be the biggest of his professional career begins tomorrow at University of Bolton Stadium against MK Dons, a team still reeling from the sudden departure of coach Russell Martin last weekend.

The Scotsman left for Swansea City after the 5-0 defeat to Bournemouth and legend MK Dean Livington was appointed on a temporary assignment.

“I don’t think it will affect us,” the captain said. It will affect them more.

“Obviously we have an idea of ​​how they play and what they do. That may all change on Saturday, but it’s all about us, as simple as that.

“The manager has made that very clear. It’s about what we do, and if we do what we’re supposed to do, I’m more than confident we’ll get three points.”

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