With the League One play-offs approaching, Bolton Wanderers must be excited about the new developments at Oakwell.
The Trotters will face Barnsley in the first leg of the third tier semi-final on Friday night. The Tykes are in upheaval after replacing manager Neill Collins just days before the end of the regular season.
Despite the former Sheffield United manager’s success in the dugout, the mood in Yorkshire had soured, with the 40-year-old failing to win over some of the crowd, eventually leading to his dismissal by the club’s leadership.
Last season’s play-off finalists had planned to hire Austrian coach Dominik Thalhammer for the end-of-season showcase, but work visa complications prevented the contract from being finalised.
Bolton Wanderers will be loving Barnsley’s League One play-off clash amid the mayhem.
The news of Thalhammer’s issues will be welcomed by Bolton fans, since Martin Devaney will continue in his capacity as caretaker manager for the two legs against the Trotters.
The former Cheltenham Town midfielder oversaw the season’s final match against Northampton Town, which resulted in a 1-1 tie, adding to his unsatisfactory record at Oakwell.
If Bolton is to be successful in the playoffs, they must recreate crucial components of their performance from a week ago.
Over the last few years, the 43-year-old has overseen four matches as caretaker manager and has failed to win any of them. His first point in charge of the first team was a draw with the Cobblers.
The team’s record will be tested again when they face Wanderers over two legs. Wanderers have the second-most goals in the division and are looking for retribution from the previous season.
Last year, the Tykes won the match 2-1 on aggregate, but lost to Sheffield Wednesday in the final.
Nicky Cadden’s arrowed strike was cancelled out by Dion Charles’ quick equaliser in the first leg, then Liam Kitching’s header sealed the deal in the second leg, ending the Trotters’ promotion hopes for another season.
During his four seasons as Bolton manager, Ian Evatt has consistently improved the club’s league standings, with results of ninth, fifth, and third, following promotion from League Two during his first year in charge.
Evatt [pictured] is determined to avoid a recurrence of last year’s play-off collapse at the first hurdle, as his team appears to be on track for a successful season.
The two sides have been difficult to separate during the regular season, with both of their league meetings ending in draws, with February’s game ending in a goal apiece, before Randell Williams’ late equaliser secured the visitors a 2-2 draw at Oakwell a month later.
Barnsley’s concerning end-of-season performances
Bolton has only lost once in their previous 12 matches, while Barnsley has won only one of their last nine League One games.
As everyone knows, a lot can change once the regular season ends and the play-offs begin, but for a team that has only two points in their last six games to suddenly rediscover their form will be difficult, especially given the club’s recent issues.
| Barnsley last nine League One matches | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 16th March 2024 | Barnsley 0 – 0 Cheltenham Town | |||
| Friday 29th March 2024 | Barnsley 0 – 2 Cambridge United | |||
| Monday 1st April 2024 | Burton Albion 1 – 3 Barnsley | |||
| Saturday 6th April 2024 | Charlton Athletic 2 – 1 Barnsley | |||
| Tuesday 9th April 2024 | Stevenage 2 – 1 Barnsley | |||
| Saturday 13th April 2024 | Barnsley 2 – 2 Reading | |||
| Tuesday 16th April 2024 | Portsmouth 3 – 2 Barnsley | |||
| Saturday 20th April 2024 | Blackpool 3 – 2 Barnsley | |||
| Saturday 27th April 2024 | Barnsley 1-1 Northampton Town | |||
The Tykes consistently score, only failing to do so in four league matches this season. However, they struggle to keep opponents at bay, conceding 64 goals.
Bolton will use their high-pressing approach to minimise Barnsley’s chances of gaining an advantage in the opening leg.
Devaney will have to work wonders to change the tone at the club in the last few days, and there can’t have been many clubs starting a play-off campaign in such a poor way.
All of this plays into Bolton’s hands, and they will be hoping that a professional performance in the first leg sets them up to seal the deal in front of their home fans the following week.
The EFL play-offs, on the other hand, are unpredictable, which is why they are so compelling to watch.
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