'Bolton refusing to play by the rules'

So far, so good for Wanderers.

As we await the return of league action, begrudgingly enduring the three games of the international break, it feels appropriate to offer an early assessment.

I don’t think we could have asked for much more than being three points off the play-offs, especially as we started the season with a squad that was arguably weaker than the one that triumphed at Wembley.

The theme of our eight games so far has been a total disregard for what some might call the ‘respect’ that perceived lesser sides are apparently expected to show those more established.

Schumacher and his side have refused to play by those rules. They’ve had a go.

It’s brought a mixed bag of results. It’s been frantic and chaotic, but at the same time, rip-roaring and exciting.

And it cannot be said that Bolton are a one-trick pony, either. The Cardiff result showed that we can grind results out, too.

As early in the season as that was, the game had been seen as one of our ‘must-wins’.

Honestly, we probably didn’t deserve the three points, but we found a way.

Now Bolton sit on 10 points, while Cardiff have just seven, one place above the relegation zone. It’s fine margins.

That is something Bolton are beginning to learn fast, particularly after the 3-2 defeats to both West Ham and Sheffield United.

For all the pre-season talk about a lack of attacking threat, we have not necessarily struggled in that department. The last three games have seen seven goals go in, with all but one scored by a different member of the squad.

There is still plenty of room for improvement – a bit more organisation at the back would be nice at times – but there is already a clear identity to this Bolton side.

Long may it continue. Bring on Stoke!

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