How Bolton Wanderers have laid 'solid' foundations to build from
Shazad joined from the City Football Group last September and has also served as interim co-Chief Executive Officer following Neil Hart's departure.
'The club's resurgence since the FVWL (Football Ventures) acquisition in 2019 culminated in record-breaking turnover in 2023/24 which speaks volumes about the jobs" target="_blank">work that's gone into rebuilding Bolton post-administration,' he told Football Business Journal.
'From a financial and operational standpoint, the foundations are sound and with the support and backing of the board, will only get stronger.'
Shazad added: 'Scalability now depends on our ability to evolve this model. We are not just trying to grow for growth's sake – we're aiming for smart, sustainable growth.
'That means investing further in data infrastructure, improving talent pathways from Academy to first team, and forming strategic partnerships both locally and internationally.'
The campaign didn't go to plan for the first team but there was success for the Women's team and Academy, who clinched several trophies collectively.
The Women's team achieved the league and cup double in their first season under club operations, without losing a single game in the league.
Julian Darby's Under-18s won the Youth Alliance League northern section before thrashing Luton in the national final at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. The youngsters also won the LFA Professional Youth Cup.
Andy Taylor's B Team completed a hat trick of successes at the County Ground in Leyland, beating Burnley to lift the LFA Senior Cup.
'What we've seen this past season is not just success in isolation – it's reward for years of groundwork across our footballing departments, be it Julian Darby, Dave Gardiner, Myles Smith or the many wonderful members in their respective teams,' Shazad stated.
'The performance of our Women's team, B Team and Academy sides is a powerful signal that the club is building the right way - from the ground up, with cohesion, standards and identity running through every level.
'From a strategic standpoint, these achievements confirm our belief in a "one club" philosophy. We don't view these teams as peripheral or developmental – they're integral pillars of Bolton Wanderers.
'Their success enhances our brand, our talent pipeline and our commercial appeal. Winning matters, but what matters even more is how we're winning - with local talent, intelligent coaching and a culture of excellence that mirrors the first team's direction.'
Several youngsters also received opportunities in the first team during the final weeks of the campaign including David Abimbola and Sam Inwood.
Shazad echoed new Sporting Director Fergal Harkin's words about the importance of developing talent to make the step up to the senior ranks.
'Another core pillar is player trading and development,' he said. 'This isn't just about selling talent – it's about creating a vertically integrated pathway from Academy to first team and beyond, which creates long-term value both on the pitch and on the balance sheet.
'Our investment in data-led recruitment and youth development ensures that we aren't just developing talent for ourselves but becoming a club recognised for producing players who thrive at higher levels.
'Our B Team, as well as U18s have had tremendous success this season, winning leagues and cups alike and we hope to build upon these foundations in the years to come.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Teenage duo sign first professional deals with United
The highly-rated pair signed full-time scholarships with United's Academy last summer before agreeing to pro deals once both turning 17 years old. Ferreira, who celebrates his 17th birthday today, is a winger capable of playing on both flanks and recorded an assist on his debut for United's Under-21s side in January during a 2-2 draw against Everton in the Premier League 2. The promising youngster, who joined United's Academy in 2020 after playing for local club Berwick Juniors, recorded eight goals and six assists in the Under-18 Premier League North last season and scored his first goal at under-21 level against Leicester City in February. Ferreira, born to a Brazilian father and Italian mother, told 'Signing this contract is a truly special moment for me and my family. It is a clear sign that all the hard work, sacrifice and determination is beginning to pay off. "Last season was really positive for me, making my under-21s debut and it was a proud moment to get an assist and make an impact on the game which made it even more rewarding. "Moments like that reflect the progress I'm making but I know there is still much more to achieve. I am incredibly grateful to my family and host parents for their constant support and to all the staff who have helped me grow both as a player and a person. "I am also setting new goals and pushing to improve this season and I aim to secure a regular place in the under-21s squad, including starting games. I am focussed, hungry and excited for what lies ahead." Epia, a ball-playing centre-back, joined the Magpies from Everton last summer and made 14 league appearances for United at under-18 level during the 2024/25 campaign, scoring his first Newcastle goal against his former club in March. The aggressive defender, who admires Jarrad Branthwaite and John Stones, admitted he is now reaping the benefits of making a difficult choice in moving from the North west to the North east of England in pursuit of, ultimately, achieving a lifelong ambition. The Manchester-born youngster added: "When I came here last year, I wasn't too sure about moving to Newcastle but as I got used to the culture and environment, I ended up liking it and I love it now. 'It was a big step to sign my first professional contract as it's something I've worked for my whole life, with a lot of support from my family. I'm really pleased to sign it. "I like Newcastle's values and how they admire hard work. It's a big club, a big city and it's a huge step for me. "I want to play regularly for the under-18s and then, hopefully, I can move up to the under-21s group and then make it to the first-team in a few years' time, making my debut for the club." Academy Director Steve Harper said: 'This is a significant step for Matheos and Aaron and one they've both earned through the progress they've made since joining the club. 'They have shown real maturity in how they've approached their development, both on and off the pitch, and they both consistently demonstrate the values we want to see in young professionals. 'We're committed to helping them build on this foundation and continue their development in a positive, competitive environment.'
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
Man Utd on brink of losing unique record lasting 88 years and 4,321 games
Man Utd on brink of losing record Dates back 88 years and 4,000+ games Hopes of extending run lie in select few Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 WHAT HAPPENED? According to The Athletic, United have named a player who has come through their academy in every first-team squad since October 1937. That's a run of 4,321 games, 44 major trophies, 18 league titles, and three European Cups. THE BIGGER PICTURE However, that run is now looking 'unusually vulnerable' ahead of the 2025/26 season if the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are sold. The former is eyeing a move to Chelsea but the latter could stay put. However, if the 20-year-old picks up an injury or a suspension, that remarkable Red Devils academy run could finally come to an end. DID YOU KNOW? Figures show that last season at United, the average number of youth players in each first-team squad was 4.51 - a drop of 6.65 from the previous year. For the upcoming campaign, it could be the lowest number for three decades. WHAT NEXT? United will hope they can retain some of their best academy products, and perhaps some new names will rise up the youth ranks and extend this impressive club run. Ultimately, though, Ruben Amorim's team will focus on results rather than these types of records.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Barcelona dream becomes a reality for talented young footballer Yazmin Doherty
For many young footballers the chance to be coached the Barcelona way would be a dream come true. For eight-year-old Yazmin Doherty that dream has become a reality after being invited to link up with the Barça Academy for a week-long academy experience. The Foyle Girls FC midfielder, whose favourites players are Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, is "smashing it" out in Spain with her dad Gerard telling Belfast Live it is a "massive opportunity" in terms of Yazmin's development. READ MORE: South Belfast community hosts street party to 'unite people from all walks of life' READ MORE: Most popular baby names in the UK revealed as beloved girl's name falls out of favour "Yazmin has been on the radar of a few clubs recently," explained Gerard. "We were approached by Barça Academy about the opportunity to take part in a week-long academy experience, and it was a no-brainer to say yes. "It's an incredible chance for her to learn, grow, and showcase her talent with one of the best clubs in the world. "It's a full week of top-level training with FC Barcelona academy coaches five days of learning the Barça way, developing both attacking and defensive skills, and being challenged in an elite academy environment. "She's absolutely smashing it. Yazmin has taken to it like a duck to water adapting to the heat, the intensity, and the high level of skill with ease. The academy director and head coach have been really impressed with her performances and ability. "The coaches are incredibly talented from the way they run the drills to how they communicate and teach the game. It's a brilliant experience and a massive opportunity for her development as a young footballer." The Derry youngster has been playing since the age of five and her love of football has continued to grow as the girls' and women's flourishes. "From the moment she first kicked a ball, her passion for the game has only grown stronger," said Gerard. "Yazmin's a quick, dynamic player who is comfortable on the ball, confident with both feet, and always looking to create and drive play forward. "She plays for Foyle Girls FC in Derry, a great club dedicated to the female side of the game. "The growth of female football has been incredible. The standard, skill, and visibility of the game are rising every year, and it's brilliant to see young girls like Yazmin being part of that journey."
