We may not be millionaires this time next year by backing Bolton Wanderers to win League One but it makes sense to invest in the Trotters.
Unlike some of the dodgy deals struck by Del and Rodney in Only Fools and Horses… there’s value to be had in what’s being offered in the bookmakers’ betting markets.
Bolton finished fifth last season, reaching the play-offs where they fell at the first hurdle against beaten finalists Barnsley, and their success was built on a rock-solid defence which only conceded 36 goals, a sterling achievement only bettered by Ipswich and they were promoted to the Championship.
Also in their favour is that the teams who have been relegated will surely struggle to make an impact as Reading have spent much of the summer under a transfer embargo, Wigan start with an eight-point deduction and Blackpool just don’t cut the mustard.
Derby, Charlton and Portsmouth are among the big guns seeking to return to former glorious but none of them particularly fill potential followers with confidence and all trailed in Bolton’s wake last term.
It’s surprising the Rams are 9/2 favourites to batter their way out of the division as champions, especially after losing a couple of key players, while Pompey’s massive turnover could make it difficult for them to hit the ground running. Odds of 10/1 with BetUK and Unibet aren’t enough to splash the cash on them to win the title.
Barnsley, beaten by Sheffield Wednesday’s late extra-time Wembley winner will be up there.
So too will be Peterborough, despite having an albatross around the neck after blowing a 4-0 play-off semi-final first-leg lead to the Owls.
So if you don’t want to be a plonker it’s cushty to back Bolton for the title at 15/2 with Betway and BoyleSports and 11/4 with Betfair and Paddy Power to be promoted. Lovely jubbly.
Pompey’s Colby Bishop bagged 20 goals last season and is 9/1 with bet365 to be the division’s top scorer while Fleetwood are 11/8 to be relegated. Alright Dave?
• Day two tips for Glorious Goodwood: 1.50 Westerton; 2.25 Breege; 3.00 Big Evs; 4.10 Flora of Bermuda; 4.45 Chips and Rice.
• Debinha is 4/1 with Betway and Sky Bet to open the scoring when Brazil face Jamaica in their final group match at the Women’s World Cup. Over 3.5 goals is 15/8 with Betfair and Paddy Power.
