FOOTBALL Ventures board member Nick Luckock had a simple message to everyone connected with Wanderers after a season of frustration in League One: “We go again!”

Speaking at the club’s Player of the Year Awards, the businessman acknowledged some of the successes enjoyed by the B Team, Under-19s and women’s team, along with the continued positive influence of Bolton Wanderers in the Community in the town.

He also thanked fellow board members Michael James and Sharon Brittan for “Resilience, passion and a determination to progress are reflected in the countless hours they pour into this club.”

Reflecting on a season in which Wanderers spent heavily on the first team under Ian Evatt in an effort to reach the Championship but ultimately parted ways with the long-serving manager in January, bringing in Steven Schumacher, Luckock insists fans can “look forward with purpose and optimism.”

He said: “This evening is also a chance to reflect on a year that tested us and ultimately has led to some recent disappointments. Last summer we decided to support the existing leadership team, heavily invest in the infrastructure and playing squad and strive in every way to achieve promotion.

“Everyone in this room supported the club in some way, be it through record season ticket sales, hospitality, away fan support, renewed sponsorship, or just those little things that help each other and the club out.

“We all wanted the same thing. It didn’t happen, so we are learning the lessons, being smarter, making the necessary changes, and with your help we will go again.

“Over the five or so years that Football Ventures has been with this club we have been proud to live by the creed of one club, one community, one town. We have been humbled by the passion, commitment and unifying positive force of this club.

“Even though we sometimes frustrate ourselves on the pitch, I am immensely proud of the impact we all have on Bolton as a community, the way the town carries our name with pride and despite the challenges of the outside world we help people’s lives and do good together.

“The other creed that Football Ventures has lived by as custodians is to leave the club in a better place than when we started, and tonight’s event is just one example of the progress we have all made, so thank-you for the support.

“Under our new leadership team, with lessons learned and continued investment, with even deeper community ties, the strongest stakeholder relationships and all of us wearing the badge with pride, I’d like all of us to step up and make one simple toast: ‘To Bolton Wanderers, we go again!’