Earlier kick-off time confirmed for Bolton Wanderers midweek games from next season

Bolton Wanderers’ home mid-week fixtures in the EFL will kick off at 7.45pm from the start of next season onwards, the club has confirmed.

The Whites have mostly kicked off at 8pm since their move to the University of Bolton Stadium 25 years ago in 1997 due to an agreement made at the time with local stakeholders. Matches in the EFL Trophy - now known as the Papa John's Trophy - have kicked off at 7pm.

But following talks with Bolton Council, the Safety Advisory Group, which also includes representatives of the local emergency services, and supporters, evening home games will now start 15 minutes earlier.

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Wanderers’ chief executive Neil Hart said: “We have listened to the supporters, many of whom were keen on earlier kick-offs to help families attend mid-week matches.

“We are also grateful to the Council and members of SAG for helping accommodate the move which will be in place from the start of next season.”

Cup fixtures are also expected to kick off at 7.45pm. Home ties in the Papa John’s Trophy are likely to continue as 7pm kick-offs and some fixtures may be subject to change depending on possible television commitments, the club has said.

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