Matt Bottomley
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Matt Bottomley
@mattbottomley.bsky.social
42 followers 44 following 140 posts
Freelance Sports Journalist and North West Football Correspondent. #BWFC fan. Formerly The Telegraph, FanSided and LowerTiers.

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mattbottomley.bsky.social
Ryan Hardie hasn’t been able to make an impact at Wrexham as of yet.

Could a drop back to League One with his ties to Steven Schumacher be viable in January?

#WxmAFC #BWFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/29/b...
Bolton Wanderers should look at January transfer swoop for out-of-favour Championship striker: Opinion News: The72 - Football League News
BWFC - Bolton Wanderers could look to strengthen up top in January, with out-of-favour Wrexham striker Ryan Hardie being an ideal fit.
the72.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 4:16 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Todd Cantwell hasn’t played since October, leading to many speculating his absence isn’t down to injury.

The player took to Instagram to shut down those rumours.

#Rovers #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/12/01/b...
"Don't listen": Blackburn Rovers captain slams absence speculation with public message News: The72 - Football League News
Blackburn Rovers captain Todd Cantwell has slammed conspiracy theories and stated his injury is much more complicated than first thought.
the72.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 1:10 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Youngster Bade Aluko was handed a first start for Leicester City last night, but lasted just 33 minutes.

The Foxes went on to lose 3-0, with no sign of their defensive shortcomings easing.

#LCFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/26/l...
"Disappointing": Marti Cifuentes on disaster debut as Leicester City's defensive shortage worsens News: The72 - Football League News
LCFC - Bade Aluko saw red on a tough Leicester City debut, but he retains the support of manager Marti Cifuentes.
the72.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 1:25 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Derby County beat Swansea City 2-1 last night but John Eustace delivered his verdict on the injured Carlton Morris, whilst trying to remain positive.

#DCFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/26/d...
"That's me being optimistic": When Carlton Morris could return as Derby County boss confirms injury worries News: The72 - Football League News
DCFC - John Eustace says Derby County striker Carlton Morris will miss at least two to three months, but may not miss the entire season.
the72.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 11:06 AM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Eoin Toal has spoken about why he feels things might be different for Bolton Wanderers this season.

#BWFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/20/b...
"It is different this year": Bolton Wanderers star believes the time is now in fourth promotion bid News: The72 - Football League News
Bolton Wanderers have come up short in their hunt for promotion over the last four years. Eoin Toal believes this year could be different.
the72.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 12:05 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Wrexham have had an upturn of form recently but can Phil Parkinson’s side continue without Issa Kabore?

#WxmAFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/19/w...
Wrexham suffer injury blow with defender's six-week absence confirmed News: The72 - Football League News
Wrexham have been dealt a blow as it has been confirmed that on-loan defender, Issa Kabore will now be out for six weeks.
the72.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 12:04 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Kim Hellberg is set to take the reigns at Middlesbrough; but it now appears that Adi Viveash will also remain at the Riverside.

#Boro #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/19/m...
Update emerges on Adi Viveash's position at Middlesbrough News: The72 - Football League News
Kim Hellberg is set to be appointed Middlesbrough boss but will keep interim coach Adi Viveash a the club as part of his staff.
the72.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 9:38 AM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Hull City have had a great season so far.

Here’s why returning winger Mohamed Belloumi can be the x-factor that can help Hull’s promotion push.

#HCAFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/13/h...
Fit-again winger can be the final piece in Hull City's promotion push: Opinion News: The72 - Football League News
HCAFC - Hull City's season has been better than most had hoped for but things could be about to get better with Mohamed Belloumi's return.
the72.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 3:45 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Patrick Bamford is in talks to sign for Sheffield United, with hopes the former Leeds United striker can aid the Blades goal scoring woes.

#TwitterBlades #SUFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/13/s...
Sheffield United hold talks over deal for former Leeds United favourite News: The72 - Football League News
SUFC - Sheffield United are in talks with Patrick Bamford, in the hopes he can provide some much needed goals for the team.
the72.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 9:06 AM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Bolton Wanderers are heading towards a full clean bill of health, with Will Forrester to return and play tonight.

#BWFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/11/b...
"Brilliant": Long-term Bolton Wanderers absentee set for long-awaited return vs Oldham Athletic News: The72 - Football League News
BWFC - Everything is looking up for Bolton Wanderers right now, with defender Will Forrester set to return to the pitch on Tuesday night.
the72.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 4:07 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Sheffield United are in desperate need of a spark this season.

Chris Wilder expects Ben Mee and Michael Cooper to be fit for the Sheffield Wednesday game alongside Gus Hamer expected to be available.

#SUFC #TwitterBlades #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/10/s...
Update emerges on Sheffield United injury worries with Steel City derby around the corner News: The72 - Football League News
SUFC - Sheffield United expect Ben Mee, Michael Cooper and Gus Hamer all to be fit for the derby game with Sheffield Wednesday.
the72.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 1:05 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Here’s all your team news and a predicted XI as Bolton host Port Vale tomorrow.

#BWFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/07/o...
Osei-Tutu starts: Bolton Wanderers team news and predicted XI to face Port Vale News: The72 - Football League News
BWFC - The latest Bolton Wanderers team news and prediction XI as Steven Schumacher's side prepare to host Port Vale in League One.
the72.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 9:28 AM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Amario Cozier-Duberry has been outstanding for Bolton Wanderers so far this season.

Sporting Director Fergal Harkin has belief he won’t be recalled in January.

#BWFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/06/b...
"I don't see that changing": Key Bolton Wanderers figure offers huge encouragement over future of star player News: The72 - Football League News
BWFC - Amario Cozier-Duberry has starred for Bolton Wanderers, prompting concerns of a winter recall back to Brighton & Hove Albion.
the72.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 2:19 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Kyle Dempsey played his second game this season as he returns from injury.

Here's why I think he can fill the CAM role and make a difference for Bolton this season.

#BWFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/04/b...
Returning Bolton Wanderers midfielder could resolve Schumacher dilemma and star in promotion run: Opinion News: The72 - Football League News
BWFC - Kyle Dempsey's return to full fitness could be the answer to Bolton Wanderers conundrum in attacking midfield.
the72.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 3:12 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Watford have picked up form after the return of Javi Gracia.

Imran Louza believe the Hornets can get their first away win tomorrow night at Ipswich Town.

#WatfordFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/11/03/w...
"If we want to be promoted": Imran Louza backs Watford to overcome long-term issue after Javi Gracia impact News: The72 - Football League News
Watford midfielder Imran Louza believes the rejuvenated side can end their terrible away form in the coming matches.
the72.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 3:06 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Things aren't getting any easier for Will Still and Southampton, with Shea Charles expected to be out for a significant period of time.

#SaintsFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/10/31/s...
Southampton star out for 'significant' period as injury woes deepen ahead of Preston test News: The72 - Football League News
Things get tougher and tougher for Southampton, with Shea Charles one of several player cast to the sidelines through injury.
the72.co.uk
October 31, 2025 at 11:10 AM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Bradford City are having a great season so far, meaning it’s hard for those on the outside to break into the team.

Ciaran Kelly has started the last two games, and is hoping to keep his place.

#BCAFC #EFL

lowertiers.co.uk/bradford-cit...
Ciaran Kelly: Bradford City Defender After More Games
Bradford City defender Ciaran Kelly hopes to get more chances in the team after playing every minute of the Bantams last two games.
lowertiers.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 10:05 AM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Things aren’t going well for Plymouth Argyle, with the side sitting in the relegation zone.

Despite this the club have backed Tom Cleverley, saying he is the right man for the job.

#PAFC #EFL

lowertiers.co.uk/plymouth-arg...
Tom Cleverley: Plymouth Argyle Back Head Coach Despite Form
Plymouth Argyle have backed boss Tom Cleverley despite the team's form, stating he is the right man to lead the club forward and up the table.
lowertiers.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 10:02 AM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Kevin Nolan was full of praise for Cameron McGeehan, who played 90 minutes at the weekend with two fractured ribs.

#ShoeArmy #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/10/29/a...
"A credit to him": Northampton Town favourite earns Kevin Nolan praise after playing through the pain twice News: The72 - Football League News
Northampton Town boss Kevin Nolan has praised midfielder Cameron McGeehan, who played two games with fractured ribs.
the72.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 9:33 AM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Steven Schumacher was full of praise for Jordi Osei-Tutu, who has started the last two games since returning from injury.

#BWFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/10/29/b...
"Unbelievable": Steven Schumacher heaps praise on Bolton Wanderers man amid long-awaited return News: The72 - Football League News
BWFC - Jordi Osei-Tutu is back from injury, and it hasn't taken the Bolton Wanderers man long to earn praise from Steven Schumacher.
the72.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Reposted by Matt Bottomley
thesefootballtimes.shop
It’s 1995. Bolton are playing Wolves in the battle of the Wanderers, and (aptly) centre-back Jimmy Phillips wanders up from defence and finds himself in acres on the edge of the Wolves box.

When you can’t get the ball under control properly, just hit the panic button and launch an utter missile.
October 28, 2025 at 10:27 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Ian Evatt returned to Blackpool as manager this week. The question is, which Evatt will they get?

From the opinion of someone who watched five years of his football.

#UTMP #EFL

lowertiers.co.uk/opinion-ian-...
Opinion: Which Ian Evatt Will Blackpool Get?
Ian Evatt takes over as manager at his former club Blackpool. A divisive character, just which Evatt will the Tangerines get?
lowertiers.co.uk
October 23, 2025 at 12:27 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Millwall's injury woes have deepened with Massimo Luongo out for the season and Josh Coburn out for months, rather than weeks.

#Millwall #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/10/22/s...
Season-ending blow confirmed as Millwall injury woes continue News: The72 - Football League News
Millwall have been dealt an injury blow, with midfielder Massimo Luongo ruled out for the season with a torn ACL.
the72.co.uk
October 22, 2025 at 3:26 PM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
Middlesbrough head to Hillsborough tonight, with boss Rob Edwards stating his side are prepared for the different challenge this game offers.

#Boro #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/10/22/m...
"We've talked about it": Middlesbrough prepared for Hillsborough obscurity, says Rob Edwards News: The72 - Football League News
Middlesbrough head to Sheffield Wednseday in their midweek fixture, boss Rob Edwards says his side are prepared for a different atmosphere.
the72.co.uk
October 22, 2025 at 9:24 AM
mattbottomley.bsky.social
George Hall has been the victim to many injuries in his career but the Por Vale midfielder now believes he fit and ready to make his mark at Vale Park.

#PVFC #EFL

the72.co.uk/2025/10/17/p...
"I know my quality": Port Vale new boy ready to make his mark after Birmingham City exit News: The72 - Football League News
PVFC - George Hall is ready to put his history of injuries behind him and make his mark at Port Vale this season.
the72.co.uk
October 17, 2025 at 2:25 PM