Bolton Wanderers are still chasing an escape from League One after five years in the division. With promise of a promotion push once again on the cards it appears that youth prospect, Max Conway, could be a surprise package for the Trotters.
A New Approach
After being installed in January, Steven Schumacher has spent much of the summer transforming the squad, bringing in 11 players to date, with more rumoured to be on the way.
After spending much of the time under Ian Evatt using wingbacks alongside a back three, a change in formation has been in order. Schumacherโs whites have returned to a back four with a new emphasis on wingers.
Whilst attacking transfers always grab the major headlines, another question on the lips of Wanderers fans has been who fits in the full-back roles. After years of wingbacks, are the current crop too attacking, or can they slip in and defend?
As expected, the Whites recruitment acted fast, adding Richard Taylor from St Mirren, problem is, the player picked up an injury early on in pre-season, so where did that leave Bolton?
With 21-year-old Max Conway ready to step up.
Who is Max Conway?ย
The youngster joined Bolton at U16 level and has risen through the ranks from that point.
After earning his first professional contract in 2022, loan spells followed.
2022-23 was spent with Buxton, before a short spell with Rochdale. 2023-24 Conway joined AFC Fylde on loan where he played 31 times for the National League outfit.
After impressing throughout, another step up came, joining Crewe Alexandra on loan in League Two last season.
2024-25 was a serious break out year for the 21-year-old, making 50 appearances, scoring two goals. At the end of the season, Conway would win Player of the Year.
Max Conway โ Crewe Alexandra โ 2024-25
| Competitions | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| League Two | 46 | 2 | 1 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| EFL Trophy | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Why Can Conway Make a Difference?
Upon the end of his loan spell, Bolton took up a year option on Conway, keeping him with the Whites till at least the summer of 2026, with Schumacher stating the player would be part of his plans this season.
With Taylor injured, it could be argued thar Conway has simply fallen into being Boltonโs first choice at left-back but that would be far from the truth.
The youngster has picked up from where he left off at Crewe. Netting in pre-season, Conway has continued to impress.
Unfortunately, Wanderers opening game against Stockport County didnโt go to plan but guess who stood out again? Max Conway.
Whilst we havenโt seen Taylor in a Wanderers shirt competitively yet, he will offer something completely different. Conway comes with speed, athleticism and dribbling ability hard to ignore. Yes, he has a lot to learn and lacks the physicality of Taylor but is showing all the attribute to get in the team and stay in it.
Complimented by Josh Dacres-Cogley on the opposite side, Conway has been allowed to push forward whilst his opposite number remains back and showcase his skills.
There will be times this season where a player with the profile of Taylor will be needed but Conway is providing a name for himself, that could easily see him being the constant attacking defender in the starting XI.
Wanderers are finally playing a system that allows full-back to overlap and compliment wingers ahead of them. Conway fits the mould and will only learn more as the season goes on.
Bolton may have made several signings this summer as they hunt promotion, but it might be one of the homegrown names making the headlines come May.
