ECHOSPORT talks to Ed Skelly from the Lion of Vienna Suite website ahead of Bolton Wanderers' trip to Southend United this weekend.

What have you made of the season so far?

"It’s been a mixed bag of a season. Our home form has been less than desirable, having only won five times at the UniBol so far.

"Our main downfall has been failing to score first in games where we have been on top and we only seem to really get going after going behind.

"It’s led to some last gasp equalisers, though some of those games should have been comfortable wins rather than snatching draws."

What were the expectations this season. Did you expect to be higher than 11th at this stage?

"I think most fans thought we would be further up the table, though at the same time we’re realistic of the situation the club has been in the last couple years.

"Expectations were certainly raised when Ian Evatt arrived proclaiming promotion as the aim. Signing the likes of Eoin Doyle & Antoni Sarcevic raised those expectations further.

"Although, due to the influence of our former Head of football operations Tobias Phoenix, a fair amount of the signings he had a hand in failed to impress and contributed to our inconsistency."

Bolton are five points below the play-offs right now. Is a top seven finish possible do you feel?

"The signings we made in the January window coupled with our recent run of form gives me hope that a top seven finish could be realistic.

"We managed to strengthen our options off the bench, as Ian Evatt has lacked attacking options to change the outcome of games.

"The Mansfield result Wednesday night is proof that we now have strength in depth."

Who would you say are the dangermen?

"On his day, Marcus Maddison has proven he has the talent to control a game, though we just haven’t seen that yet in a Bolton shirt.

"Eoin Doyle and Arthur Gnahoua are always a threat given half a chance. The West Ham loanee Dapo Afolayan has impressed in his couple of games so far - as has left back Declan John, who has been integral to our last two wins."

What's the team news for the weekend?

"Antoni Sarcevic and Harry Brockbank could be available after returning to training in the past week.

"Dennis Politic, who damaged his ACL in pre-season has also returned to training, though won’t be rushed back into the side, especially when we have plenty of wide options available."