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Jon Dadi Bodvarsson says Wanderers cannot hide away from greater expectations of success in League One.
Last season’s ninth-placed finish was viewed favourably by most supporters, even though it failed to match Ian Evatt’s lofty target of the top six.
A sharp upturn in form post-January, spurred by a handful of key signings including the Iceland international, have now raised hopes that Bolton can go a lot closer this time around.
“I think everyone is prepared for that,” Bodvarsson told The Bolton News. “There will be pressure on us and it is a big club.
“We did well last season for a team coming up from League Two and we were not far away from the play-offs, so naturally now people will have bigger expectations for us to go up.
“We have high standards for ourselves too. We have spoken about it and our goal is to be in the top six and hopefully get promotion.
“It is a massive club and that should always be the goal here. I don’t think the players will shy away from it either. It is a healthy pressure.”
Wanderers returned early for pre-season and most of the first team squad flew out to Portugal for a training camp.
Kieran Lee has stayed behind to be with his wife, who is about to give birth, and loanees James Trafford and Conor Bradley will link-up with the squad after a short break having been on international duty.
For Bodvarsson, this summer represents a chance to get himself back into top shape, having struggled to do so at Millwall 12 months ago.
“It’s an important time because we can gel the team together and also work on the things we need to improve on,” he said. “At the same time, you get the miles in your legs.
“For me it is really important. I have missed having a good pre-season.
“It helps your body and your mind because it is a big season ahead. I think this is the first time in my whole career I have had a summer off and a whole pre-season, so it should be good for me.”
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