Trotters fans will be hoping for a stronger start than last season which saw them lose four of their first six games, and saw them eventually limp home to finish in a lacklustre 14th place, and a relatively poor showing in both domestic cup competitions.

Germany won the World Cup without any players from Greater Manchester clubs – but how did the Mancunians who were at the tournament shape up?

Manchester City’s cousins from Down Under – after Melbourne Heart were rebranded last month – are holding a 17-day training camp in the UK before returning to Australia for their FFA Cup clash against Sydney FC.

Superfans are a select few who support their team to the max, earning widespread recognition with some and even worshipped for it.

Roy Hodgson’s side crashed out of the current tournament in the group stage, after losing 2-1 to both Italy and Uruguay and drawing 0-0 with Costa Rica.

The accounts for Championship clubs in 2012/13 revealed Wanderers to have the highest levels of debt, the highest wage bill in the league and to have made the biggest loss before tax.

Captain Zat Knight, Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears are three first-team players who will not be seen at the newly-named Macron Stadium next season and they could yet be joined by USA international Stuart Holden

USA international Tim Ream has been recognised for his performances by the Bolton Wanderers Supporter’s Association who have named the defender as their player of the year.

British Pathé has unearthed some Manchester gems from the past by releasing its archive of over 85,000 historical films available to watch on YouTube.

Bolton take on Sheffield Wednesday at weekend, their penultimate Championship fixture of the season

Bolton’s 24-year partnership with Reebok, which brought about the name change for their stadium, is set to end