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Consistent inconsistency has troubled Bolton Wanderers in the opening month of the season, and Steven Schumacher needs improvements quickly in Greater Manchester.
The Trotters have drawn their last four league games 1-1, with those results putting them into mid-table at this early stage of the campaign, with a win and a defeat in their other two matches.
However, Marcus Forss moved to the Toughsheet Community Stadium from Middlesbrough on deadline day, as Schumacher strengthened his squad.
Yet, there was one decision that involved a player not departing Bolton that may well prove to be a very important one this season.
Steven Schumacher opens up on why Aaron Morley did not leave Bolton Wanderers
The Trotters saw bids for Aaron Morley come in from both Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers during the transfer window, as per The Bolton News, but these did not meet the club’s valuation.
Nevertheless, Schumacher has explained why he has decided to keep hold of the 25-year-old despite him playing just four times in the league so far this season.
He said (via: The Bolton News): “We didn’t really change our minds on anything. I don’t think there was an actual bid for Aaron on deadline day but there was certainly interest earlier from Wycombe and Luton.
“They made enquires and we said in no uncertain terms that if you want him then they needed to make a bid for what we think he’s valued at because he is a big, important player for us. I know him, Josh Sheehan, Xavi Simons and Ethan Erhahon want to play every minute of every game but they won’t, they will have to play when selected, that’s just how it is.
“But Aaron is a huge player for us, a really good player, and unless someone is willing to pay what we valued – and I don’t get involved in that side – but unless they did that I knew he wasn’t going anywhere. It would be the same if I wanted one of their midfielders, so that was a ‘no’.”
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The Trotters can ill-afford to strengthen rivals such as Luton Town
After a difficult start, supporters will want to see improvements from their players quickly, starting against AFC Wimbledon at home on Saturday.
The Wombles have had a strong return to League One, winning three of their six matches, although they have lost the other three.
For Morley, this is now the chance to become a regular starter for Schumacher at Bolton. For the Trotters, it was vital that they did not strengthen a direct rival in Luton, and this is the right decision.
Competition for places is rife in the midfield for the Trotters now, and they could well be the ones to watch in the coming weeks and months.