Bolton’s Comeback King
The Bruce Rioch Years
In Total Belief: How Bruce Rioch Brought the Good Times Back to Bolton Wanderers, Chris Evans pulls off something only a true fan could achieve: capturing both the heartbreak and hope that defined Bolton’s early 1990s. Evans, whose thirty-year love affair with the club began the very day Rioch first stepped onto the touchline, writes with an authenticity that can’t be faked. Every page reflects years spent in the stands, watching as Rioch rebuilt a club many had written off.
Evans recounts how, in the summer of 1992, chairman Gordon Hargreaves made the bold decision to appoint Bruce Rioch and Colin Todd—an act that would change everything for Wanderers. At that point, Bolton was struggling to survive. Evans details the sense of desperation that hung over Burnden Park and how Rioch’s arrival sparked a cultural shift. With discipline, vision, and a relentless commitment to improvement, Rioch demanded more from his players—and got it.
The book excels when it immerses you in the dressing room and on the pitch, showcasing Evans's profound understanding of the club. He brings to life the personalities and stories behind Bolton’s cup runs, sharing anecdotes and moments that only a seasoned supporter could unearth. Evans attributes Rioch's combination of youth and experience, along with his emphasis on attacking football, as the catalyst that rekindled the fanbase and brought the crowds back to life.
Evans doesn’t shy away from the bittersweet ending, either. He celebrates the unforgettable trips to Wembley and the iconic comeback that defined the era, but he also captures the sting of Rioch’s departure for Arsenal. Through it all, Evans keeps the focus on Rioch’s enduring legacy—a legacy built on belief, resilience, and the shared dreams of a club and its supporters. This book is a love letter to Bolton and a fitting tribute to the man who brought the good times back.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: April 22, 2024
Price: £16.99
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1801507015
ISBN-13: 978-1801507011
Dimensions: 135 x 222 (mm)
Lavishly illustrated
