Xavier Simons has scored five goals in his senior career, including two for Bolton Wanderers this season
The journey commenced on August 3, 2025.
The final chapter will be written on May 24, 2026.
Stockport initiated their 2025-26 campaign with a 2-0 victory against Bolton Wanderers on home turf.
Now, the same fixture will conclude both clubs’ seasons as they clash in the League One play-off final, each vying for a coveted spot in the Championship after narrowly missing promotion in recent campaigns.
Bolton secured their place in the final by overcoming Bradford in a two-legged semi-final, but they have yet to defeat Stockport this season.
Following their opening day loss at Edgeley Park, they were held to a 2-2 draw by Dave Challinor’s side at home last month, granting the Hatters bragging rights heading into the Wembley showdown.
“Each encounter with them has been closely contested. They possess talented players, but we are eager for the challenge,” Bolton manager Steven Schumacher told BBC Radio Manchester.
“We are aware of what is at stake and must prepare to the best of our ability.”
Xavier Simons, whose goal secured Bolton’s second-leg victory on Thursday at Valley Parade, expressed confidence in their prospects.
“It won’t be easy,” he acknowledged. “But we know that when we perform at our best, we are a formidable team capable of winning games, and that is precisely what we intend to do.”
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In 2019, Bolton not only faced relegation from the Championship but also teetered on the brink of financial collapse.
A takeover materialized later that summer, but the disruption caused by the tumultuous season had already taken its toll, leading to a second consecutive relegation in a Covid-affected campaign.
Then came the rebuilding phase.
Ian Evatt guided them back to the third tier, and a path to the second division seemed within reach in 2024, after narrowly missing automatic promotion to the Championship.
The League One play-off final loomed, and after an impressive campaign, perhaps they were destined to return to the second tier just five years after their collapse.
Bolton, after all, had a history of success in the play-offs, having twice gained promotion to the Premier League through the end-of-season competition.
However, that day at Wembley two years ago felt like a step too far, with a weary Bolton appearing out of sync. Although their opponents Oxford may not have been favored before kick-off, they controlled the game, scored twice, and earned their place in the Championship.
Fast forward two years, and Oxford faces a return to League One, but could Bolton reverse their fortunes and take their place? Simons’ goal at Valley Parade brings that dream closer to reality.
“I couldn’t think of anyone better to score the goal to take us to Wembley. It’s been tough in the second half of the season for Xav,” Schumacher added.
“He’s found himself sometimes out of starting XIs or matchday squads but he’s a model pro, he’s done absolutely everything properly all the time, every single day.
“For him to come on and score the goal and take us to Wembley, I’m delighted for him.”
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Schumacher: ‘It took a team effort’
As for Simons, the 23-year-old has scored five goals in senior football throughout his burgeoning career.
But none more significant than the one that secured his side’s place under the Wembley arch.
“This is definitely up there as one of the most important goals so far,” Simons added.
“I’ve been unfortunate to miss out on quite a bit of game time. But i’ve stuck at it and stayed true to myself and trained properly every day.
“I’m here for the team, for this football club and not for myself. We set out a goal at the start of the season and we’re well on track.
“Nothing’s been given to me in football terms and I’ve had to work hard for everything. It’s nice for the rewards to pay off but the job’s not done yet.”