The 2016-17 campaign delivered automatic promotion for Bolton Wanderers, as The Trotters finished a superb 2nd in League One, immediately bouncing back to the Championship after a one-year absence. Leading the charge were joint top league scorers Gary Madine and Zach Clough, who netted 9 goals each, but the season was also defined by the defensive brilliance and unexpected goal-scoring of Player of the Season David Wheater, who also netted 9. The promotion was dramatically clinched on the final day with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Peterborough United, marking a vital first step in the club's recovery under manager Phil Parkinson and a memorable return to the second tier.