After Walter Rowley’s successful six year spell as manager of Bolton, Bill Ridding was installed as the new team manager in 1950 and the 1950 – 1951 season witnessed a significant improvement in Bolton’s league performances as they were strong in the league finishing the season off in eighth place. Bolton Wanderers made an appearance in the 1953 FA Cup final however they lost a thrilling encounter against a Stanley Mathews inspired Blackpool team in the final, an encounter that Bolton lost 4-3.
The Trotters had an outstanding league campaign during the 1953-1954 league season as they were in emphatic form in the top flight, finishing the season off in fifth position. They also enjoyed a fine run in the FA Cup, reaching the quarter finals. The 1954-55 season saw Bolton struggle for form in the league, narrowly escaping relegation, finishing the season off in 18th place.
Bill Ridding’s men bounced back during the 1955- 1956 season as they finished the season off in a respectful 8th position, following that up the next season by reaching ninth place. The 1957-1958 campaign was a mighty success for Wanderers as they enjoyed a delightful run in the FA Cup that saw the club reach the final, defeating the post- Munich Manchester United side.
Their outstanding victory the previous season in the FA Cup final inspired Bolton in their league performances as they embarked on their finest league performance in 33 years as they finished the 1958-1959 season off in fourth position.

The 1959- 60 campaign was another successful one for Bolton as they reached an impressive sixth place. Bob Hopkinson was outstanding for the club in goal during this successful era for the club.