The 1960-1961 campaign was a memorable one for Bolton Wanderers as it marked the end of the playing career of Nat Lofthouse at the club in a career that spanned between 1946 and 1961, scoring a staggering 255 goals during his 15 year spell at the club. Eddie Hopkinson was outstanding in goal for the Trotters during the 1960-61 season however Bolton could only manage a disappointing 18th place in the top flight.
Wanderers were a tough force in the division the following campaign as they finished the season off in a formidable 11th place, however they could not progress in the FA Cup, a third round finish was unacceptable which was matched the following season, in a campaign that saw Bolton finish off in 18th place.
The 1963-1964 season proved to be tough times for Bill Ridding as Bolton finished the campaign off in a highly disappointing 21st position, in turn condemning the side to relegation to the second division for the first time in 30 years, since 1935. The Trotters could not find the automatic promotion that they went in search of during the 1964-1965 season as they narrowly missed out on it, finishing the season off in third position.