Charlie Wright temporarily took charge at Bolton during the 1985-86 season and it proved to be a disappointing one for Bolton Wanderers as they finished the season off in a lowly 18th place. They also crashed out of the FA Cup in the first round, suffering defeat against Wrexham.
Phil Neal was installed as the manager of Bolton in 1986 although being registered to play for Bolton. His first campaign in charge, the 1986-1987 season was an unmemorable one for all Bolton fans, for the first time in the clubs history they were relegated into o the fourth division of English football. They finished the season off 21st place and also crashed out of the League cup in the first round suffering defeat against bury.
Phil Neal had the task of carrying the Trotters straight back into the top flight and he achieved what he had set out at the start of the season. They finished the campaign off in third place, in turn resulting in promotion to the third division and it brought about renewed confidence that had left the club for the last few years.
Dean Crombie and David Felgate were outstanding for the Trotters during the 1988-1989 season as they had a decent run in the league, finishing the season off in the top half of the table, in tenth position and it was a sign of promising times ahead.
Everything came good or Phil Neal and Bolton during the 1989-1990 campaign as they were in great league form, finishing the season off strongly in sixth place, narrowly missing out on promotion via the play offs. They were unfortunate not to progress further in the FA Cup as they force Swindon town to a replay in the third round of the FA cup, losing on penalties. The Bolton side of the 1989-90 season included, David Felgate, Phil Brown, Barry Cowdrill, Paul Comstive, Stuart Storer, Julain Darby, Tony Philliskirk, Steve Thompson and Mark Winstanley.