STEVEN Schumacher is ready to hit the ground running in what could be a whirlwind introduction to life at Bolton Wanderers.

Sworn in last night as the club’s new head coach, the Liverpudlian will travel to Reading with his new club today and formulate a new backroom staff, the components of which will be confirmed later in the day.

Saturday brings a chance to climb into the top six – but then just two days remain in the January transfer window, which means there will be no time for the new boss to stand and survey his new surroundings.

Speaking to The Bolton News last night, Schumacher confirmed that he would be picking up some of the transfer targets which have already been identified by sporting director Chris Markham and his recruitment team.

“Obviously a lot of that work has been done by Chris and his team behind the scenes with regards to the transfer window,” he said, when asked about the business he intended to do in before the 11pm deadline on February 3.

“We have been in conversation for the last few days and we are in discussion about where we think we can try and help the squad, if possible.

“With the deadline coming up on Monday I'm sure there will be a little bit of action going on here and there.

“All I can focus on right now is the game on Saturday away at Reading, and I can't wait for it.”

Wanderers have been linked with a loan move for Cardiff City striker Kion Etete, and had already made progress on Norway Under-21 international Jonas Therkelsen, who plays at Strømsgodset.

Randell Williams appears to be the player most likely to leave between now and the deadline, although with space at a premium in the squad, the possibility of further departures seems likely.

Schumacher has taken a close watching brief in the last couple of games and has done extensive research to prepare himself for the challenge ahead.

He has been impressed with performances over the last couple of games under interim boss Julian Darby and feels confident he can now push on with many of the players he will inherit.

“I've watched a lot of the team, and I think the thing that excites me a lot about this squad is that it has a lot of similarities, a lot of traits of what a squad or a team of mine would look like, of how I would want it to play anyway,” he said.

“The footballers have a lot of talent, but in the last couple of games they have also shown real character, real determination, played with good energy, and a real good togetherness to get the results that we have on Saturday and here on Tuesday.

“That's credit to Julian and all of his coaching team that have helped the lads get them results that we needed.”