Bristol Rovers new signing Mark Little has been speaking to the Bolton News about his reasons for leaving Bolton Wanderers.
The thirty-year-old felt it was the uncertainty at the club which swayed his decision to join Rovers, with boardroom turmoil leaving his contract situation unclear, Little thought he had no option but to secure the welfare of his family by moving away from Bolton.
The paper claims the Bolton squad have not been appropriately paid since February and feel abandoned by their employer.
Little’s situation deteriorated further when he was frozen out of the first-team reckoning by boss Phil Parkinson, making just four appearances all season after being one of Bolton’s star performers in 2017/18.
Indeed many fans felt Little was a contender for player of the season in his first year at the club until a rash challenge at Loftus Road resulted in a red card and a spell on the sidelines through suspension. It was a tackle that effectively derailed his Bolton career as the full-back never regained his first-team place.
The interview is a stark account of life at Bolton and how the financial turmoil at the club is affecting both players and staff. It is not an easy read for Bolton fans with the clubs future in jeopardy it gives the whole issue of ownership problems in the EFL a human perspective.
Little perfectly sums up his time at the club stating ‘they didn’t play me or pay me in the end.’
Bolton fans soon took to social media to respond to the interview, with many criticising the handling of the player by Parkinson and displaying a sense of anger, sadness and despair at the state of their famous old club.
Here is a selection of their responses on Twitter.
Honest account & a difficult read tbh. Yet more evidence of Anderson’s callous actions. Pretty much condemns Parky as well & perhaps best for all parties if he moves on.
— Ian Firth🏴🏴🇮🇪🤝🇺🇦 (@WandererSmurf) June 5, 2019
Given the number of players who are going to be available when the new owners take over, a fresh start is necessary throughout all of the club. Whilst not associating PP with the Anderson stain, it is best for all he moves on.
— Philip Shortland (@PhilipShortland) June 5, 2019
Still absolutely baffles me why Parkinson froze you out. Good luck in the future 👍🏻
— Tomb Womble (@TombWomble) June 5, 2019
A good but ultimately sad read. A player criminally underused by Parky with apparently no explanation. I don't blame him for leaving & wish him well.
— Janice (@timeywimey5tuff) June 5, 2019
Good player, family man, passionate and cares for the club, everything you want to see as a fan however just shows how inept our manager is and how much of a scumbag *he shall not be named* is.
Good luck Mark, @Official_BRFC Are lucky to have you.— Joe Green (@bwfcjgreen92) June 5, 2019
Excellent interview, I’m not convinced the manager comes out of this with flying colours.
— Philip Shortland (@PhilipShortland) June 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/Armitage93/status/1136153605919137793
Best of luck Mark,L.
As fans we've enjoyed having you, but saddened that you didn't get enough game time.
— Gavin Hudson (@gavinlhudson) June 5, 2019
