Bolton Wanderers defender George Taft has left the club on a permanent deal this morning, after recently heading out on loan.
The former Cambridge and Mansfield man struggled for game time under Ian Evatt, and joined NeilCox’s strugglers on loan at the beginning on the transfer window, Since then, the left-back has managed five matches, three of which have brought the Iron wins and clean sheets.
Taft began his career as a trainee at Leicester City, enjoying loan spells with Kettering Town, Karlstad BK and York City before being snapped up by Burton Albion in 2014. He had a spell with Cambridge United, leaving for Mansfield Town in 2016, but returning to the Abbey Stadium two years later.
They released him amongst the pandemic uncertainty in the summer, with Bolton pouncing, but he hasn’t been able to establish himself at the University of Bolton Stadium, playing just once in the league. He left for Glanford Park at the beginning of the window, but a permanent move now suits both parties.
Bolton and Scunthorpe are rivals in League Two. The Iron were struggling against the drop, but three successive wins have eased the worry somewhat, lifting them to 16th, 11 points ahead of Grimsby in the final relegation spot. The Trotters are a point behind Scunthorpe but have two games in hand. In fact, just three points separate Crawley in 12th and Bolton in 19th place.
Bolton fans have been reacting to his departure on Twitter, after being asked by journalist Mark Iles for their feedback.
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Madness.
Just highlights a stubbornness from Evatt for me. The fact he was given such little opportunity despite our early struggles defensively and now seeing his quality for a team in much better form than us, not a good look for our talent evaluation.
— Matt Anderson (@meanderson93) February 1, 2021
I wish him well. When we signed him & other CD's, I don't think it was factored in that we already had Delaney yet when he came in & kept his place, it meant someone else was gonna be unlucky that was GT unfortunately. I'll be disappointed if we don't get a small fee tho'.
— Ginny Hadfield (@Sophthecatsmum) February 1, 2021
As much as he’s done well at Scunthorpe, we can’t be ‘annoyed/upset’ as he’s never done it for us (or had chance to) so just coz he does well at Scunny, doesn’t make him a success here. Wish him well.
— Dan Sumner (@DanSumner16) February 1, 2021
For whatever reason, Evatt clearly not going to use him so may as well free up space and wages for someone to come in who will play.
Same goes for Mascoll, Hickman and Comley. Dont get a look in so may as well offload (if possible) and create space and funds.— BWFC714 (@bwfc714) February 1, 2021
Awful, both on a football and business side. No fee for a player who has another year on his contact…. “Money Ball” 🙄
— Sam Evans (@SamTweets95) February 1, 2021
Just an opinion but when League 2 clubs are getting bail outs just to keep going it would be inappropriate for any team to pay a transfer fee, even to a fellow League 2 club. If he isn’t playing or in the squad, exit was the only option to save wages.
— Peter Coglan (@valderee53) February 1, 2021
Just odd. Supposedly no fee for a player who’s still got 18 months left on his contract? Makes no sense. Must’ve been a falling out or his face doesn’t fit. Either way it doesn’t look great from the outside looking in
— em✨ (@emily_w29) February 1, 2021
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