Bolton Wanderers are showing signs of interest in Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Toby Savin, as reported by journalist Alan Nixon.
Savin made 27 appearances for Accrington Stanley last season, as well as four appearances for League Two side Stevenage, who he joined on a one-month emergency loan in February. The 22-year-old landed the starting spot in mid-October, which he would hold until his loan to Boro.
Stanley had a dismal season, finishing 23rd and thus being relegated to League Two, where they’ll be playing for the first time since 2018. Throughout the season, they shipped 77 goals, however, very little can be blamed on Savin. With one of the worst defensive records in the league, they may now also have to look at goalkeeping options with Savin being linked with the Trotters.
Who is Toby Savin?
Playing for multiple different youth setups early on in his career with Wigan, Everton and Crewe, Savin never broke into the first team for any of them. He would go on to join Accrington’s youth team in 2017, before being promoted to the senior team in 2019.
Since then, he has made 102 appearances for Stanley, with 82 of those coming in the third tier of English football. The shot-stopper still has one more year on his current deal, but with his market value at its highest yet, Accrington may choose to sell the goalkeeper this summer.
How Would He Fit?
Bolton is currently without a first-team keeper following the end of James Trafford’s loan with the club. Trafford was excellent during the two seasons that he spent on loan from Manchester City, and will no doubt go on to greater things in the future. The departure has unfortunately left a void in a key position for Bolton, and will need to be addressed this summer.
Having also been linked with Brighton youngster Jamie Beadle, it is believed that manager Ian Evatt is looking to bring in two keepers to contest and challenge for the number-one spot.
Writer’s View
With plenty of League One experience already to his name, this would be a good piece of business by Bolton. Obviously, James Trafford returning to his parent club is a huge loss, but bringing in one if not two young goalkeepers could be the best way to go once the transfer window opens.
There’s no guarantee that Savin will be a starter, but he will no doubt be in contention for the starting spot if he is to complete a move.
