Bolton Wanderers have extended midfielder Kyle Dempsey’s contract on a deal which will keep him with the club until 2026, according to the club’s official website .
Dempsey played an integral part in Bolton’s campaign last season making 47 appearances across all competitions. The midfielder would also add six goals and three assists to his tally in what was an impressive season for both Dempsey and Bolton.
The Whites finished the League One season in fifth but would be eliminated in the play-off semi-finals by Barnsley, losing the second leg 1-0. There would however be some silverware for the club through winning the EFL Trophy. The Wanderers would thrash eventual League One winners Plymouth Argyle 4-0 in the final at Wembley. Dempsey would be in the starting lineup, and scored the opening goal as well as providing the assist for the second goal, in what was the club’s second success in the competition, having also won it in 1989.
Who is Kyle Dempsey?
Dempsey would begin his career with Carlisle United, making 51 appearances after come through the Cumbrians academy. He would earn a big money move to Championship side Huddersfield but struggled to stamp his authority on a place in the first team. Subsequently, the midfielder would join Fleetwood on loan for a season before then joining the Fishermen permanently for a six-figure fee. The 27-year-old made 146 appearances in total for Fleetwood before moving to Gillingham in 2020. The Cumbrian joined Bolton in the 2021 January transfer window and has now signed a new contract which will keep him at the Toughsheet Community Stadium until 2026. With over 300 league appearances to his name, even at just 27, Dempsey has plenty of experience in the Football League.
What’s been said?
Upon signing his new contract, Dempsey said:
“The gaffer spoke to me about how well I’ve done this year and he wanted to reward me for that, so I’m really happy.
“I think I had a frustrating start here, but in the last six months I’ve been able to show the real me and show everyone the player I can be.”
“This club is only going in one direction. I’m still learning every day – even at 27 years of age – so I’m constantly looking to improve and help the team.
“We all have the same goal of wanting to get promoted. Last year we fell just short but we’re back in now and everyone’s full concentration is on getting this club back to where it should be.
“There’s a hunger there to give the fans that promotion. We know how it feels to be up there for most of the season but, for us, we want to be looking at the automatic places this year.”
Writer’s view
As Dempsey said, he really came into his own this season and further progress is on the cards. He is an important player in Ian Evatt’s system and will once again play an integral part in Bolton’s midfield next season. The Wanderers very much have a chance at automatic promotion next season, and I would expect them to be in the hunt yet again.
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