Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt confirmed that the club are closing in on signing a free agent following the loan departure of two players.
It was a relatively quiet summer for Bolton, as they looked to strengthen certain positions after the disappointment of losing out on promotion in the play-off final. They were the nailed-on favourites to win in the final in the eyes of many but lost at the hands of Des Buckingham’s Oxford United.
The Trotters brought seven new players through the door at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in the window, and let four players depart on loan. The likes of Chris Forino, Luke Southwood, Klaidi Lolos, Scott Arfield, Szabolcs Schon, Jordi Osei-Tutu and Jay Matete have joined from various clubs around the world, whilst Max Conway, Aaron Morley, Jack Iredale and Dan Nlundulu have all agreed loan spells elsewhere for the season.
Regardless of the new reinforcements, it has been a rocky start for Evatt’s side, who sit 18th in League One, with their only win being on the opening day against Leyton Orient. They have since drawn against Wrexham and lost at the hands of both Charlton Athletic and Exeter City.
Despite the transfer window slamming shut last Friday, in an interview with Bolton News, Evatt claimed that
“We have targeted and highlighted somebody. There wasn’t a need to rush anything through on deadline day because he is obviously a free agent and we are not governed by the window on this one but we are hopeful early next week we will have some news.”
The 42-year-old then also commented further on the decisions about loaning players out
“We have to balance in a couple of ways – balance finances and the books, but also the squad and make sure players understand where they sit within the squad. If they are not comfortable with that then they have to go out and play some minutes.”
Writer’s View
The Wanderers transfer window was very strong and cleverly navigated by Evatt and his team. Although he may not have got the number of bodies he wanted to get in, the squad he currently has is one more than capable of fighting it out for promotion at the top of the table. Evatt did express his frustration publically about not getting the players he quite wanted, but that is no excuse for their poor start to life this season. It is early days, but Bolton have got to be better on the pitch.
Signing a free agent makes sense for any club if they are still feeling slightly short after the window. There are plenty of good free-agent players still available, some of which would be a fantastic option for any League One team. The only downside to free agents is that they won’t of had a proper pre-season, but nevertheless, it will be interesting to see who Evatt brings through the door.
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