Former Bradford City favourite James Meredith admits he spoke to Bolton Wanderers before settling on Millwall.
Bradford City’s James Meredith
Thankfully, Bolton Wanderers were able to secure a permanent deal for Wigan Athletic’s Andrew Taylor after an impressive season on loan during the club’s promotion winning season, as reported by the BBC.
Because one of the club’s most exciting transfer targets has now slipped through their fingers. Bolton News reported that the newly promoted Trotters were planning a summer swoop for Bradford City’s attacking left-back James Meredith after he rejected a new contract at Valley Parade.
However, the Australian has now put pen to paper with Millwall – not long after Neil Harris’s Lions defeated Bradford in the League One play-off final to join Bolton in the second tier.
Millwall manager Neil Harris convinced Meredith to reject Bolton
And Meredith admits that the highly-rated Millwall manager had the edge over Bolton boss Phil Parkinson in negotiations.
“There were a few Championship clubs and some in League One,” Meredith told The Telegraph and Argus.
“I sat down with a couple but Neil Harris was the one who came across best to me.
“He said he wanted to fit me into the team and spoke very well and that was a big contributor to making my decision.
“There was a lot of talk going on between us and Bolton as well but, after weighing everything up, I felt Millwall was the best move for me.”
Therefore, this appears like something of a missed opportunity for Bolton. Taylor may have plenty of second tier experience from spells at Reading, Middlesbrough, Watford and Cardiff but Meredith has been one of the most impressive left-backs in the Football League over the last few seasons.
And, available on a free, he could hardly have been a better addition for the cash-strapped Wanderers. However, it is likely that he will be playing against them next season instead.
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