It’s been a rather quiet summer at Bolton Wanderers so far.
That makes a change. After a hectic 2021, in which nine players arrived in preparation for life back in League One, Ian Evatt is prioritising quality over quantity this time. After rebuilding this proud old club of the rubble, one of the EFL’s most straight-talking tacticians appears to be laying the foundations for a promotion charge, even if a lick of paint is still required here and there.
In England U21 international James Trafford – returning for a second spell from Manchester City – Bolton have one of the most exciting young shot-stoppers in the Football League standing between the sticks.
“He’s a fantastic young keeper and a great character,” Evatt said back in April (MEN).
Trafford has been joined at the University of Bolton Stadium by another fresh-faced youngster arriving from the Premier League. Liverpool loanee Conor Bradley has big boots to fill following Marlon Fossey’s departure. But an 18-year-old with eight caps for the Northern Irish national team is technical, self-confident and potentially one of the window’s most inspired, low-cost additions.
On the opposite flank, Jack Iredale arrives after an impressive campaign at Cambridge United. Versatile and left-footed, Iredale can fill in at left-back, at centre-half and further forward on the wing.
Is Eion Toal on his way to Bolton Wanderers?
And if Bradley, Iredale and Trafford are expected to walk straight into Evatt’s starting XI, Bolton’s next target – Eoin Toal – may have to be patient.
“He’s a player that we’re aware of,” Evatt said on Wednesday, confirming Wanderers’ interest in the Derry City captain. “We did make a bid. There is no point denying it. At the moment that bid wasn’t acceptable.
“But there is no denying it. He’s a player we are aware of, he is a player we like. He is a player with good attributes and we think he will fit the way we play.”
Toal would likely arrive in place of Jack Tucker. The Gillingham youngster reportedly turned down a move to Lancashire recently (Bolton News).
A right-footed centre-back, Toal will provide competition for skipper Ricardo Santos, Evatt’s go-to partner for the left-sided George Johnston.
Beyond Toal, the Bolton squad that travels to Portman Road for the opening day clash with Ipswich Town is likely to appear broadly similar to the one that toasted a respectable ninth place finish in May.
A settled squad
In MJ Williams, Josh Sheehan and Lloyd Isgrove, Bolton already have plenty of quality in midfield. And their options up top would turn most League One bosses a dark shade of jade green.
“I think it is exciting,” says Elias Kachunga, the former Bundesliga frontman who will be competing for a starting spot with Dion Charles, Dapo Afolayan, Amadou Bakayoko and a revitalised Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.
“There will be opportunities for everyone, we have good quality in attack and everyone will be fighting for a place in the team. We have to make sure we stay in top shape.”
Evatt, following the 3-1 friendly victory over Chorley Town, insisted that attacking reinforcements are not a priority, casting doubt on the legitimacy of reports linking Bolton with Derby County newcomer Tom Barkhuizen.
‘We want to keep our best players’
Retaining the excellent, unpredictable Afolayan, meanwhile, could be the most important piece of business Bolton do all summer long. The former West Ham whizzkid is reportedly a target for Glasgow giants Rangers after taking the third tier by storm, providing 14 goals and seven assists last term.
Evatt is confident, however, that both Afolayan and 2021/22 Player of the Year Santos will be sticking around.
“There have been conversations (about our star players),” says the former Blackpool ace. “But there has been a consistent message; If clubs want to come and take our players, they had better have deep pockets.
“We want to keep hold of our best players.”
Do exactly that and a top-six spot could be within Bolton’s grasp.
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