All of Bolton Wanderers’ summer acquisitions in 2023 (Ran FLW ranks the Trotters’ signings during the summer transfer window) Bolton Wanderers have made a number of new additions in their effort to get out of English football’s third division and back into the Championship.
Some of the newcomers, such as Joel Coleman and Dan Nlundulu, may confront obstacles in their responsibilities, but they offer valuable expertise and promise to the club.
The purchase of Nathan Baxter, a good Chelsea goalkeeper, is viewed as a significant statement of purpose and provides Bolton with a dependable pair of hands in defense.
Bolton Wanderers had a rather busy summer transfer window as they prepare to return to the Championship in 2024/25.
Last season, Ian Evatt’s team nearly lost out on promotion after falling short in the play-off semi-finals against Barnsley, so they will be hoping to go one better this time and eventually make their way out of English football’s third tier.
They haven’t hurt their prospects by bringing in eight new players to the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Here, we rate them from worst to best depending on their reputation at the time of signing…
Coleman, a long-serving deputy, has left little doubt about his status with the Trotters.
The 27-year-old arrived on a free transfer in June after leaving Ipswich Town, where he was Kieran McKenna’s third-in-command and never saw action.
Based on their reputation at the time of signing, we rate them from worst to greatest here…
Coleman, a long-time deputy, has left little doubt about his status with the Trotters.
The 27-year-old arrived on a free transfer in June after leaving Ipswich Town, where he was Kieran McKenna’s third-in-command and never saw action in goal.
Based on their reputation at the time of signing, we rate them from worst to greatest here…
Coleman, a long-time deputy, has left little doubt about his status with the Trotters.
The 27-year-old arrived on a free transfer in June after leaving Ipswich Town, where he was Kieran McKenna’s third-in-command and never saw action in goal.
It came as a surprise when Bolton chose to make N’Lundulu’s stay in the North West permanent during the summer.
The striker played the second half of the season on loan from Southampton, scoring one goal against Bristol Rovers on the penultimate day.
There are aspects of the forward’s style that fans admire, but consistent goal scoring form has been elusive throughout his career.
Sure, attackers might reach their peak later than other positions. However, it remains to be seen whether or not the ex-Cheltenham Town player will eventually see the light.
Summer signing Ashworth is a promising young player who still has a lot to learn about the game.
Ashworth, who can play left defense or left midfield, grabbed the attention of League One opponents Burton Albion last season, where he made 18 appearances.He looks to be well-liked by his parent club, West Bromwich Albion, having appeared for them six times so far.That should not be taken lightly, but removing Randell Williams will be a difficult challenge, and the youngster’s ability may be playing second fiddle.
Maghoma’s performances for MK Dons despite their relegation surely promise a lot, as he did when on loan in League One during the later portions of the 2022/23 season.
Maghoma has a footballing curriculum with both Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford that might stand out for the Trotters. He is hardworking off the ball yet progressive on it.
Granted, getting into Bolton’s midfield will be difficult, but he should give useful depth at the very least.
Evatt is no stranger to injecting a youthful edge into the foundation of his team, and Forrester, 22, is no exception to that rule.
Forrester, a Stoke City academy graduate, made a mark in his first full season of senior football and only season with arch rivals Port Vale before joining Bolton over the summer.
In the short and long run, the center defender should show to be a wise signing.
Meanwhile, Dacres-Cogley was rewarded for two seasons of outstanding service at Tranmere Rovers with a move to the top of League One, which seems to be a true coup.
The energetic right-back notched eight assists during his time at Preston Park, frequently earning praise for his marauding runs up and down the flank and deliveries into the area, while also maintaining the necessary defensive sharpness to justify Evatt’s show of faith.
Indeed, Evatt’s system is tailor-made for him; Bolton use wing-backs to augment width and inventiveness in order to feed the two attackers that they use up top.
With that in mind, Victor Adeboyejo and Dion Charles should benefit from Dacres-Cogley’s taunting.Mendes Gomes was always on the verge of a top-tier third-tier move after excelling on loan at Fleetwood Town.Of course, Bolton was chosen as the ex-Atletico Madrid prospect’s next destination, and that decision should pay out in the long run.At this point, it’s unclear where he fits in, since Bolton’s system isn’t ideal for a player who has mostly played as a winger, but he has the positional versatility to either play as an offensive midfielder or up top.You might imagine that his adaptability will come in handy over the course of a grueling 46-game slog, and Evatt will undoubtedly have to find a spot for Mendes Gomes sooner or later.
Mendes Gomes will bring an x-factor in the final third at this level, having scored seven goals for Fleetwood Town in the previous season, as well as lighting up League Two for Morecambe to earn his transfer to Luton Town in the first place.
About The Author
Leave a Reply