Bolton Wanderers Defender Set To Leave As Manager Will Listen To Offers
Bolton Wanderers wing-back Declan John could have played his final game for the Lancashire-based club, according to reports.
The 28-year-old defender has made 14 appearances for fourth-tier Salford City this season, on loan. The Ammies currently sit in 18th position in League Two.
Wanderers manager Ian Evatt has confirmed to the media that he will listen to offers for the experienced player:
“As it stands right now Declan will be available for transfer,” he told The Bolton News.
“There are six months left on his contract from January, so whether that is a permanent transfer so he can find a new home, or another loan move, or if he stays at Salford, who have shown an interest in keeping him, we don’t know at the moment.
“Nothing has changed for Declan, now he needs to go and play his football somewhere else. We thank him for his hard work and effort and we’re never going to boot him out the door but the squad is incredibly strong, especially when everyone is fit and healthy. Right now he isn’t a part of that.
It is great to see him doing well at Salford, I have had good reports and I have seen a few of his games, so we know he is a good player. We want him to go, be happy, play lots of football and find himself a new home.”
Welsh-born John has had an interesting career, to say the least. He has over 90 appearances for Bolton and has turned out for his country, Wales, over 25 times at all levels.
He started his career at Cardiff City and went on to play over 40 games for his maiden club. The Ammies defender did have recent success for Wanderers however, starting the game as they won the EFL Trophy in April of this year beating Plymouth Argyle 4-0 at Wembley Stadium.
The Trotters have an abundance of options in the position that John plays. This list includes Randell Williams, Jack Iredale and Zac Ashworth. The Whites could potentially lose another three players as it stands during the month of January as Carlos Mendes Gomes (Guinea-Bissau), Jack Iredale and Gethin Jones (both Australia) could be called up for their upcoming international matches.
Evatt’s side have been doing excellently in John’s absence with them sitting in second position in League One, just three points behind leaders Portsmouth and with a game in hand on the Southerners. Recent wins include the 5-1 drubbing of Harrogate Town in the FA Cup and the 7-0 hammering of Exeter City in League One. The reward for that FA Cup victory is a trip to Premier League strugglers Luton Town, one the Lancashire side will surely relish as they hope to continue in the competition.
Writer’s View
Declan John has been a brilliant servant to Bolton Wanderers, however there does come a time when a club must move on unfortunately. The 28-year-old will most likely join his current loan club Salford City provided a deal can be struck between them and the player.
This would also mean he will most likely not have to relocate. This move would suit all three parties. Bolton get him off the books, Salford gain a player and John gets to play regular football.
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