Manic Monday: Signing Rundown
After being saved from impending doom last week, Wanderer’s began the task of building a squad under new manager Keith Hill.
Thibaud Verlinden
Bolton opened their day of madness with the signing of winger Thibaud Verlinden on loan from Stoke City. A young winger who could be described as ‘direct’ can play on either wing but prefers the left-side. Has a strong cross on him and could be very useful when combined with a strong striker who can take command in the box.
Liam Bridcutt
Now this one surprised me. Wanderers signed Nottingham Forest midfielder Bridcutt on loan till January. Bridcutt is a solid central midfielder who is easily Championship quality and is a big coup for the whites. Has a very good passing range and solid when tracking back, could easily slot in with Lowe in the midfield.
Will Buckley
Buckley returns to the whites after training with them through the summer on a short term deal. This signing, though it will divide opinion, is arguably a solid one. Buckley looked often out of depth in the Championship but maybe League One is the level for the bloke. He’s had some bright moments with Wanderers and will work his socks off, so all in all a good signing that adds depth to the squad.
Jake Wright
A man from my hometown, the defender joins Bolton on loan from Sheffield United. A centre-half who has played a lot of his games in lower leagues, predominantly for Oxford United. A player who knows the league and has been promoted from it with the blades, adds vast experience to the back line, doesn’t necessarily have that much pace anymore but has the height and take command of the back two.
Ali Crawford
The Scottish midfielder joins on a short term deal from Doncaster Rovers. A more technical player, has played 9 years in the SPL with Hamilton Academical, definitely a player who bring a spark from the central part of midfield when Wanderers need it. Reminds me of a skinny Mark Davies, but don’t take that to heart.
Chris O’Grady
Another permanent signing for the Wanderers as O’Grady joins on a deal from Oldham Athletic. Essentially one of the lower leagues go to strikers, strong player and has bags of experience, should be good in hold up play and not to mention is a favourite of new boss Keith Hill, so always good to have someone in who the gaffer knows well and wants with him.
Josh Emmanuel
The last player to score a league goal for Bolton, ironically, joins after leaving Ipswich Town. A wing-back who mostly plays on the right side, is a strong player and quite decent when going forward, some questions when dropping back but has played a decent amount of football at this level for a 22 year-old. Not forgetting the defender got young player of the year when Rotherham last got promoted from this division.
Joe Bunney
A Keith Hill signing all over really. Came up through non-league and has played under Hill in the past and seems to be a favourite under his management. Bunney, a quite tall and slim left-back, joins after leaving Northampton Town earlier in the day. Knows this level well and I think is someone who won’t exactly be amazing but will do a job a Bolton. Solid Signing.
Daryl Murphy
The icing on the cake for Wanderer’s fans really. The Ireland international joins after leaving Nottingham Forest and I’d call him a good signing if we were still in the Championship to be honest. A player that really made his name banging them in a Ipswich, was signed by Newcastle a few years to ago as they looked for someone to give them last push to the Premier League. A really solid striker who can take control of the box. Might be 36 but could definitely play a big part in the season.
So Bolton pulled in 9 signings on deadline day and look to be putting together a good squad. Let’s not forget we can sign free-agents at any point so I’d expect a few more in the door soon. #COYWM
