Deadly or Disappointing?

 

This report is going to preview all the new players the Wanderers have brought in already during the Summer Transfer Window. Taking a look at their footballing backgrounds and their overall talent. Are they deadly signings which will tear up the Championship, or just a display of disappointing bench warmers? Find out here: 

Keith Andrews.

1) Name: Keith Joseph Andrews.

    Position: Defensive Midfielder.

    Age: 31.

    Transfer Information: Bought from West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer, signed a three-year deal. 

    Past Clubs: Wolves, Oxford United, Stoke City, Walsall, Hull, MK Dons, Blackburn, Ipswich, West Bromwich Albion. 

    National Team: Republic of Ireland. 

Our first signing Andrews seems to fit the role of a very strong aspect of the Midfield, already proving in the pre-season games that he won't take any prisoners. A very intelligent player, who can move forward the play, and track back town when he needs to.  

Owen Coyle: "He is highly experienced both in domestic and international football, and he will bring strength, competition and a goal scoring threat to our midfield."

2) Name: Matt Claude Mills.

Matt Mills

    Position:  Central Defender.

    Age:  26.

    Transfer Information:  Second signing Matt Mills was bought from Championship 'rivals' Leicester City on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. 

    Past Clubs: Southampton, Manchester City, Doncaster Rovers, Reading, Leicester City.

    National Team: Mills has played for England u18's and also England u19's.   

   

 Matt Mills has already started numerous pre-season friendlies for Bolton Wanderers, he looks a very consistent player who keeps his cool on the pitch, and is a very worthy contender for the replacement of the injured David Wheater. 

 Owen Coyle:  "We are delighted to have made this acquisition as he adds strength and quality into the mix."

3) Name: Andrew Michael Lonergan. 

Andy Lonergan 

    Position: Goalkeeper.   

    Age:  28.

    Transfer Information: Bought from Leeds United, signed a three-year contract with The Whites. 

    Past Clubs: Preston North End, Darlington, Blackpool, Wycombe Wanderers, Swindon Town and Leeds United. 

    National Team: Lonergan played just one game for Republic of Ireland's u16's before deciding to play for the country of his birth England. He was called up for the England u21's team for the first time in 2004. Also playing in England u20's World Cup. Lonergan is still eligible to play for The Republic of Ireland due to his Irish Grandparents.  

Andy Lonergan is a very experienced goalkeeper, a good strong pair of hands. The best position for him is first team football, however he will have to challenge Adam Bogdan and prove to Coyle that he has what it takes. Lonergan seems a very good replacement for Jussi Jaaskalainen, hopefully he will live up to The Trotters standards. 

Owen Coyle: "We have a player who has a wealth of experience at this level and also his signing will add to the competition for the keeper's jersey."

4) Name:  Joe Mckee.

Joe Mckee

    Position:  Attacking Midfielder. 

    Age:  19.

    Transfer Information: Joe Mckee announced on his twitter page on July 3rd that he has signed for Bolton Wanderers, re-uniting with his former manager Owen Coyle. 

    Past Clubs: Livingston, Burnley and St Mirren. 

    National Team: Mckee has represented Scotland's at u16's, u17's, u19's  level. Being first called up for the Scotland squad in May 2011.

Joe Mckee will start first by playing in the Bolton Wanderers Reserve team, and will challenge his place for first team play later on in his career. Hopefully Coyle's signing will pay off and he will grow as a player, and get to grips with first team football with The Trotters. 

Owen Coyle:  "He's a young kid that I knew a number of years ago. We think he's got ability, but equally he's got a long way to go and it's up to him to go and make the best of the opportunity."

5) Name:  Benik Afobe.

    Position:  Striker.

    Age: 19.

    Transfer Information:  Bought from Arsenal on a long-season loan deal, hopefully following in the foot-steps of Ryo Miyachi and Jack Wilshere.

    Past Clubs:  Arsenal, Huddersfield Town and Reading. 

    National Team:  Afobe captained the u12's at the Junior World Cup in France 2005. He has played for England u16's, u17's, u19's, u20's and currently playing for England u21's. 

Young starlet Benik Afobe will hope to get first-team football out of his loan-spell with Bolton Wanderers, making him mature as a player before leaving at the end of the season to return to his parent club Arsenal. Afboe is definitely one to watch next season as he has a great eye for goal, and might be the answer to Bolton's need for a proven goalscorer. 

Owen Coyle: "Benik is a very exciting addition to our squad for this season and once again we would like to thank Arsenal and Arsene Wenger for agreeing to the loan".

All the players above are the signings we have already made during the Summer Transfer Window. The next report I will be writing  about how the Wanderers got on during their second to last pre-season friendly against Tranmere. Game details: August 7th, 7:30pm kick off, Prenton Park. Thanks for reading.

The Bolton Blogger.