Snog, Marry, Avoid: Summer 2023 Transfer Window

[GhostoftheBok]

I mean we signed Toal since didn’t we. The reason it’s a bit weird is that we have Toal and Jones and Iredale and Johnston. Maybe this guy is seen as better in the middle as it seems that’s where he has played his best stuff for PV though has played right along the back three.

Decent age and has played some football so not like it looks a poor one. Just wouldn’t have thought it was a priority area. Compared to midfield and wing back where we absolutely do need to strengthen with real genuine quality.

The summer plan was Toal and Tucker, but we only got one. So we went into the season a centre half short and then flogged Aimson. I'd be really surprised if we didn't see a defender come in in one of the next two windows.

I don't think the way we do this is to have it as "either or" - we have a variety of needs and we bring in what we can in the market.

At the minute I'd say the direst need is midfield, but if a defender or attacker is available at the right price there's absolutely no reason not to do that.

From everything we've been told by Evatt it doesn't seem like signing one player will keep us from signing another and we're definitely not going to spend all the available budget on one player.

[GhostoftheBok]

I had a look at the Vale forum and one chap is claiming Wrexham are in for George Johnston. Presumably absolute bollocks.

The Forrester rumour seems to originate from one of our "ITK" accounts writing some bollocks on Facebook. I mean, who knows - but it doesn't look like much at the minute.

[BWFC_Insane]

I mean we signed Toal since didn’t we. The reason it’s a bit weird is that we have Toal and Jones and Iredale and Johnston. Maybe this guy is seen as better in the middle as it seems that’s where he has played his best stuff for PV though has played right along the back three.

Decent age and has played some football so not like it looks a poor one. Just wouldn’t have thought it was a priority area. Compared to midfield and wing back where we absolutely do need to strengthen with real genuine quality.

The summer plan was Toal and Tucker, but we only got one. So we went into the season a centre half short and then flogged Aimson. I'd be really surprised if we didn't see a defender come in in one of the next two windows.

I don't think the way we do this is to have it as "either or" - we have a variety of needs and we bring in what we can in the market.

At the minute I'd say the direst need is midfield, but if a defender or attacker is available at the right price there's absolutely no reason not to do that.

From everything we've been told by Evatt it doesn't seem like signing one player will keep us from signing another and we're definitely not going to spend all the available budget on one player.

Yeah I mean we need midfield and wing back those are non negotiables. Not against another centre half and I do think Forrester whether true or not looks like a classic Evatt signing. Rated by Nigel Clough who I think is a decent judge of a player if nothing else.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Josh Ginnelly has finally left Hearts. There's no chance of that happening, but whilst it's even theoretically possible I'm going will it into being - Ian Evatt style.

Still has his old house near the M65. Plus we already poached one off Haifa and it'd be hilarious to see their fans melt down again.

Joined Swansea.

[GhostoftheBok]

Joined Swansea.

Delighted that someone will be upsetting Haifa fans.

[truewhite15]

Will Forrester announced.

[boltonboris]

Who the bloody hell is Will Forrester??

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Will Forrester announced.

<Googles intensely>

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Three-year deal, undisclosed fee. 5ft 11.

I really enjoyed my time at Port Vale and I feel like a developed a hell of lot there. I owe all of the staff and the players there a lot for taking a chance on me from when I came from Stoke. The reason I went to Port Vale was to play football and now this move has come to light and hopefully I can go on and play even more in time.

When this opportunity came to light it was one I couldn’t turn down. Bolton is a huge club and I want to be part of this club and hopefully get it back to where it belongs. When we came to play here [in February, losing 2-1] it was the first time I’d been to the stadium. It kind of takes your breath away. It’s a Premier League stadium, really. I was delighted to play on the pitch and now I can say this is my home, so I’m hopefully going to play there many more times.

From what I’ve seen there’s a very good buzz about the place. Losing in the play-offs was obviously disappointing but, I think, will only make the club stronger and we will hopefully go one better this year and go all the way.

I’m looking forward to playing under the gaffer because I know they like to play football, so it suits me perfectly. When I knew about the interest, the first thing you look for is how does the team play? Bolton suits me down to a ‘T’ the way that they play, so hopefully I can go and show what I’m about and give the fans something to cheer about. I’m delighted to be here.

[GhostoftheBok]

Have to say I'm surprised an ITK link worked out, but I'm glad to have Forrester in.

He's the sort we needed in. Can play anywhere at the back or in defensive midfield and has the technical ability to use the ball under pressure.

I've heard sod all about this one from anywhere, so no idea what he's cost us. Anyone know? I'm really happy to have a young player signed up.

[truewhite15]

I think "underwhelmed" is the word for me. I get why we needed another centre back. I'm just struggling to see him displacing any of the others - assuming Johnston-Santos-Toal is still our first choice. Geth, I suppose, is our back-up RWB at the minute, so maybe that's one less he's got to get past.

Still, happy we've got someone on board. Hope he turns out to be a world-beater.

[officer_dibble]

“He’ll be a championship player but he is far from that at the moment” is the most reasonable quote I’ve seen! So sounds like another rough diamond to polish…maybe preparing for Toal bids? Given the Jones contract extension and him being a right footer…

[The_Gun]

Know sweet feck all about the lad, but he must have shown himself capable at League One level, and he's a good age. I assume he has been brought in as a safety net for whenever one of the incumbents moves on.

[The_Gun]

“He’ll be a championship player but he is far from that at the moment” is the most reasonable quote I’ve seen! So sounds like another rough diamond to polish…maybe preparing for Toal bids? Given the Jones contract extension and him being a right footer…

I could see Championship clubs having interest in Toal, for sure. I'd say we'd want a pretty penny for him, though.

[DJBlu]

Have to say I'm surprised an ITK link worked out, but I'm glad to have Forrester in.

He's the sort we needed in. Can play anywhere at the back or in defensive midfield and has the technical ability to use the ball under pressure.

I've heard sod all about this one from anywhere, so no idea what he's cost us. Anyone know? I'm really happy to have a young player signed up.

This. We resorted to playing MJ at the back due to injuries and people were okay with that.

[GhostoftheBok]

I think "underwhelmed" is the word for me.

Statement signing, for me.

We've gone out and spent proper money on one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the league.

He's not the specific player I wanted in, but I trust Markham to make that call better than I can and he's the type I've been asking for.

I thought a right centre half with a high technical level was a priority signing and I'm delighted we've sorted that out.

I think it's noteworthy Port Vale thanked Markham for getting deal done early in the window, which for me says we've been talking about this for some time.

[GhostoftheBok]

This. We resorted to playing MJ at the back due to injuries and people were okay with that.

Yup. We've been looking for a young centre back for that right side for over a year. Nobody needs to be leaving for this deal to make sense, it was an important signing regardless and is long overdue.

Toal is a really good player, but he doesn't suit what we want to do is a lot of games - he's just not good enough on the ball as things stand. Whether or not Forrester becomes first choice he will offer us that style of play when we need it.

My personal opinion is that we'll see Forrester stepping into midfield from the back three to form overloads against the midfield press. If we'd had that option in the play-offs we'd probably be setting up for the Championship right now.

I just hope he stays fit. I have real concerns there.

[BWFC_Insane]

I wonder if this means there could be something in those George Johnston to Wrexham rumours that aren’t going away?

He can play on the left Forrester too and is supposedly very good in the middle of a three.

[GhostoftheBok]

I wonder if this means there could be something in those George Johnston to Wrexham rumours that aren’t going away?

He can play on the left Forrester too and is supposedly very good in the middle of a three.

The club has made a big deal in all the comms about him being a right-sided centre back, so I'd assume that's where we see him.

[sonicthewhite]

Or he could be insurance for any of the back three leaving if he's truly that versatile?