Officially Official: Tim Ream Joins Bolton Wanderers

26 days into the new year and we finally have a new player to show for it. This morning Tim Ream's move to Bolton Wanderers became official for an undisclosed fee from MLS side New York Red Bulls on a three and a half year deal. He joins national teammate Stu Holden on the team, and if his stint with the Whites is even half as successful as Holden's, this could be something really good.

As a central defender, Ream is effectively a like-for-like replacement for Gary Cahill. If he's available this weekend, it will be a test on just how much Owen Coyle rates Zat Knight and David Wheater. The boss had this to say of the move

"First and foremost we are absolutely delighted to secure Tim's services.He is a US international, a player that year-on-year has progressed and got better, and he will continue to do that.He was trailed by a number of clubs, including West Brom and also Arsenal who tried to sign him in the summer, so it is great that he sees his future here.Tim is everything that we want in the players we are bringing to the club when we spend in the transfer market. He is young, has a tremendous attitude and a winning mentality.I know he will fit in well with the rest of the squad here at Bolton."

Tim Ream is fresh, young, and unproven on a larger stage, something that usually works well at Bolton. At the very least, he will provide good competition for a place that has more or less had Gary Cahill's name stamped on it for years. Cahill leaving the club was the end of an era, but perhaps Tim Ream joining could be the beginning of a new one. Welcome to the Whites, Tim.*

*Quick! Someone think of a cute nickname for Tim Ream