Wanderers bring in goalkeeping cover in Arran Lee-Barrett

Bolton Wanderers and manager Dougie Freedman have responded to injuries to senior goalkeeper Adam Bogdan and reserve goalkeeper Jay Lynch by signing former Ipswich Town goalkeeper Arran Lee-Barrett on a short-term two month contract, on a free transfer.

Lee-Barrett is a 29 year old goalkeeper, born in Ipswich, who has made his name in the lower leagues. He turned professional in 2003 at Cardiff City, having spent his formative years at Norwich City. He only played once for the Bluebirds before dropping into non-league football at Weymouth.

While at Weymouth Lee-Barrett was selected for the England National Game team, which consisted of England's best non-league players and made his debut for them against Holland in November 2006

In January 2007, Lee-Barrett signed for Coventry City on loan as emergency cover for former Manchester United goalkeeper Luke Steele, and made the move permanent shortly after. However, he was released at the end of the season without making an appearance for the first team.

He then moved up north to Hartlepool United, though after starting their first game of the season, a 2-1 defeat, he was dropped and then released from his contract on 6 May 2009 after being deemed surplus to requirements.

On 21 August 2009, it was announced that Lee-Barrett had signed for the Championship team Ipswich Town, on a short term deal. This came a day after Shane Supple had retired from the game aged 22. Lee-Barrett covered first-choice goalkeeper Richard Wright and was included in the squad that travelled to West Brom the next day. He made his debut for Ipswich on 29 November against Cardiff City, coming off the bench in the 25th minute for the injured Richard Wright.

He joined Wanderers on a free transfer having made just shy of 100 senior appearances as cover for our injured first choice keepers. It is not known whether there is a clause to extend the contract but one would assume there is, should he do well.

We all wish him the very best of luck and a warm welcome to the greatest club in the world.

Wanderers fans can find Arran on Twitter @ArranLeeBarrett