Five youngsters leave Bolton

The summer clear-out at Bolton Wanderers is officially underway. Five youngsters have been let go by the club ahead of next season. A number of these players have been at Bolton for years but have failed to break into the first team or secure professional contracts.

The five players, Alex McQuade, Jack Sampson, Adam Blakeman, Joe McKee, and Lewis Fielding, will all be playing away from the Reebok Stadium next season. Sampson had a trial at Tranmere Rovers about two months ago while McQuade's signing for Shrewsbury became official a few weeks back.

Adam Blakeman had been a member of Bolton's youth setup since 2009 but his only senior appearance came in a League Cup match against Macclesfield Town in 2012. He was handed a one-year deal last season and that has now run out.

Lewis Fielding, 19, played goalkeeper for the U18s (and one U21 match this season) but was behind Jan-Ole Sievers, Jay Lynch, and Rob Lainton in the pecking order.

Joe McKee was signed on a free transfer last summer by Owen Coyle after having been let go by Burnley. He made a number of appearances for the U21s but never broke into the senior side.

Best of luck to all of them as they continue their professional development with new clubs.

Gonna miss @mcquadealex , @jacksampson14,@adamblakeman , @joemckee0 , @lewisfielding94 and the rest of the lads #goodluck ⚽😃

— Chris Lester (@Chris_Lester7) May 7, 2013

Under Dougie Freedman, the club has been able to bring a number of youngsters into the first team fold. Josh Vela becoming an integral part of the team, Tom Eaves has shown well for the future, Sanmi Odelusi made his debut, and Chris Lester & Zach Clough have been included in match day squads. In April, the club tied Clough, Lester, and Luke Woodland to new deals.