Officially official: Bolton to let Lainton go

For years, goalkeeper Rob Lainton was tipped to be the next big thing between the sticks for Bolton Wanderers. The young shot-stopper made his way through the Bolton academy and was a regular in the U21 setup for years. However, at 23 years old (turning 24 in October), Lainton never managed a first team appearance for the Trotters, despite appearing on the bench a few times as cover for injured first team goalkeepers.

His contract was set to run out this summer and the club have just officially announced that they will not be renewing the goalkeeper's deal when it expires, leaving him free to find a new club this summer.

Goalkeeper Rob Lainton will not have his contract renewed and will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this month. #BWFC

— Official BWFC (@OfficialBWFC) June 25, 2013

Bolton Wanderers currently have Adam Bogdan and Andy Lonergan as their two first team goalkeepers with 20-year-old Jay Lynch coming through the development system, currently starring for the U21s. Below Lynch is Jan-Ole Sievers, an 18-year-old German goalkeeper who had featured for both the U18s and U21s last season.

Injuries kept Lainton out for much of the last two seasons, hampering a potential first team chance for the goalkeeper.

Rumors earlier this month linked Bolton Wanderers with a young American goalkeeper.