Bolton too big for Fraser to turn down twice

When 19-year-old Scottish midfielder Gary Fraser signed for Bolton Wanderers earlier this summer, it came as a bit of a shock to Whites fans following transfers closely. Many will remember that Bolton first tried to sign the player in January but the deal was cancelled as Fraser decided to return to Hamilton Academical. Earlier this summer, the player decided to cancel his contract with Hamilton in search of pastures new, first taking him to Partick Thistle, then to Bolton Wanderers, and now back up to Scotland.

Fraser will spend the first six months of his initial two years at Bolton Wanderers on loan with newly-promoted Scottish Premier League side Partick Thistle in a bid to gain vital experience. Just hours before signing for Bolton, Fraser played in a friendly match for Thistle against Annan Athletic in which he scored a second-half brace.

Speaking to Glasgow's Evening Post, Fraser discussed his busy summer:

"It has worked out really well for me. I had to get away from Hamilton because I wasn't playing.

"It was brilliant to get the chance to go to a club like 
Thistle and then when Bolton came in for me I knew I couldn't knock it back twice. I jumped at the chance to sign for them.

"I was surprised that a club the size of Bolton came back for me a second time. It is great that they have shown that much interest in me.

"I know it was a chance I had to take this time.

"The manager at Bolton was keen for me to go out on loan and get some first-team experience and hopefully do well for Thistle.

"I am up here to do what I can do and hopefully play first- team football every week.

"When I go back to Bolton, we will see what happens."

Fraser also spoke brightly about his new manager:

"It was brilliant to play in the Annan game and have a chance to show the manager what I could do.

"Alan Archibald gave me a chance and I am looking forward to working with him now.

"It will be hard to break into any first team at my age but I feel that I have got the ability to do it. Hopefully if I can work hard then it will come for me at Thistle.

"They have got a great group of boys and the manager and Scott Paterson, the assistant manager, have been brilliant with me.

"It is a good club, they play good football and it was a really attractive move for me.

"They way they like to play suits me so hopefully I can do well for them.

"The chance to play top-flight football really attracted me and I felt that I fitted in well with the squad. Hopefully I can get myself into the team and do well for them."