Ricketts handed to Wolves as Wanderers cancel contract in shock twist

Well, no one saw that coming. Two days ago, Dougie Freedman commented on the Sam Ricketts situation, saying "Wolves have come in and we have accepted their offer, so it's up to Sam. I think he's down there talking with them today, in fact, trying to finalise a deal."Today, there will be no fee as Bolton Wanderers and Sam Ricketts mutually agreed to cancel the player's contract, effectively allowing him to sign for Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free.

"Bolton Wanderers can announce that Sam Ricketts has left the club after a mutual agreement was reached to cancel the player's contract."

That is what the official statement out of Bolton Wanderers regarding Ricketts' exit read. It was followed by the obligatory we "would like to thank Sam for his services" and a quick good luck. Nothing more, nothing less and just like that, Sam Ricketts is no longer a Bolton player after four seasons with the club.

Ricketts joined Wanderers in 2009 from Hull City for a fee of £2.2 million. Over the last four seasons, he made 114 appearances and scored one goal for the Trotters: a stunning curling effort against Wolves on New Years Eve 2011 upon his return from a lengthy injury absence.

Ricketts is now expected to sign for Wolves, having been in discussions with them and his old manager, Kenny Jackett. The versatile defender had his medical at the club yesterday.

Speaking to the Express & Star yesterday, Jackett sounded thrilled with the move:

"If all goes well today I will be delighted that Sam will be my first signing as head coach of Wolves.

"Sam can fill any of the back four positions and brings a wealth of experience and quality to our club.

"Professionally he is a first-class individual and I am looking forward to working with him again."