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A couple weeks ago, as the Whites squad came back in for pre season training, there were a couple of new faces who joined up with the team. Obviously, new signings Ben Amos and Gary Madine, as well as well documented trialist Wilson Palacios.
A surprise name though, was former Blackpool, Swansea and Crystal Palace forward Stephen Dobbie. Dobbie, who is a free agent after being released by Palace, spent last season on loan at League 1 Fleetwood Town.
The Wanderers are now a week into their pre season tour of Austria, and Dobbie is still with the squad hoping to earn a deal. The 32 year old, has looked sharp in the training videos from Austria.
He also took part in the friendly against Sturm Graz, where he played the entire second half. Dobbie almost found the net a couple of times, firstly from a free kick that brushed the top of the net, and finally from fantastic long cross from Dean Moxey which he volleyed over the bar.
It remains to be seen whether Dobbie could be the goalscorer Bolton need. Recent seasons have not been encouraging, and he hardly set the world alight with his performances whilst at Fleetwood. Dobbie managed a mere 4 goals in 27 appearances.
However, Dobbie's record for Queen of the South, where he scored 54 goals in 98 games, shows why Lennon is keen to take a closer look at the player. It was the form for QOTS that prompted Swansea to bring him to English football in 2009. Also, Stephen Dobbie has an unbelievable record when it comes to the Championship Play offs.
Dobbie, reached the Play Off Final 4 times in a row, from 2010 to 2013, winning three of those games. Firstly, while on loan with Blackpool in 2010, Dobbie played 30 minutes as Blackpool gained promotion with a 3-2 victory over Cardiff.
In 2011, Dobbie started and scored as Swansea beat Reading 4-2 to be promoted to the Premier League. In that season, Dobbie scored 11 goals in all competitions, playing in an attacking midfield role. Darren Pratley was also part of that Swansea team that gained promotion.
In 2012, Dobbie once again fell out of favour at Swansea, and another loan spell with Blackpool ended with the Play off Final against West Ham. Dobbie played 90 minutes as Blackpool lost 2-1 late on thanks to a winner by former Wanderer Ricardo Vaz Te.
Finally in 2013, Dobbie played no part as Crystal Palace beat Watford 1-0.
In total, Stephen Dobbie has played 127 Championship games, scoring 27 goals. Even though his recent form hasn't been encouraging, I think Dobbie would be a good signing provided he recaptures the form he showed whilst at Swansea City and Blackpool.
What do you think?