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Renew or Let Go? Which Out-of-Contract Bolton Wanderers Players Should We Look to Keep?

Ken got me a-thinkin'

Northampton Town v Bolton Wanderers - Sky Bet League One Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images

In his Q&A, Bolton Wanderers chairman Ken Anderson mentioned the prospect of "17 players being out of contract" in the summer - not an unusual position for a Bolton squad to survive in.

It got me thinking.

Of this 17, who should we keep, and who should we look to jettison? Obviously in the past we have released and then re-signed the likes of David Wheater, whilst waving a fond farewell to Johan Elmander. I think it was fond.

So let's have a look at each player who's deal ends this summer:

Lewis Buxton

An average right back, and second choice behind Lawrie Wilson who is playing very well at the minute.

Leave or Stay? He should be allowed to leave.

Dean Moxey

Was our first choice LB, but has been usurped by Andrew Taylor - whom you would expect we'd be looking to sign in the summer.

Leave or Stay? Leave.

Dorian Dervite

The Frenchman has been a huge disappointment since signing for the club. The versatility of Derik Osede and the likely emergence of a youth team candidate to provide backup to David Wheater and Mark Beevers can mean only one thing.

Leave or Stay? Leave.

Jay Spearing

Our favourite ex-Liverpool player is one of our most important leaders. He runs the team and is a true general on the pitch. Possesses great stamina, great drive and floats in a mean free kick too.

Leave or Stay? Stay at all costs.

Keshi Anderson (loan)

The Crystal Palace man has been a disappointment thus far, failing to improve on his promising debut. However, it is hard to see him breaking into the first team at his parent club and I can imagine he would be a cheap summer signing.

Leave or Stay? Stay. I think he has potential.

Gary Madine

Hmm, this is a tough one. Madine, as we know, has his uses. On a 40 degree eco cycle nobody gets your whites whiter. That said, his goal return has so far been hugely disappointing and his underperformance in the Championship last time out still burns.

Leave or Stay? I say Stay, but I reserve the right to change my mind tomorrow.

Mark Davies

The perennial nearly-man. His huge wages have long been a millstone around his neck. Do we get value for money? He's undoubtedly a very talented player, but for me the time has come to part ways.

Leave or Stay? Leave.

Liam Trotter

Another player who flatters to deceive. He has never lived up to the obvious potential that he has, and a move to Wigan Athletic awaits.

Leave or Stay? Leave, slowly.

Max Clayton

A player of undoubted potential but another who has yet to deliver on that promise. A controversial one, but I think we are past the point now where we can afford to carry injury-prone players just in case they might one day be fit.

Leave or Stay? Leave, but with our best wishes.

Sammy Ameobi (loan)

A riddle wrapped in a myth wrapped in an enigma. I love him. He encapsulates the wonder of football, the uncertainty and the sheer thrill of the unknown. For this alone he must be signed.

Leave or Stay? Stay, without doubt.

Lawrie Wilson

Prior to September I would have had him out of the door, but he has redeemed himself lately with his performance against Gillingham being straight out of the top drawer (not draw, take note, morans).

Leave or Stay? Stay

James Henry (loan)

Too good a player to be written off after three months. He will come good and I would hope that as a Championship outfit we will be able to afford to sign him permanently.

Leave or Stay? Stay

Tom Walker

A nice player, but nice gets you nowhere.

Leave or Stay? Leave

David Wheater

Another who is playing far above his ability - for this alone he deserves a new deal. I would make it linked to appearances though, as we all know another injury could be just around the corner. That said, his performances this year have been a million miles ahead of last.

Leave or Stay? Stay

Tom Thorpe (loan)

What a strange player. He's clearly got ability, but it's so hard to define - he's not a defender, but is he a tackler? A creative sort? I can't decide. I need him to get his haircut though.

Leave or Stay? Stay

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Do you agree with the above? Do let me know in the comments section.