Where Are They Now? An Interview With James Sinclair

James Sinclair signed for Bolton Wanderers back in the summer of 2004 and went straight in to the academy of the soon to be successful and then very unsuccessful football club. He was originally a striker and proved prolific in every youth level.

He made his debut aged just 16 years old, scoring in a 2-2 friendly against Sheffield Wednesday. Later in the year he was switched to play at right back and made his Premiership debut against Chelsea. He would go on to make an appearance in our game in the UEFA Cup against Red Star Belgrade.

When he was released by Wanderers he took the path less trodden and went in search of a footballing education abroad. He had spells in Israel, Spain, Poland and Sweden where he currently resides, playing for GAIS in the Superettan League.

LOV:

So James, when did you join Bolton Wanderers and how did you rate the youth set up at the time?

James Sinclair:

"I signed in the summer of 2004, I really enjoyed my time in the academy. We trained at Euxton where the facilities had just been upgraded which made the training ground a lot more professional. I learnt a lot in my time there and still keep in contract with a couple of the staff and players who signed the same year as myself."

LOV:

There were a few good talents in the academy at the time, where there any you thought stood out amongst the rest?

James Sinclair:

"Jaroslaw Fojut, Blazer Augustyn and Ricardo Vaz Te"

LOV:

Three international youth team mates there who all have plied their trade in a different country. Why have you decided to move around to different countries to play your football?

James Sinclair:

"Just decided a change rather than playing in the lower leagues in England. I have enjoyed the experience living and playing abroad that has come from it."

LOV:

What would you say is your favourite country out of the lot?

James Sinclair:

"All have their positives and negatives. But I would say Sweden. I'm in my fourth year here and I'm really enjoying my time here."

LOV:

After all that globe-trotting would you ever consider a return to a club like Bolton Wanderers?

James Sinclair:

"Yes of course I would certainly be open for a return to the Wanderers. Been following them since I left and it's sad times to see what's happening at the club."

LOV:

Who was the best player you played with while you were at Bolton?

James Sinclair:

"Anelka was one that always comes to mind first. He just seemed to have that extra gear when he turned it on you could just see the quality he possessed."

LOV:

What was the best piece of advice you received from a Bolton player or staff?

James Sinclair:

"Best advice / compliment would be something that came from Gary speed, it was more to do with character and pride of your workplace. Just not being too big to do the small things like if you walked past a bottle left on the training ground just pick it up without being asked to.  He complimented me on that. And also he had the same mindset himself."

LOV:

What about that switch from striker to right back; how did that come about?

James Sinclair:

The RB move came about just by pure chance. A training session 1 v 1s and Jimmy Philips just asked me to go as a defender to let the other guys have a rest. And nobody got passed me, straight after Jimmy said that I should try that position more.

LOV:

Thank you very much for your time James, best of luck with your season.

James can be found on twitter @Jsinclair1987