Breaking News - Josh Vela to Leave Bolton Wanderers

In news which will come as a surprise to precisely nobody, Josh Vela has this morning announced that he will leave Bolton Wanderers at the end of his contract.

Bringing to an end 17 years of service, Vela will enter the free agent market hoping for more luck than he has had at Wanderers this past 12 months where he has gone from an essential first pick to a squad player to someone not even worthy, in the opinion of manager Parkinson, of a place on the bench.

Brought into the first team in April 2012, Vela struggled to stamp his mark in his favoured midfield position, although under Neil Lennon he did manage to find a place in the side at right back during the 2014-15 season.

Moving into midfield soon after, he had what people may judge his best period in a white shirt. As the side challenged for promotion from League One, Vela and Zach Clough forged a fine partnership which led to both becoming feared for their attacking threat.

When Clough left it could be argued that Vela was never quite the same player but what always endeared the lad to supporters was his endeavour which was never in doubt.

So after some 160-odd appearances he is now to move on to pastures new along with, one hopes, most of his teammates from this most pathetic of seasons. Vela, who hasn’t played since February, cannot be held responsible for our downfall in the way that some of his teammates can (and will) be blamed.

Please join me in thanking Vela for his service and wishing him luck in his future endeavours.

Just don’t sign for Wigan.