Done Deal: Bolton Wanderers sign Jack Iredale

The 21/22 season may have only ended last week, though Ian Evatt is already bringing in new signings to ensure Bolton Wanderers are fully prepared for a promotion charge next season.

As just announced by the club, Wanderers have signed versatile defender Jack Iredale on a free transfer following the end of his contract with Cambridge United.

The 26 year old, comfortable playing as a left back and centre back, has put pen to paper on a deal with Wanderers until 2025.

Upon his arrival, Iredale told the official site:

“That’s why I’ve joined the club. I’m ambitious as well. I want to do well for this club and I want to do well like the club wants to do well,” he said.

“There are some big teams in the division but Bolton is up there with the biggest of them, so it’s a real honour and privilege to be able to play for this club and I can’t wait to get started.

“I really enjoyed my two years at Cambridge, last season with promotion at the same time as Bolton, and then this season a really strong season in League One.

“But I felt it was time to take another step and I’m really excited that it’s with Bolton. I’ve played against Bolton a good couple of times over the last few years so I know how tough it can be to play against them. That’s why I’m so excited to play for them.

“By all accounts, especially since January, the form was really, really strong, which is another reason why I’ve chosen to come here and help continue with that momentum and hopefully do something special next season.

“Training with good players is only going to make you a better player. To join a squad with really good players is very exciting.”

Iredale had spells in Australia with Perth Glory NPL and ECU Joondalup before signing for Scottish side Greenock Morton in 2017. In 2019 he moved to League Two side Carlisle United, before leaving to sign for Cambridge United just a season later.

It was at Cambridge where he flourised. In two years, he scored five goals in eighty-nine games and was an integral part of United’s promotion to League One in the 2020/21 season.

It’ll be interesting to see whether Evatt sees Iredale as competition for George Johnston at left centre back or as back-up for Declan John at left wing back following the release of Liam Gordon. Iredale split the season playing both positions ( as well as left midfield for a game) for Cambridge so it’s nice to have a player who can slot into multiple positions.

Iredale may be the first player through the door, though he may be closely followed by the permanent signing of Fulham defender and fan favourite, Marlon Fossey.

The Bolton News reported over the weekend that talks have been positive between the two clubs over a permanent deal for Fossey. Excellent stuff.