"A like for like swap" - Bolton Wanderers, Ian Evatt praised for landing ex-Rangers player | OneFootball

FLW's Trotters fan pundit is pleased with Scott Arfield's signing on a one-year deal

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Bolton Wanderers have signed ex-Canada international Scott Arfield as Ian Evatt looks to go one better and lead his side back into the second-tier.

Wanderers finished third in League One last season, then beat Barnsley 5-4 on aggregate to reach the play-off final, but lost 2-0 to Oxford United at Wembley to miss out on a first return to the Championship since 2018/19.

The club released their retained list in May ahead of another campaign in the third tier, with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Cameron Jerome and Declan John all leaving upon the expiry of their contracts, while goalkeeper Luke Hutchinson had a clause in his contract activated to extend his stay and has joined National League North side Marine on loan.

Evatt has been busy in terms of incomings in the transfer market so far, adding 'keeper Luke Southwood, centre-back Chris Forino and centre forward Klaidi Lolos to his squad from Cheltenham Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Crawley Town respectively.

Scott Arfield arrived at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on a free transfer as the Trotters' fourth signing of the summer on July 12, following his departure from Major League Soccer outfit Charlotte FC.

Arfield is now a veteran at 35-years-old, but will add vital experience to Evatt's squad with over 337 appearances in the English and Scottish Premier Leagues in previous spells with Falkirk, Burnley and Rangers.

Bolton Wanderers deal for Scott Arfield welcomed by fans

Arfield will bring a level of nous and maturity that may have been lacking in Bolton's promotion attempt last season, but will surely only expect to play a lesser role in Evatt's squad at his age.

Football League World's Bolton fan pundit Oliver Jaques is pleased with the capture of the former-Rangers man, and believes that it will help out the younger players in the Trotters' squad as they push for the top two in 2024/25.

“I’m quite happy with the Arfield signing purely because it’s only a 12-month deal, he’ll be a squad player, and I wouldn’t imagine he’ll start due to his age," Oliver told FLW.

“I see it as a bit of a like for like swap in terms of experience for Cameron Jerome, who we let go at the end of the season.

“It’s good to have somebody of that seniority in the squad, because he can provide a bit of mentoring for other players given the level he has played at, and it was similar with Jerome.

“I think it’s a good signing, he’s versatile as well and can play multiple positions, so he’ll be a good squad player for us.”

Scott Arfield is a smart signing for Bolton Wanderers ahead of fresh promotion chase

While the acquisition of an ageing midfielder from the MLS may not seem like a standout pick-up on the face of it, it may prove to be a masterstroke by Evatt and the club come the end of 2024/25.

Arfield boasts pedigree and professionalism in abundance, and will no doubt be a good shoulder for his teammates to lean on in inevitable tough times throughout the campaign - he also has previous experience of promotion, after winning the League One play-offs with Huddersfield Town in 2012, then going up twice to the Premier League with Burnley in 2014 and 2016.

The 19-time Canada international has not had the greatest year in the USA with Charlotte, but was only playing in the Europa League final for Rangers just over two years ago, and won the Scottish Cup and Scottish Premiership in his time at Ibrox, so he will surely still have a lot to give in the third-tier of English football.

Bolton have only signed him on a one-year deal too, so there can be an amicable exit next year if it does not work out.

Arfield himself has said he is ready to play a "key role...on and off the pitch" for Evatt's side in the new campaign, and his signing may just be the right blend of quality and experience to push the club over the line to League One promotion in 2024/25.