Why Bolton Wanderers have signed Sam Dalby - Steven Schumacher has confirmed it | OneFootball

Steven Schumacher has outlined why Bolton Wanderers have completed the signing of Sam Dalby

Steven Schumacher has outlined why Bolton Wanderers have signed Sam Dalby.

The forward has agreed a four-year deal to join the League One club following his exit from Wrexham at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old spent last year on loan with Dundee United, playing 35 times in the Premiership.

Dalby contributed 15 goals and two assists, helping the side finish fourth in the table, which earned them qualification for the Conference League qualifying rounds.

Steven Schumacher opens up on Dalby signing

Schumacher has claimed Dalby is someone the club have been tracking for quite some time, and that they are delighted to now finally have him as part of the first-team squad.

He cited the forward’s qualities, such as his eye for goal, his physicality and his different attacking profile as key reasons why Bolton pushed for this move this summer.

"We are all very pleased to welcome Sam to Bolton Wanderers," said Schumacher, via the club’s official website.

"He is a player whose progress we have monitored closely, and to bring him to the club, especially considering the strong interest from elsewhere, is a fantastic piece of business for us.

"Sam’s performances in Scotland last season spoke volumes about his capabilities.

"Crucially, he has really bought into the vision [director of football] Fergal [Harkin] and I are building here at Bolton Wanderers.

"He gives us a different attacking profile with his physical presence and his eye for goal.

"At 25, he’s at an excellent age, with his best years ahead of him, and we’re excited to work with him and help him develop further.

"We were looking for a player who could add a different dynamic to our frontline, and Sam fits that requirement perfectly.

"I am confident he has the mentality and the quality to make a real positive contribution, and I’m sure our supporters will be eager to see him play."

Bolton finished eighth in the League One table last season, missing out on a play-offs place by 10 points.

Dalby signing could be big for Bolton

Dalby performed quite well in Scotland, and his tally of 15 goals will be exciting for Bolton supporters.

Some added firepower is needed in Schumacher’s side in order to bridge the gap to the top teams.

Getting a move like this done relatively early in the window is also encouraging, and a sign of the club’s ambition to get back competing for promotion.

As a free agent addition, this could prove a smart move for Bolton if Dalby can carry over some of his form at Dundee United to League One next season.