IAN EVATT has spoken about Wanderers’ decision to loan Declan John out on the final day of the transfer window.
Last Friday, Bolton confirmed a deal for their former Wales international, who will join the League Two Ammies until January.
John had fallen behind Randell Wiliams and Zac Ashworth for a spot in Evatt’s starting XI this season, and his only appearance had been as an unused replacement against Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
After being unable to play against his original club in the EFL Trophy in midweek, the defender might make his Salford debut this weekend against Walsall.
In relation to the agreement, Evatt stated that John’s lack of involvement in cup competitions in recent weeks should provide him choices in January should he chose to go elsewhere for a move or continue with Neil Wood’s team.
“It was no secret that Declan was available, and we were looking for clubs to show their hands – and, to be honest, there wasn’t a great deal of interest,” he told The Bolton News.
“Salford came up in the final days of the transfer window, along with one other League Two club, and as we all know, finances are tight at that level.”
“We decided to let him go out on loan until January, and we’ll re-evaluate the situation then.”
“That was basically how it ended up, and it was also why we didn’t involve him in any of the cup games because it still gives us some flexibility in terms of him going somewhere else in January if things don’t work out there or here.”
John started just three league games in the first half of last season, but by the end of 2023, he had clawed his way back into contention, starting 11 of the last 19.
It now appears that he has played his final game for Bolton, giving him 92 appearances and eight goals for the club, including his loan spell from Swansea City in the second half of 2020/21.
Wanderers are hoping for good news on the injury front after versatile attacker Carlos Mendes Gomes suffered a hamstring strain in the club’s win over Salford, where he also scored his maiden goal.
Players have been granted a few days free before returning to the training site on Monday to begin preparations for the game against Reading – and it is anticipated that Gomes will be able to make the trip to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
