No One Can Represent Him, He Is Our Sole Aim, Wonderers Revealed

29-year-old must be Bolton Wanderers’ top priority with contract action needed soon: Opinion

Bolton Wanderers have some work to do on the contract front with a host of players seeing their deals expire in 2025.

Bolton Wanderers are focused on pushing their way back into the promotion picture after a dismal start to the League One season

Their focus is paying off too. They’ve been able to rise back to 6th in the League One table with 23 points to their name in 13 games, bringing them back into automatic promotion contention after a nervy spell where pressure really built on the shoulders of Ian Evatt.

The bid to finally rise to the Championship is the priority, of course, but the focus must be shared with an important period for player contracts approaching.

A number of Bolton Wanderers mainstays see their deals expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and while some will be let go, clarity over their futures is a must and for those the Trotters want to keep, action must be taken soon.

When the time to move comes, top of the list must be midfielder Josh Sheehan.

What has Ian Evatt said?

Bolton Wanderers boss Evatt didn’t mention specific players when quizzed on the contract latest, but he confirmed to The Bolton News that talks have been taking place and the situations are being carefully monitored.

As one of the club’s best players and a key figure in the middle of the park, it will be hoped that an announcement regarding Sheehan’s future is one of the first made with plenty of work to do on the contract front.

The Welshman has become a regular in his national team’s squad thanks to his continued impressive performances for the League One side. Two goals and four assists in 16 games for Bolton this season takes him to 12 goals and 21 assists in 123 games for the club since signing from Newport County in 2025.

It feels like the 29-year-old goes under the radar as one of League One’s standout midfielders and the Trotters can’t afford to let him slip through their fingers. If they don’t have him tied down before the New Year, interest seems inevitable.

Valuable midfield experience

Bolton Wanderers’ squad is one boasting plenty of pedigree and experience and in midfield, Sheehan is one of the more mature, leading figures.

Scott Arfield is the oldest at 36 and he has vast pedigree to his name. It’s made him a positive influence since signing but given his age, it seems likely that he is a figure for the short-term.

Beyond him, Sheehan is the experienced and composed head in the middle of the park. George Thomason and Kyle Dempsey have proven to be influential figures but losing Sheehan would see Wanderers dealt a big blow.

Resolving his contract situation sooner rather than later is best for all and only deserved for Sheehan having become such a key player