‘There’s money to bring people in’ – Schumacher upbeat about transfer chances

STEVEN Schumacher is confident that Wanderers will reinvest the fees earned from the sales of George Thomason and Aaron Collins to improve his squad.

Bolton earned nearly £2 million from this summer’s high-profile departures, but they still have a large shopping list with the new League One season starting in just over a week.

Schumacher has managed to balance the team he took over from Ian Evatt in January, but the injury of new recruit Sam Dalby has left him substantially short of experienced forwards.
Johnny Kenny, a long-time target, remains on the want list, although the Celtic player may sign a new contract before being allowed to leave Parkhead on loan.

Other proposals have also been made through sporting director Fergal Harkin, though suggestions of Bolton’s interest in Preston North End’s Will Keane are believed to be exaggerated.

Though the pressure to bring in new players is increasing, with the Stockport County game approaching quickly, Schumacher believes the team must remain focused on making the correct signings.
“In my opinion, we’ve done some good business over the summer,” he told The Bolton News. “We have a very substantial fee for Aaron Collins.

“We have a decent fee for George Thomson, and we believe that we can boost the squad in specific departments. So there is money available for us to bring people in. But, as always, we’ll need to make sure we acquire the appropriate individuals.

“We don’t want to go spend it simply because it’s there. We need to ensure that everything works.”

Thomason’s move to Wrexham, which was finalized earlier this week, also depletes Bolton’s midfield options.

Links have lingered all summer with Lincoln City’s Ethan Erhahon and, more lately, Bolton old boy Luca Connell, who is also desired by Wycombe.

Speaking following Tuesday night’s 5-2 victory against Shrewsbury, Schumacher stated that Thomason’s departure allows him to bring in one more midfielder.

“We wish George all the best,” he added. “He’s a top lad, a top professional, and he deserves this opportunity in the Championship. And I hope he goes and does exceptionally well. And, absolutely, we will try hard to replace him.