Manager in market for left-back

Dougie Freedman says he has a list of five potential targets ahead of the upcoming January transfer window

Dougie Freedman has outlined initial plans to strengthen his squad in the upcoming January transfer window, with a new left-back his top priority.

Bolton are currently without a recognised left-back in the first team squad after Marc Tierney fractured his foot against Yeovil in September.

As a result Alex Baptiste has filled in, though Freedman has drawn up a list of potential targets with his recruitment team, with a new full-back at the top of the agenda.

“We need to add a left-back, there’s no doubt about that,” Freedman said in his pre-match press conference.

“That’s where a little bit of bad luck has come in for us this season. It’s the one position that we haven’t got any cover in. 

“Unfortunately we don’t have a younger player in the development squad who is ready to step up right now. 

“Alex has done a good job for us in most of the games, but there is going to be times when he is wrong-footed or that he is going to come up against a difficult opponent.

“I still believe that we could also do with a little bit of pace out wide and as a manager you’re always on the lookout for goal-scoring strikers. 

“There are also positions that we feel we are ready to make a move on if certain players move out if we get the right money for them.

“Over the year that I have been involved, this is a fantastic club to work for because there is a set plan in place. All I do is implement that plan. 

“We’ve made the team more energetic and dynamic and we will continue to try and move the club forward.

“At this moment in time we have got a list of five players that we would like to add to the squad.

“We’ve also got to be realistic that we also have to move people out. I have got a responsibility to the board to make sure that the finances are sound.

“I’ve also got a responsibility to the fans to make sure that we’ve got a football club that is moving in the right direction.

“We look forward to January and we will see what happens.”

Bolton face Charlton Athletic at the Reebok Stadium this weekend, with tickets still available for for fans to buy. CLICK HERE to buy and print your match tickets from the comfort of your own home.
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