Dorian Dervite thrilled to team up with Dougie Freedman

French defender pleased to be reunited with his former Southend United teammate

Having previously played with manager Dougie Freedman earlier in his career, Wanderers’ latest transfer recruit Dorian Dervite admitted that he is relishing linking up with his one-time teammate ahead of the 2014/15 campaign.

Enjoying a brief stint on loan with Southend United back in 2009, the 25-year-old explained that his short spell alongside the manager undoubtedly played its part in his decision to join the Whites on a three-year deal.

“I knew the manager from our time at Southend together when I was on loan there from Tottenham,” Dervite explained in an exclusive interview with bwfc.co.uk. “I think he liked my style of play back then and he contacted me this summer to tell me that he was very interested in signing me.

“Once I knew that, I was more than happy to join the club and it has all happened very quickly.

“When we were at Southend, he was at the end his career and I was only at the beginning of mine, but even then you could see that he was going to be a good manager.

“He was always trying to help the younger players that were willing to learn and he gave me a lot of good advice – he definitely helped me a lot.”

Bringing the curtain down on a two year spell with Charlton Athletic this summer with 75 appearances to his name for the Addicks, the Frenchman believes that his experiences at The Valley will stand him in good stead as he bids to make his name with the Trotters.

“I have played in the Championship for the past two years now – during my first season it was important for me to adapt to the league and its style of play, but in my second year I felt more comfortable and I think that people could see that in my play.

“Now I’m with Bolton, I hope that I can carry on improving and developing as a player.

“I like to play short from the back with a lot of short passes, so hopefully I can bring a bit of technicality to our game so we can win as many games as possible."

A player who boasts a significant amount of continental experience, including almost 60 caps at youth level for his homeland and a two-year stay with Spanish side Villareal, Dervite hopes that his varied experiences will ensure that he is able to make his mark from the off in the white of Wanderers.

“I’ve lived in quite a few different countries throughout my career – I’ve played in France and Spain as well as England, but I really don’t mind moving to different cities as I feel that I’m able to adapt quite well wherever I am, both on and off the pitch.

“I’ve played for my country from under-16 level to the under-21s which was a very good experience for me and I’ve also played against England at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.

“When you play for your country, you’re playing with the best players who you can only learn from and improve your game.”

He continued: “I do like to get forward on set pieces – last season I only scored two goals which was a bit disappointing for me as I scored three the year before, but I know that I can score more and hopefully I will be able to do that for Bolton.

“I’ve finished the season quite strongly and I’m really looking forward to starting playing again because I was in a good condition and my confidence was very high, so hopefully I will be able to start well for Bolton.”
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