Dean Holdsworth thanks departing players

Wanderers' chief executive speaks to club after confirmation of the Whites' retained list

Dean Holdsworth has thanked a number of players for their services to the club, after confirmation of Bolton Wanderers’ retained list following the conclusion of the 2015/16 season.

The chief executive admits that there were several difficult decisions to make, but that the club’s best interests were very much at the forefront of the board’s thinking. 

Speaking to bwfc.co.uk, Holdsworth said: “This was always going to be a tough period, regardless of wherever you are in the footballing pyramid.

“There is no hiding, we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions. I’ve been there as a player, manager and, now, as a club director – it is never easy.

“The underlining factor is that we have to build a sustainable club and get ourselves on a sound footing ahead of life in League One.

“We’ve had discussions with each and every player and what was important is that we were open and honest about our reasons for making these decisions.

“In David Wheater we have had a very committed and dependable defender. His recent performances for us have been superb, but whilst we were keen to try and keep him around, the current position simply wasn’t sustainable.

“A lot of hard work has gone into the respective developments of Oscar Threlkeld and Niall Maher, but the underlining factor is that we are in a position where we simply have to reduce numbers and scale back on our previous structure.

“Neil Danns and Emile Heskey are both seasoned professionals and we wish them well. Again, allied with reducing our overall numbers, we need a group of players which we feel suit League One football and the sheer number of games that playing in the third tier brings.

“We have to make sure that our squad is balanced and that we have sufficient cover in the correct areas, because that is something we have lacked this season.

“Ken and I have sat down and discussed many options. We’ve made every decision on individual basis and we’d like to thank everyone for their time and efforts with the club. We wish each individual well in their future careers.”

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