Midfielder previews Blackpool cup meeting after signing new contract with the Club
Josh Vela is hoping to use Wanderers’ Checkatrade Trophy clash with Blackpool as a quick way to get last weekend’s defeat to Oxford United out of the Whites’ system.
The midfielder captained Bolton for the first time against Everton earlier in the competition, while he extended his contract with the Club last week.
Sharing his pride at being handed the armband earlier in the season, Vela showed his growing voice in the Trotters’ dressing room by demanding a response against the Seasiders following successive defeats.
“It’s important for us to have this game straight away,” the 22-year-old told bwfc.co.uk “We got beat at the weekend so we’re looking to get it out of our systems and hopefully win the game.
“It’s a big thing for me [signing a new deal]. I was in the last year of my contract so it is the best thing to get it sorted out now so I can carry on and focus on the season.
“I’ve made a decent start and now I’m looking to push on and be even better.
“It was a very proud moment for me to captain this team in our last Checkatrade Trophy game.
“I’m not a youngster anymore. I’ve been in the squad for a number of seasons and am virtually a senior member of the team.”
Vela continued: “It was disappointing to lose but a very proud moment for me and my family for the gaffer to hand me the armband.
“We’ve got Jay Spearing and Darren Pratley here who are both great leaders and really good to learn from. Maybe in the future I’ll be able to follow in their footsteps and take it on again.
“Jack Earing and Alex Perry were in the side in our last Checkatrade Trophy game and both did well. They’re good players.
“Alex Samizadeh is another to keep an eye on. He’s been scoring a lot of goals for the Under-23s and the youth team.
“There are a lot of good coaches at the academy, like David Lee and Jimmy Phillips, and a lot of young players are starting to come through.
“Zach and I are established now in the first team and hopefully many more can continue to make the step up and join us.”