Sammy Ameobi has vowed to repay the faith shown in him by Wanderers’ staff, players and fans alike following his return to Macron Stadium.
The popular winger put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the Whites earlier today, having spent the past week training with Phil Parkinson’s side in Scotland following his release from Newcastle United earlier this summer.
After shining for Bolton during the first half of last season, the 25-year-old missed out on the Trotters’ successful promotion charge after returning to his parent club in January.
But now a permanent Wanderers player, Ameobi has vowed to make up for lost time as he looks to replicate his previous form for the Whites following his return to the club.
“It feels great to be back,” Ameobi told bwfc.co.uk shortly after completing the move. “I’d like to thank god for this opportunity. I believe he has a plan and purpose and I’m here at the right time.
“I’d also like to thank all the staff and the manager, the players and the fans for being patient with me.
“I came last season on loan a bit broken, a bit low on confidence and unfit. Everyone was patient with me and it gave me the opportunity to regain that and start playing again and I’m really thankful for that.
He continued: “I got the chance to go back to Newcastle last season and unfortunately things didn’t work out and I didn’t get to play as much as I would have liked.
“It did stall my progress but hopefully this season I can get some games under my belt, complete a full season in a Bolton Wanderers shirt and repay some of the faith and patience shown in me.”
Full of praise for Bolton manager Parkinson, Ameobi revealed it was an easy decision to make to return to BL6 and link up again with his former management staff and team-mates.
And after receiving a warm welcome from the travelling Trotters fans when watching from the stands against Arbroath on Tuesday night, the winger cannot wait to pull on a Wanderers shirt again ahead of a likely first pre-season outing against Dundee on Friday night.
“I’m very familiar with Bolton now,” he said. “When I had the opportunity, we had a few things to sort out but I am very happy to come back.
“The gaffer was massive for me last season. He helped me rebuild my confidence and I believe he gets the best out of me so hopefully it’s more of the same this season.
“I’ve settled in really nicely. The lads are ledge, I get on really well with all of them. The few that have come in, I get on well with them all as well too.
Ameobi concluded: “I’ve kept myself fit over the summer. It’s probably the best I’ve ever been. I’m excited and looking forward to the season ahead.
“We have had to keep it [training with Wanderers] a bit of a secret but I’m really grateful to the fans. They’ve been behind me the whole way, last season as well.
“I think I’ll be involved against Dundee at some point. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m excited and can’t wait to get going.”