Wanderers confirm Matt Gilks appointment

Bolton Wanderers Football Club is delighted to welcome goalkeeper Matt Gilks to the University of Bolton Stadium.

The experienced shot stopper, 38, will also serve as the club’s goalkeeper coach in Head Coach Ian Evatt’s backroom team.

Amassing over 400 league appearances, the Rochdale born glovesman arrives in Bolton having previously played for Fleetwood Town.

He began his professional career with Rochdale in 2000, where he came through the youth system, and made 176 appearances with the Spotland club before joining the then Championship side Norwich City in the summer of 2007.

After a year at Carrow Road, he returned to the North West by signing for Blackpool where he played in 182 league games.

He then had spells at Shrewsbury Town, Burnley, Rangers, Wigan Athletic, Scunthorpe United, Lincoln City and Fleetwood Town.

Gilks has also had international experience, winning three caps for Scotland between 2012 and 2013.

Speaking about his move to Wanderers, Gilks said: “I was fortunate enough to train here when I was just starting out as a young lad.

“I spent a number of years training with Fred Barber (former goalkeeper coach), Jussi Jaaskelainen and Steve Banks during the Sam Allardyce era and I’m forever indebted to this football club for the part they played in my upbringing as a professional footballer.”

Ian Evatt added: “I am delighted to welcome Matt GIlks as our new goalkeeper coach.

“He is a fantastic character and, after a stellar playing career, he moves into an exciting new role.

“Matt has a wealth of knowledge to give our goalkeepers and will be a huge asset for this football club.”

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