🗣️ Crawford pleased to remain with Wanderers after signing new contract

Having put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract with Bolton Wanderers, attacking midfield ace Ali Crawford spoke about his delight at remaining with the Football Club and excitement about the challenge of trying to get the club moving in the right direction again in search of success.

He said: ‘I’m delighted to have got the deal over the line. It’s good to have got it done nice and early, and for me to look forward to the season coming.’

‘I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club even though it wasn’t the best of seasons last season, for me personally and for the club. Everybody has treated me well and it’s a great club to be at.

Head Coach Ian Evatt has spoken about his aim being to get Bolton out of the basement division as quickly as possible and the Scottish midfielder spoke about the challenge of helping the club to rise again being a factor in his decision to stay.

‘Bolton is a massive club and it shouldn’t be where it is. The challenge of trying to help the club get back up the leagues is one that excites me.’

‘One of the reasons I signed in the first place was to try and get the club back to where it should be and first fight the relegation battle. Obviously that didn’t go to plan, but I was happy to sign on and try help the club to try and get promotion this season.

‘I actually spoke to Ian on Monday prior to us both signing and we had a ten minute chat. He said he was really looking forward to getting the job and that I suit his style of play, so it was great to see him get the job and I’m really looking forward to the coming season.

‘Like the new Head Coach said, the aim is to try and get promoted from League Two as soon as possible and I’m looking forward to trying to help the club achieve that this season.’

Crawford’s first season with Wanderers was largely disrupted by a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury and he hopes to kick on and put those difficulties well and truly behind him and looks forward to a return to the grass as soon as it safe to do so and the green light is given.

‘Last season wasn’t the best of times because being injured is the worst. As a footballer, having to sit in the stands and watch rather than being out on the field and trying to help the team is tough.

'It’s something that I’ve got used to; in the last couple of years I’ve had a couple of injuries, but hopefully that’s in the past now and I can have an injury-free season and have a good year.

‘Getting injured is part and parcel of football, but like I said hopefully I can stay fit and play and as a team and as a club we can have a successful season.

‘I’m looking forward to getting back to the training ground as and when that happens. I think this is the longest amount of time I’ve gone without kicking a ball and I’m sure everyone else is in the same boat, itching to get back to it.

‘Pre-season is never usually a nice thought to get back to, because it is a tough time for footballers. But it will be nice to get the footballs out and get back on the training field again.'

The full video interview with Crawford is available to watch via bwfc.co.uk as well as the club’s Official YouTube channel and social media channels.