Bolton Wanderers Academy Manager Mark Litherland has today welcomed ten new scholars to the club’s Academy.
Litherland, who was recently appointed to the role, underlined the privilege of representing Bolton Wanderers and the importance of the scholars’ relentless pursuit of excellence as they aim to become professional footballers for the club.
He said: “I’d like to welcome into Bolton Wanderers Football Club Bright Amoateng, Joseph Brown, Maxwell Conway, Mitchell Henry, Ellis Litherland, Arran Pettifer, Jack Thompson, Lamine Toure, Mathew Tweedley and Max Wilcox who will join the seven second year scholars we already have: Markus Assarsson, Ryan Colvin, Jay Fitzmartin, Luke Hutchinson, Finlay Lockett, Regan Riley and Nathan Whalley.
“Two vital components for academy players to progress into the first team environment are now established.
“First of all, Ian Evatt, the Head Coach, wholeheartedly buys into youth development. He has been fantastic with the scholars in the short time we’ve been back training and he has demonstrated that he’s pro youth and would be willing to give the players an opportunity.
“Secondly, under the guidance of the Head of Football Operations, Tobias Phoenix, the club has designed a clear and defined player pathway.
“These two components are vital in getting academy players into the first team.
“Our players are in a privileged position representing Bolton and with privilege comes responsibility.
“It’s important our players are relentless in the pursuit of excellence and it’s our responsibility to make sure we prepare our scholars over the four corner model so when they get the call up, they are ready.”
First Year Scholars
Joseph Brown – Defender
Maxwell Conway – Midfielder
Mitchell Henry – Centre Forward
Ellis Litherland - Goalkeeper
Arran Pettifer - Midfielder
Jack Thompson - Defender
Lamine Toure – Defender
Mathew Tweedley - Midfielder
Max Wilcox - Midfielder
Bright Amoateng – Centre Forward
Second Year Scholars
Markus Assarsson - Midfielder
Ryan Colvin - Defender
Jay Fitzmartin - Midfielder
Luke Hutchinson - Goalkeeper
Finlay Lockett - Midfielder
Regan Riley - Midfielder
Nathan Whalley – Defender