Charles: I Need To Be Part Of This

Dion Charles is aiming to stay among the goals after bringing in the New Year as a Wanderers’ player.

The Whites wasted no time at the start of the January transfer window by securing the services of Charles from Accrington Stanley.

Wanderers paid a six-figure fee to land the 26-year-old striker, who bagged 20 goals for Stanley last season.

Nineteen of those came in League One and Wanderers will now be looking to the Northern Ireland international to spearhead their renewed push in the division at the start of 2022.

“It was a move that excited me. I’ve seen them play a few times. They play a great style of football and something I can add to,” said Charles, who has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the University of Bolton Stadium.

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“I think I needed a new challenge. This is a football club that’s absolutely massive; the fans, the whole club is something I needed to get a part of.

“I’m excited to get going and showing everyone what I can do.

“The most important thing for me is to come here and do the job I’ve been brought here to do, which is score goals.

“I’ll work my hardest when I’m on the pitch. That’s what I’m known for – working hard – and add a few goals along the way.”

Charles scored a total of 30 goals for Stanley after returning to League football at the Wham Stadium in August, 2019 following spells with Blackpool and Fleetwood Town earlier in his career.

His move to Accrington followed a prolific spell at Southport in National League North – a division where he also previously made his mark with AFC Fylde.

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And the Preston-born frontman always believed he had the ability to continue on a career path that has now made him the Whites’ first cash signing since 2018 to kick off the New Year in style.

“Sometimes it can be taken for arrogance but I was confident in my own ability to eventually get where I wanted to be,” added Charles, who will wear squad number 10 once he’s cleared to make a Wanderers’ debut after today’s visit to Rotherham United.

“It’s not been easy. I’ve had to work really, really hard but I’m getting the rewards for it now.

“I went to Accrington two years ago and I will always be grateful to them for giving me the chance.

“What they do year-in, year-out is just incredible. John Coleman did a lot for me over the time there and I will always be thankful for it.”

To watch Dion’s first full interview as a Wanderers’ player, click HERE

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