Wanderers have sealed another January deal with the signing of long-standing transfer target Kieran Sadlier adding even more attacking flair to Ian Evatt’s squad.
Sadlier joins Wanderers from League One rivals Rotherham United after agreeing a two-and-a-half year deal at the University of Bolton Stadium.
The 27-year-old – who also brings Championship and Scottish top-flight experience to the Whites – is another exciting recruit to take Wanderers’ transfer-window signings up to six.
A highly technical and creative player with an impressive goal-scoring record and eye-catching ability to run with the ball, Sadlier will bring a further forward option to Wanderers as a wide player or in an advanced midfield role.
And it’s a case of a patience paying off for Wanderers’ boss Evatt in the pursuit of the former Republic of Ireland U21 international, who will wear squad number 22 after signing for an undisclosed fee.
“Kieran is a player we tried to sign in the summer and it didn’t happen,” said Evatt.
“We tried to sign him again at the start of this window and it didn’t look like it was going to happen and then we’ve managed to get it done and over the line. I think he’s delighted and we’re delighted.
“He’s used to winning football matches. He’s been a big part of the Rotherham team that is doing really well in this division.
“He’s a goalscorer at this level, who can play in a number of positions and it’s a no-brainer for us.
“He’s a player that improves us and makes us better, which we are trying to do in this window.”
Sadlier started his professional career at West Ham after progressing through the Hammers’ academy before getting his first taste of first-team football in the Scottish Premiership with St Mirren in 2015.
He then briefly returned to England at Peterborough United – where he was a team-mate of current Wanderers’ captain Ricardo Almeida Santos – before heading to Ireland for prolific spells with Sligo Rovers and Cork City.
After ending the 2016 season as Sligo’s joint leading scorer he moved to Cork the following year and helped the League of Ireland Premier Division side win a league and FAI Cup double – scoring the decisive penalty after the cup final against Dundalk ended in a 1-1 draw.
Twenty-six goals in the 2018 season made him Cork’s leading scorer to again attract attention of EFL clubs and in January, 2019 he completed a move to Doncaster Rovers.
In his only full season with Rovers, Sadlier finished as top scorer with 12 goals, including 11 in League One.
That earned him a move up to the Championship at South Yorkshire neighbours Rotherham.
Sadlier went on to make 37 appearances for the Millers, scoring seven times and making a final appearance earlier this week to help Paul Warne’s side reach the semi-finals of the Papa John’s Trophy.