Bolton Wanderers are delighted to announce the signing of Joel Coleman on a two-year contract.
The goalkeeper arrives at the Toughsheet Community Stadium following his stint last season with the promotion-winning squad at Ipswich Town.
Having started his career at Oldham Athletic, Coleman made the move to Huddersfield Town where he would go on to win promotion to the Premier League with the Terriers, maintaining a clean sheet in the semi-final of the Play-Offs.
Spells with Shrewsbury, Fleetwood and Rochdale followed before joining Ipswich on their way to finishing second in League One.
Standing at six-foot-six, the commanding stopper is excited to settle in at Wanderers and outlines the Club’s ambition was a key factor in signing the deal.
“I’m so happy it’s all done and that I’m now part of this ambitious Club which wants to be back in the Championship and beyond”, he said.
“We were close last season but hopefully we can go one step further and kick on this season.”
The Wanderers’ faithful have played a key role in the Club’s recent successes, and this is something which Coleman is very familiar with having been born and raised here.
“Being from the area, I know what it means to the fans. I’ve been to quite a few Bolton games and I know what the atmosphere is like, and I want to be part of it.
“I was born here and so were my little boys so it’s a massive part of my life as well as some of my family and friends supporting Bolton too. To be able to represent Bolton is massive for me and a dream come true.”
At 27 years-old, Joel brings with him a wealth of experience spanning throughout the EFL and as high as the Premier League.
And having experienced promotion on more than one occasion, it is something which he is targeting once again next term.
“I’ve played in all four divisions now and you want to be in the top divisions and hopefully I can contribute in any way that I can to get this club into the Championship.
“I’ve spoken to all the staff and there’s only one aim, there’s no question about it. They want to be in the Championship and after having a good season last season, we want to be looking at automatic promotion this season.”
The Whites maintained a stellar defensive record last season which provided a solid foundation for Ian Evatt’s men throughout the campaign, and Coleman is naturally eager to play his part in replicating that form.
“It’s well documented how well James Trafford did last season, as well as the whole defensive unit. If we can get over 20 clean sheets again this season, we’ll be there or there abouts.
“I didn’t have a pre-season last season so I’m even more buzzing to have a full pre-season to put us in a good position to start the season.”
Joel is wearing the brand-new Wanderers training range, available online and in store now.