Bolton Wanderers are delighted to confirm that Josh Sheehan has signed a new two-year contract to extend his stay with the Whites.
The midfielder, whose existing contract was due to expire at the end of this month, has agreed terms on a new deal running until June, 2025.
Sheehan’s decision to commit for another two years makes it a positive start to Wanderers’ intended summer strengthening as the Wales international confirms his place in manager Ian Evatt’s plans.
The 28-year-old, who joined Wanderers from Newport County in June, 2021, has so far made 54 appearances for the Whites, scoring six-times.
After overcoming a lengthy absence with a knee injury to return to full fitness last season, Sheehan enjoyed an impressive run of starting appearances during the run-in to the 2022/23 campaign – scoring vital winning goals against Port Vale and Shrewsbury Town as he helped the Whites qualify for the League One play-offs.
An in-form Sheehan also started at Wembley as Wanderers won the Papa Johns Trophy in April and the midfield play-maker is delighted to be staying on to further his career with the Whites as an integral part of Evatt’s squad.
“As soon as the club mentioned it, we got to work on agreeing a deal and getting it over the line and I’m looking forward now to next season,” he said.
“Probably, for me, last season ended too early. I was getting back to where I feel I can be, and even better, and so hopefully the best of me is yet to come.
“I feel like I’m coming into my peak years – at a good age, experience, and the amount of games I’ve had. And I feel the way we play can get the best out of me and I’m hoping I show that in the next couple of years.”
Sheehan underlined his value to the Whites in helping Evatt’s men finish fifth in the table last season before losing out by the odd goal to Barnsley in the play-off semi-finals.
The former Swansea City youngster believes he will benefit further from a full pre-season campaign - which he was denied last season while completing his rehabilitation - when Wanderers return to duty before the end of the month.
And he’s ready to play a full part in what he believes will then be a concerted effort to stage another promotion challenge.
“When I first signed, the goal was always to get promoted and we are working towards that goal,” Sheehan added.
“We got close this year and next year that’s going to be our target and anything less we won’t be happy.
“I’m sure most of the boys will have watched the (play-off) final thinking ‘that should have been us’.
“Unfortunately, things didn’t go our way but there is going to be fire in our bellies going into next season, making sure we’re on the right end of the promotion chase.”