Whilst frustrated with the ending of his loan spell with Bolton Wanderers in the Play-Off defeat at Barnsley, Conor Bradley says he has nothing but incredible memories to look back on from his time as a White.
With over 50 appearances and a list of personal honours at our End of Season awards in a breakout season for the Liverpool loanee throughout the 2022/23 campaign, it’s safe to say he has left his mark at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Speaking a few days after the 1-0 defeat at Barnsley, the Northern Ireland international was sad in how his time with Wanderers ended at Oakwell.
“I was heartbroken,” he said.
“It was disappointing for it to end that way but I feel like we could have played better in both games – and everybody would probably say the same, both individually and collectively.
“The thing that has been biting away at me over the weekend is that if we were at our best, then what would have happened? But we can’t have regrets, we tried everything we could have, and it just didn’t click for us.
“It’s been a great season and I’ve enjoyed every minute.”
The full-time scenes at Oakwell were incredible, as the travelling Wanderers fans were unwavering in their support of Ian Evatt’s side – staying behind show their magnificent support after a fantastic season for the Football Club.
With his name being chanted from the away end, and his loan spell at Wanderers coming to an end, Conor’s emotions came to the fore at Oakwell.
“It just happened,” he said.
“Everyone knows how much I’ve loved playing for Bolton, and seeing all the fans chanting for us after the game after we hadn’t played that well, and then to hear them singing my name was mental – and just made me tear up a little bit.
"Before I came here, I couldn’t have dreamed of what has happened this year – getting in the Play-offs, winning the cup at Wembley etc. There’s been some incredible moments and it’s been a great year.”
Bradley returns to Liverpool ahead of pre-season for the 2023/24 campaign, but says Bolton Wanderers will always hold a special place with him, and hopes the Club can continue their progression both on and off the field.
“I’m thankful to all the staff for their hard work with me,” he said.
“I feel like I have improved both as a person and player massively and hopefully that can do me well for the rest of my career.
“I’ll be a supporter of the Club now and will keep an eye on all of the results, and hopefully they can get back to the Championship.”