Jayden Nelson is already ‘feeling the love’ after his first taste of life as a Wanderer, writes Pete Oliver.
Nelson made his Whites’ debut as a substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Lincoln City, just a few days after jetting in from the United States to join Steven Schumacher’s squad.
The flying wingman had the crowd on their feet a number of times and almost created an equaliser for Ryan Hardie on an afternoon which whet the appetite for things to come for all parties.
“It wasn't the result we wanted, but obviously I'm thankful for getting my debut. To be honest, when I just got into the stadium and everything I felt the love already,” said Nelson, one of 12 new recruits added by the Whites so far this summer.
“I felt at home. Every time I got the ball, everyone started cheering. It's something that, as a player, you don't take for granted. I just want to replicate that with goals and assists and wins.
“I like to enjoy the game and I like for fans to leave the game with a smile on their face. Unfortunately, it wasn't that on Saturday. But I want fans to see when I play the passion I have for the game and for them to leave the stadium happy, knowing that there's a player that's enjoying his football, especially in a Bolton shirt. I hope I gave a little glimpse of that.”
Ben House’s header early in the second half ended Wanderers’ unbeaten start to life back in the Championship as the Whites were made to pay for a sloppy start to the second half.
Schumacher’s men dominated most of the game against last season’s League One rivals but didn’t take their first-half chances and then saw City keeper George Wickens keep out Hardie’s header late on from the best of the second-half openings.
The Whites will now look to bounce back at Sheffield United on Tuesday night, with Nelson relishing a first trip to Bramall Lane to take on a Blades’ side unbeaten this season with three draws in the Championship and two Carabao Cup wins.
“Games like Saturday, when you look back at the end of the season you want those three points,” the Canada international told Wanderers TV. “But we can't dwell on this. There's another game Tuesday and we have to go full speed ahead for that one.
“I watched them (United) in the Premier League not too long ago, so it's going to be a cool game for me, a cool experience, and I'm ready for it.”
Watch the full interview with new boy Nelson on Wanderers TV