Wanderers have kicked off their January transfer window activity with the capture of highly regarded young defender Lewis Temple.
Temple has joined the Whites from League of Ireland side Shelbourne for an undisclosed fee and signed a contract until June, 2028 – with the potential option of a further 12 months – at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The powerfully-built central defender last played in December in the group stage of the Europa Conference League, coming off the bench to face both Crystal Palace and Slovenian side NK Celje.
Temple also featured earlier in the competition after helping Shelbourne finish third in the League of Ireland in the 2025 season to qualify for Europe under the guidance of ex-Chelsea, Fulham and Newcastle United winger Damien Duff and then Joey O’Brien after the former Wanderers’ defender and midfielder stepped up to replace Duff as manager last July.
The 20-year-old, who started out at home-town club Bray Wanderers before progressing through the youth ranks at Shelbourne, has now followed in Dubliner O’Brien’s footsteps after making the move into English football with Wanderers where he will look to develop and forge the next phase of his career.
“I've actually had a couple of conversations with him (O’Brien) about it,” said Temple. “Obviously, he was at Bolton for years, since he was young. It's great to have the likes of Damien Duff and Joey O'Brien, who have seen it all.
“They've played in the Premier League, they've had great careers themselves, and to have them here (at Shelbourne) for the last three or four years, I've been like a sponge around them, just trying to absorb anything I can off them.
“I think, especially when you're over in Ireland as a young player, all you look at is wanting to go and play over in England. It's what you watch on the telly. It's like a dream as a young player and to get here now to play for Bolton, such a big club, I'm excited.”
Temple, who has also previously had loan experience in the League of Ireland First Division with Longford Town and Wexford and been capped by the Republic of Ireland at U19 level, watched Wanderers play over Christmas before he starts training for the first time with Steven Schumacher’s squad this week.
And after a short spell out of action – with the new League of Ireland season not starting until February – the centre-back, who stands well over six-feet tall, is hungry to get to work and try and compete for a place in Schumacher’s first-team plans as early as possible.
“I’d like to get in training now over the next couple of days and then once I get a feel for the place, I'll be looking at playing,” added Temple, who will wear squad number 26.
“Even just sitting in the stands watching the game the other day, I'm itching to get on to the pitch and I can't wait to get going. I think there's a nice feel of the place since I've come into it and watching the game, the fans, they were brilliant, so it's something I’m looking forward to.
“I'll be looking at trying to make a stamp and show the manager what I'm all about as soon as I get going. I'm definitely excited to show everyone what I can do and really try and play a part in this.”
Watch the first full interview with Lewis on Wanderers TV