Rising star Max Conway has signed a new long-term contract to confirm his place in Wanderers’ plans for the foreseeable future.
The Whites are delighted to have secured the services of one of their top young players – who has been with the club since the age of seven – after Conway agreed terms on a deal running until June, 2029.
The new contract ensures an extended stay for the 22-year-old left-back and rewards an outstanding start to the season as part of Steven Schumacher’s side which will be looking to extend its unbeaten home record against table-topping Cardiff City on Saturday.
Conway, whose existing contract was due to expire at the end of the current campaign, said: “There were just a few things we had to get done before putting pen to paper but now it's finally done I'm buzzing. The club's been a massive part of my life, growing up around the place and seeing everything that's happened in the last 15 or 16 years, so I'm really, really delighted to be here for the next few seasons.
“I want to be at this football club. It's all I've ever known, so to get the extra three years after this season is great. When I signed for the club it was the year when they were in the Europa League and I think they beat Atletico Madrid, so I've seen quite a lot. We've seen it happen before and that's where I want us and Bolton to go.
“This was always going to be a big season for me in my Bolton career. It was a fresh start with there being a change in manager, so all I wanted to do was leave a good impression.
“I'm delighted how it's gone so far. I just want to keep developing, keep working on my weaknesses, but also keep trying to improve my strengths at the same time and hopefully it can just become better and better. It's been a great journey and long may it continue.”
Conway – whose pace with the ball and delivery from wide areas has seen him make an impact at both ends of the pitch in the early months of the campaign – has been an ever-present for Wanderers so far this season in League One after making his senior debut for the Whites on the opening day.
His previous competitive first-team experience had come during loan spells in non-league football with Buxton, AFC Fylde and Rochdale before he made an impressive start to his EFL career with Crewe Alexandra last season.
Conway was an ever-present in League Two as Crewe challenged for the play-offs and was named as Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year thanks to his performances while at Gresty Road.
After being given his chance by Schumacher back at Wanderers, the defender now continues a journey which has taken him through all the age groups within the Whites’ Academy to play Youth Team and B Team football ahead of his major break-through at first-team level this term.
Wanderers’ head coach, Schumacher, said: “This is well deserved and fantastic news for Max and the club. He’s been excellent for us so far this season and is a player with a bright future.
“We’re delighted that’s going to be with Bolton Wanderers for the next stage of his career when I believe we will see him continue to grow and develop into a fantastic talent for the club.
“There is still work for him to do but he has shown through his progress right through the Academy here that not only is there a pathway open to young players but that he is prepared to listen and learn and make the most of his opportunities.
“He has gained some invaluable experience along the way and now as an established part of our first-team squad I look forward to working with him for the rest of this season and beyond as he looks to try and help us achieve our targets.”
Watch the full interview on Wanderers TV and to get behind Max and the boys as they look to build on their thrilling win against Huddersfield Town with another three points here against Cardiff on Saturday (KO 12.30pm) get your tickets HERE